By Abby Bellaus
Roughly 40% of full-time undergraduate students in the United States were employed in 2020, according to the Federal National Center for Education Statistics. Balancing employment and education is beneficial for students to learn important skills like time management.
The National Student Financial Wellness Study conducted by Ohio State shows that 70% of students are stressed about finances throughout their education. 32% of those college students reported neglecting their studies to focus their attention on paying monthly expenses or loans.
Being employed allows students to stay afloat amidst tuition and necessary spending. It may be imperative for students to accumulate work hours to pay for their college or monthly expenses.
“In total my books were $1,000 and my other nursing supplies were about another $500,” said Madison Walczak, a sophomore nursing student.
She also stated that she has become more financially stressed after reducing her work hours to prioritize her education.
Accumulating hours allows a sense of financial stability. However, excessive hours may cause time management difficulties for other educational or social activities. Walczak stated that the demand required from her major tends to take time from extracurricular activities.
Walczak said that she maintains her grades while working part-time because she plans out her week and has certain days specified for work and studying. She also uses her time effectively on the days meant for studying by studying in the library and practicing in the skills lab with classmates.
College students need a support system that helps them learn how to productively balance their time. Daemen University’s website highlights the availability of resources and support, including advisement support, academic support, academic planning, and counseling services through student services.
Walczak said that certain professors were flexible and understanding if she had other demands. She stated that if you communicate with your professors, they may let you attend other class sections if you can’t make it to your designated class time.
College students tend to prioritize one over the other; however learning how to effectively manage your time is imperative to avoid burnout, stress, and other mental health issues.