Being in college is hard enough, but for working students keeping a job and trying to get your homework done on time can be quite a hassle.
College is really expensive, whether you are attending a community college or a four-year university. According to Georgetown University’s Center of Education, over the past twenty-five years more than 70% of college students have worked while they were in school to pay off their expenses. Such expenses may be tuition, bills if they live independently, to provide for their children if they have any, and to pay off student loans.
Wright College student and Victoria’s Secret employee Yulissa Renteria says “Sometimes it’s hard because you have to go straight from class to work and then make time for assignments as well. Whenever I get paid it goes towards school rather than towards commodities that you want.”
According to Professor Laura Perna of the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education in an article from usnews.com; that working a high number of hours can make the process of getting a degree longer, and even decrease the chances of finishing one at all.
Wright College student and O’Hare Airport employee Cesar Perez says, “It’s really difficult. I work like 40 hours to 50 hours a week. Sometimes I don’t even do my homework because I come home at two in the morning. I sometimes ask myself ‘Why am I going to work and paying for school if I’m not doing the schoolwork?’ I can’t afford to go full time.”
It is a struggle to be a student and an employee, but getting that degree after all the money you worked for will be worth it.