Working could be more necessary than ever for college students with rising gas and food prices, studies show, but balancing work with academics, extracurricular activities and a social life can get stressful.
In the 2007 National Survey of Student Engagement, 66 percent of college seniors were employed, up from 59 percent in 2006.
Employed students typically work at least 20 hours a week, according to a survey by the National Association of Student Personnel Administrators.
Flexible schedules are the key for working students, many of whom don’t have the option not to work.
“I have a car payment, insurance, and credit cards to pay for school,” said nursing freshman Ashley Cogan, who works at the front desk of the Sheraton Crescent Hotel in Phoenix. “I have never thought of quitting. I am just trying to work [fewer] hours.”
Cogan has worked at the hotel for a year and a half. Cogan goes to school five days a week but finds ways to fit working into her schedule.
“My classes are in the morning, so I am able to work at night,” Cogan said. “They have been very flexible with accepting my availability, and a lot of them are proud of me for what I am doing, so they understand.”
Criminal Justice freshman Morgan Lynch works at the Arizona Sports Complex as a manager and coach and has found ways to fit a job in to her schedule, too.
“I just knew I had to minimize my hours,” Lynch said. “Everyone is really flexible, so it worked out.”
According to collegeandfinance.com, finances are the No. 1 cause of stress for college students. Worrying about tuition, gas, and food are among the high list of things of what college students need to pay for.
“My biggest worry would be making sure I am able pay for school,” Cogan said. “I have a scholarship. I just need loans and I don’t want to put off paying for them. I think it is a lot of stress, working in a hotel because being at the front desk, people with issues come to you first, whether it’s your fault or not, they yell at you.”
Lynch, who has worked at the sports complex for a year and a half, worries most about gas and car insurance and the job has made her make some sacrifices.
“I wanted to do soccer in college, but I took a break for academic reasons and my job,” Lynch said. “I really didn’t want to quit my job.”
Although most students de-stress by sleeping or just relaxing on the couch, both Cogan and Lynch use activity as a way to lessen stress.
“I just put on my headphones and go for a walk around the block,” Cogan said. “It helps me think about things. If I sleep, I get lazy, so I try to do active stuff.”
Lynch also uses physical activity to relieve stress and actually is able to do so while working.
“Playing soccer and getting on the field is definitely a way I de-stress,” Lynch said.
Many students like the extra cash and benefits from working a job during the school year, but some just save the job for the summer and holiday seasons.
Public Relations junior Britnee Johnson works her job as an office assistant in Mesa during school breaks.
“I do wish I had the extra cash, but my parents help me out, so it's not that bad,” Johnson said. “I’ll probably work there during the winter break, just for some extra money.”
