Pursuing your education while working full-time is a commendable decision that will help you in the long run. But we know that despite the many advantages of working while studying, there will be challenges that can hinder your progress or drive you to your boiling point.
This article will help you answer the burning question of whether you should commit to becoming a working student, or not, by enumerating the advantages and disadvantages of working while studying.
Are you ready to weigh out your options? Keep reading to find an answer to your dilemma.
Advantages of Working While Studying
While the balancing act of working and studying may seem daunting, it can be an excellent learning experience for those who try to manage the various responsibilities of life as they pursue a career.
We’ve enumerated some advantages you’ll gain as a working student.
Financial Security
One of the biggest factors that keep individuals from studying is the risk of losing their financial security. In fact, the country has one of the highest student dropout rates with most people citing financial difficulty as their main reason.
A benefit of working while studying is that you can still have financial security while working for your future. The presence of a stable income source can help you budget your money for your different responsibilities without accruing debt.
Application
The experience you gain in the workplace is invaluable and if you’re pursuing a master’s degree for working adults in the Philippines, your exposure to the industry can provide a realistic look at the concepts discussed in class.
Furthermore, you can apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to your workplace immediately. Put theory to practice and further your career.
Time Management
Between managing your work tasks and school schedule, you’ll gain the ability to perfect your time management skills.
Time management isn’t just about making time for all your commitments, it’s also about having a schedule and adhering to it. While this may prove to be difficult to follow with a hectic schedule, you can always reassess your plan to make it work for you.
Self-Management
The skill of self-management will push you to evaluate your list of priorities. You’ll need to categorize tasks according to their urgency and importance and then, use your time management skills to accomplish them on schedule.
Self-management is no easy skill to learn, it requires the discipline of sticking to your core values and the willpower to say “No.”
Mindset
Because of the conducive learning environment that you’ll have access to, you can ask questions freely and learn from your mistakes safely. The critical thinking skills you’ll acquire from school can easily be applied to your work. Break down professional problems differently by using your fresh perspective on them.
Self-Worth
Graduating with a degree is no small feat and it’s something you should be proud of. Earning your degree while working is a testament to your hard work and determination.
Network
Going back to school, whether on a bachelor’s degree for working students or graduate school, will give you an environment to network with your peers.
While the experience you gain as a working student is invaluable, knowing the right people can catapult your career to the right direction. Building connections with your classmates and keeping a good rapport with them can greatly help in your job-hunting phase.
Disadvantages of Working While Studying
While there are many benefits a working student can reap, there are also disadvantages that they experience. Knowing what you’re going to face before fully committing to it can save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
Below are some challenges of working while studying that you may encounter:
Time Constraints
A full-time job while you’re in school is no joke. Unlike full-time students who can give their full attention to their studies, you’ll have to split your attention between work and school. This means that you’re going to have to make some sacrifices in certain parts of your life to complete your studies on time.
While prioritizing your job and education may be frustrating at the present, your future self will thank you for your choices.
Stress
A common side-effect that working students experience is stress. Trying to balance your schoolwork with your profession will be difficult, especially if you haven’t been taking care of other aspects of your life.
Even with all the management skills you learn, the lack of self-care can lead to a build-up of stress. Burnout is a real threat to your well-being so make sure to set some time aside for yourself.
Taking the Leap
While the idea of going back to school is easy to think about, committing to doing so is a different story. Your education will take a considerable amount of effort and financial obligation. So, before you jump into becoming a working student, you should perform the following steps to get ready for the journey ahead.
Set Goals
Sit down and make a realistic plan for your path. You should find a program that interests you and see if it’s the direction you want your career to go.
Interviewing graduates or enrolled students can give you an idea if it’s the right course for you. Inquiring about the class schedule and school requirements will tell you if you can balance it with your workload. Getting insider tips about which classes to look out for will help you adjust your plan of study.
Once you have the information you need, you can create a mock timetable to see what your schedule will look like. Get a feel of the plan you’ve created and reflect on your feelings. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Is this the kind of stress you’re okay with having?
- Do the disadvantages of working while studying outweigh its benefits?
- Are you ready for the added responsibility?
If your answers are still leading you to go to school, then it’s time to proceed to the next step.
Update Your Employer
Keep your employer updated on your plans, so they can adjust your workload and hours to accommodate your new responsibility.
Giving your supervisor this information will assure them of your commitment to your job and your company.
Commit
Now that you’ve set a realistic goal for yourself and you’ve updated your employer, it’s time for you to act on your goals.
The decision to go back to school will require mental, emotional, physical, and financial preparation. It’s no small task to forge a better path for your future, but it will be worth it in the end.
Working While Studying with OEd
Now that you’ve set your mind to pursue further studies, it’s time to look for an institution that can help you reach your goals. Most schools have been requiring their students to attend face-to-face classes, which can be a challenge for working students.
Choosing an online education platform is one of the convenient ways you can learn while working. OEd provides you with high-quality education while giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace.
We’re here to help you reach your goals. Contact us today to get started on your furthering your future!