Pros and Cons of Working While in College

Going to college while working full-time (or even part-time) is a great option for adults who want to further their education and gain new employment opportunities. However, there are a number of pros and cons that come with doing so. Before you head back to school, you'll want to weigh your choices carefully to ensure that balancing work and school is the best option.

Pros of Working While in College

There are plenty of good things that come with working and going to college at the same time. Here are a few of the most important:

• You Learn How to Multi-task – While you might already know how to work on more than one thing at a time, nothing is as effective as having to learn to balance school, work, and family life at the same time. For example, you might find yourself keeping an eye on your children with a textbook in one hand. You'll really learn to focus on several things at once, which will prove beneficial in all aspects of your life.
• You'll Gain Good Organizational Skills – Employers like to hire people who have stellar organization skills. As you enhance yours (since being organized is the best way to get through school and work effectively), you'll have something new to put on your resume.
• Employers Like to See This Kind of Dedication – An employee who wants to continue learning and continually better themselves is something that most employers look for. Someone who can successfully complete school while working at the same time is very appealing to these employers, since the candidate will more than likely show that same dedication to their job.

Cons of Working While in College

Of course, balancing work and school doesn't come without its challenges. Thankfully, there are only a few, including:

• You Won't Have an Abundance of Free Time to Spend with Your Classmates – Many people go to college expecting the traditional college experience. They look forward to group study sessions, eating meals together and hanging out in between classes. As an adult student who is also working, you may not get the chance to do many of these things often. However, you will have the chance to make plenty of new friends and attend some of those study sessions when necessary.
• You'll Spend a Lot of Time Either Working or Studying – Choosing to go to school while working at the same time might mean temporarily giving up on some of your hobbies and other things that you do in your free time. After all, you won't really have much free time due to all of your obligations. Thankfully, once you finish school, your social calendar will open up again, and you’ll be able to enjoy all of those hobbies. Just remember - it's only temporary!

If you want to head back to school and balance your course load with your family, job, and other obligations, your best bet is to find a program designed for people just like you. And we can help! The degree and certificate programs offered by our School of Continuing Studies might just be the solution that you're looking for!