The Advantages and Disadvantages of Students Working Part-time

  Higher education is associated with various costs, which are rising gradually due to the
progression in our country’s economic landscape. Working part-time while studying become
a necessity for numerous students, particularly those who are pursuing tertiary education in a
foreign land. Students take-up part-time jobs because they assume it is advantageous, yet,
there is some disagreement regarding this subject. It’s a double-edged sword as it gives rise
to both favourable and unfavourable consequences.
        
First and foremost, part-time jobs provide a steady income for students. Majority of
students is strapped of cash, as necessities such as bills, groceries, and transports are a big-
budget. The increased cash flow enables them to lighten their financial aids and debts, hence
abating the encumbrances of their parents. In addition, while earning extra allowances, they
can afford little luxuries like treating themselves with something they crave. By gaining a
measure of financial independence, they can acquire a sense of maturity.
        
Moreover, students will obtain valuable work experiences from a part-time job. It
is constructive for students to confirm their career aspirations, since it delivers opportunities
for them to gain an insight into a career and acquire knowledge beyond their grasps. Work
experiences also add credibility to their resume. Employers generally incline towards
applicants with work experiences, as they already understand workplace ethics and company
culture. Furthermore, it helps them to stand out as a viable candidate when they apply for a
graduate job. 
        
Apart from that, part-time jobs instil superior attitudes and develop transferable
skills. Students will encounter formidable hurdles when they work, and they need to seek for
a gratifying resolution. They will be trained through the problem-solving process and
ingrained independence as they learn to fend for themselves. It also boosts their confidence
when they expertise new strengths. Besides, as they strike more conversations with random
people who own different characteristics, they enhance their interpersonal skills.
Consequently, they can deliver a message clearly and decrease the potential for conflict.
          
        Besides, part-time jobs are a method to create an influential network. When
students network with industry professionals, they can get access with a fruitful source of
information. It keeps them up-to-date and ahead of their peers. They can also gain a fresh
perspective through exchanging information with their colleagues. It builds their reputation as
an innovative thinker within the industry. Professional networks could even blossom into a
personal friendship, as students meet people who share similar goals or interest. Friends can
be their emotional support and lend them a hand when they face adversities.
        

Nonetheless, part-time jobs could be a stumbling block for students. It may cause
higher rates of absenteeism. Lassitude or lack of preparation for the day’s academic activities
will discourage students from going to school. A job will also disturb their routine, for
instance, when it overlaps with extracurricular activities. Their studies will be affected due to
insufficient time to accomplish their assignments. The sense of enervation after harsh works
will make them unable to be attentive in classes. Consequently, their grades would turn out to
be abysmal. 
   
 Furthermore, students may encounter time deficiency when they have a part-time
job. Studying and working occupied most of their lives, and it’s tough to cope with them
simultaneously. Sometimes, students will stay up late to bring off their academic works.
Inevitably, their brutally rigorous schedule drained their energy to invest in other interests.
They neglected their hobbies, which promote mindfulness, due to tedious and lengthy work
hours. When students run into a hindrance to manage multiple commitments, it may also lead
to family issues as they can’t keep them company. Besides, they may even attribute their
negative feelings to their family members, which causes arguments.         
    
Apart from that, health problems are one of the difficulties that arise. Students
should bloom in their ages, but lack of time results in a detrimental lifestyle. They scarcely
carry out physical activities, and fast and convenient foods are preferred to adapt to the hustle
and bustle of urban life. In addition, stressful life situations may trigger excessive anxiety or
depression. It compromises a student’s performance. It could also tempt them to engage in
deleterious behaviours like cigarette smoking or alcohol. Their physical and mental health is
developing into an ailing and lamentable status.
    
        Work while studying could promote materialism and unrealistic lifestyle. Students
who can’t deal with their desires will be obsessively focused on money, or cares deeply about
owning luxury goods. Once they get paid, they would be exhilarated as they are “financially
independent” and splurge. They prioritize their physical comfort without considering their
salaries. Their ardour for luxuries would even escalate the burden on their parent's shoulders
when they request extra pocket money to fulfil their wishes. When they are accustomed to
this lifestyle, their extravagant expenses could lead to an economic crisis. 
        
In short, students should consider cautiously the pros and cons of part-time jobs
before making up their mind. Taking-up part-time jobs are a process of self-development,
and a route to experience social life, which will contribute to their job-searching in the future.
It is also a gateway to advanced opportunities. Thus, students can’t act lackadaisical to it. Be
certain that you are self-assured of your time management and organizational skills to
confirm you can fulfil your academic potential. 

(875 words)