College Job?

<p>Hi there! </p>

<p>I am a high school senior and a member William and Mary's incoming Class of 2016. As this school year wraps up, I just become more and more excited to attend this awesome college :)</p>

<p>This excitement is somewhat tempered by the obvious fact that college is expensive. I'm the oldest child of four, and I just feel bad putting the entirety of this financial burden on my parents. They're not complaining or anything, they're super excited for me. I just feel bad.</p>

<p>I was wondering, how manageable is it to swing a part-time job in college? I'm aware that William and Mary's academics are grueling and that extra-curriculars take up a considerable amount of time. I would never want to sacrifice my grades or happiness for a part-time job, because then, despite the cost offset, any payment towards college would be a complete waste. </p>

<p>But I'm still curious: Do people ever take shifts as waitresses or anything? I'm really thinking about waitressing here, as it seems the most flexible option. But if there are more convenient job options for students, please let me know!</p>

<p>So, is it not manageable at all? I'm guessing that it isn't, just considering the rigor of W&M's academics. I just figured I'd ask :)</p>

<p>Thank you!</p>

<p>There are plenty of students who work part-time jobs (we have several students who work in our office for example). Almost all departments on campus hire students. On-campus jobs are of course convenient and sympathetic to student schedules. They are limited to 20 hours per week but come with lots of benefits (getting to know other W&M students/faculty/staff, working around the student calendar, etc.). Other students work off-campus too. There are certainly options for those interested. And some of the jobs can be super interesting and engaging.</p>

<p>Hey, thanks so much for replying! An on-campus job sounds really awesome :)</p>

<p>Since it sounds like a job is an option for you and not a necessity, I would suggest you wait a bit to see just how you are doing in your classes before adding a job to your schedule. Yes, college is expensive, but in the long run, it can be even more costly if you do not do well in your classes due to a part-time job. My D waited until her sophomore year to have a job because she knew by then that she could handle it.</p>

<p>Lots of W&M students work on or around campus. In fact, two of my friends from my freshmen dorm worked at Swem, and now they work at Swem again! lol (after they got graduate degrees)</p>

<p>there are lots of restaurants around if you want to do that. There are also other places on campus (libraries, Sadler where the pool tables are, Daily Grind, etc) And there are all the places in Merchant Square and CW!</p>

<p>As a parent of a W&M student, I have visited the burg a few times and have been waited on by W&M students at several area restaurants, and I always pepper them with questions about work/student life too. (NOTE: OOS servers are typically way better than local servers at restaurants…service style & sense of urgency is so different in this region!). Our student has taken jobs throughout the years, both on campus and off campus, and has done reasonably well, although it is easy to get in over one’s head if you’re not inclined to back away from work at times. Take small on-campus jobs to start, or limit your hours to one or two shifts max. Being an RA (if you’re level headed) is a good value & provides good school/work balance…no real pay but reduces college cost significantly as compared to a part-time job. As another poster said, do not sacrifice good grades for menial work/$; know your limits. If you become ill while working and going to school it can be very physically & emotionally stressful.</p>