<p>I'm in college right now and I find that my work interferes with my activities and my homework. I do like the extra cash... but I wonder if I'm losing some of the college experience by working. The majority of my friends don't work but I wonder if it's just who I'm around. Nobody really judges either, but I would feel kind of lazy without working. But then again, I would probably enjoy college so much more...</p>
<p>First of all, you shouldn’t care what anybody else thinks about you. Second of all, can you get by without working? Do you parents pay for food, inciedentals, etc? How are you going to pay for going to the movies, concert, etc?</p>
<p>The average age for an undergraduate at my school is 23. It seems like most people work.</p>
<p>I work an average of 11 hours per week. I could work far more, but schoolwork naturally comes first.</p>
<p>Trust me, having no spending money damages your “college experience” more than working does.</p>
<p>How many hours do you work? There’s actually a middle ground between “working 12 hour shifts Monday through Saturday” and “unemployment”.</p>
<p>To answer the question…I would estimate somewhere between 25% and 50%…at any given time. (A higher percentage will work at some time during their years in college, but not consistently.) That’s an estimate for nationwide, public and private, full-time students, not counting non-traditional students.</p>
<p>The reason so low is that many students focus on their academics and on extracurriculars. The reason so high is that many students are expected to work as part of their family contribution when receiving financial aid.</p>
<p>Working a part-time job in college is actually a great way to meet people, a great way to develop life skills, and manage your time. I would just keep the hours low. For example, you don’t have to work more than 10 hours a week.</p>
<p>As for your friends who mostly don’t work, that’s their loss. You should be proud of yourself.</p>
<p>Totally depends on the college you’re attending. I know a friend of mine that attended a private (ritzy) university and “work” was like a four-letter-word over there. I go to a mediocre state university and “work” is still a four-letter-word but most of the students still do it, haha.</p>
<p>I’ve been working constantly throughout my college experience. It makes studying and staying on track a little tougher, but I actually think it enhances the college experience. I truly believe that those that have worked throughout college have not only a stronger work ethic, but a greater understanding of how the world works… because sticking your face in books for 4 years does very, very little for your self-development in the real world.
Personally, I wouldn’t have it any other way… I’m proud of myself for affording the roof over my head, the food in my fridge, my tuition, books and transportation all while pulling my 22-year-old butt through college. I think I’m more proud of that than my actual degree. hah</p>