<p>Our college student is going to be a senior (and probably a 5th year the next year) and somehow was awarded work study for the first time, for the upcoming year. (Sure would have helped in the last few years, but oh well...)</p>
<p>Anyway, he has a job off-campus already which he began almost a year ago. He likes it okay, and it's been very flexible for him overall. Since we are new to the whole work study thing, he is trying to decide what to do. Isn't sure whether he should try to find a WS job and quit the one he has, or try to do both, or just let the work study go.</p>
<p>Has anyone worked both or had a kid who worked both a WS job and a "regular" job"? Does this affect WS amounts in any way, etc.? We're not really sure how to guide him. I think he probably should just forego the WS and keep the job he has, although it's completely unrelated to anything he's doing in school, but has been flexible for him. He doesn't make enough to affect EFC so that's not a consideration.</p>
<p>Just some experiences from others might be helpful. Thanks!</p>
<p>I worked both. It does not affect WS amounts in any way. </p>
<p>If he likes the job he has, then it is probably will be good to forego WS. However, sometimes WS pay more than regular jobs for the same type of work (mine did) and they are on campus, so he might find something that will work better with his schedule and maybe related to his major. </p>
<p>However, if the job he has now can grow into full time position that is related to his major, then it is probably best to stay put.</p>
<p>Work study income is considered financial aid, and will not count towards EFC.
Regular job will count towards EFC, although for a senior it is probably a wash.</p>
<p>My D1 (also a senior this year) has worked WS jobs each year. Last year, she added a non-WS job when an on-campus tutoring position (in the athletic dept) came to her. </p>
<p>The only issue for her is time management. She is a double major, with typically heavy class-loads. She regularly gets 18-22 hours of work per week between both jobs. Once the semester settles down, she sticks to a routine, and it all works out.</p>
<p>If he can handle the extra demand on his time, I’d say go for it. You might need the money for the 5th year. ;)</p>
<p>FWIW, since WS is a form of FA, if your son decides not to pursue the WS job, he may need to “decline” it in the FA dept.</p>
<p>I have both a ws and non ws job. Have every year of college. Non ws jobs don’t affect ws amounts. If you need the extra money, tell him to look for a ws job. They’re usually very flexible. If not, sticking to one is fine, and I’d stick to the one he already has.</p>
<p>Thanks, lerkin, for the info. We’ve never declined WS, but have been instructed to decline loan awards if we do not want them. I didn’t know if WS was tracked this way or not. Good to know.</p>
<p>Take the WS job too. Often you can arrange to work as few as 6hs/week. As a senior you may be able to get a cool job in your major field, helping a prof w/research, setting up database etc. This will be fantastic experience when you go looking for a job after graduation.</p>