Can university students effectively manage a balance between their academic studies and employment responsibilities?
Most students nowadays find difficulties to afford for their studies. This leads some students to look for opportunities to finance themselves. The issue of whether university students should have a part-time job or not is a controversial debate which leads to a lot of concerns. While some people think that students should not have a part-time job besides their studies, others think the opposite. However, university students should have a part-time job in order not only to gain valuable experience and personal development but also to meet their financial needs.
The first reason why university students should have part-time jobs is the opportunities these jobs provide to gain practical experience and personal growth. When students work part-time jobs, they are exposed to real-life situations where they encounter various challenges. Over time, they develop problem-solving skills and the ability to handle difficulties. Moreover, they enhance their resume and increase their competitiveness in the job market upon graduation. Furthermore, having part-time along with studies helps students develop essential life skills, including time management, self-discipline, and a strong work ethic. Ultimately, part-time jobs contribute to personal growth and pave the way for success in their future endeavors.
Another compelling argument in favor of university students having part-time jobs is the fact that these jobs lead to financial stability. University has become undertakings, with tuition, books, and daily living expenses. The majority of students face difficulties to afford for these needs which affects their mental health, leading them to stress and anxiety. By having a part-time job, students secure their financial stability which allows them to focus more on their studies rather than being concerned about financial burdens. Therefore, being financially stable is crucial for students to have better circumstances to be more focused and give their best in their studies.
Opponents argue that university students should avoid part-time jobs. They think that having such jobs distracts them from their studies and potentially leads them to poor academic achievements. They also believe that students might find it difficult to balance between work and attendance, leading them to lower performances. However, this claim does not have profound evidence. In fact, with effective time management and self-discipline, students can easily balance between studies and employment. With proper planning, students succeed in both their jobs and their educational careers. Moreover, recent studies have shown that most students with part-time jobs tend to outperform other unemployed students. Furthermore, a large number of students who get poor grades or even drop out of university are students who struggle with financial problems. Consequently, having a part-time job doesn’t only provide students with better circumstances and grades but also decreases the number of students who leave university because of financial issues.
To conclude, the argument whether university students should have part-time jobs has raised a crucial debate. With the right balance and time management, students can thrive in both jobs and studies. Ultimately, part-time employment is a valuable part of a university student’s journey, offering them not only financial stability but also the practical skills and life experiences that will prepare them for future success missions.
Mahfoud LAKOUIS
S3 Department of English Studies
Chouaib Doukkali University of El Jadida
