To work or not to work throughout college? That is the question!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I worked full time 40+hr warehouse job and still completed my Bachelor’s degree in 3 years, so I definitely think it’s worthwhile to work. When COVID happened my classes became online and asynchronous, meaning I logged on and completed modules on my own time during the week, so I believe my job helped provide structure to my day. I lived at home and had parents/scholarships for tuition so didn’t need the money but was able to graduate with nearly $100k saved. Many employers were also impressed with my work ethic when I was interviewing for jobs my senior year, so I think it helped me land my first postgrad job too. The only reason I can see not to work is if you have a time-consuming major with a lot of labs.

There is absolutely no way you worked 40 hours/week in a warehouse just for kicks.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My DS thinks going to college is like an investment. The longer he stays in college, he is only not making money but also losing money because he has to pay for tuition plus room/board. If he works in the summer, he is not getting paid top dollar like he would with a real Software Engineering job. With that in mind, he loaded up a lot of AP courses in HS and he also took summer classes so that he could finish his CS degree in three years. He accepted a job with General Dynamics for a salary of 125K. Not only does he save a year of tuition plus room/board but he is also making real good money in the process. It's a win-win scenario.

Let me guess, he is going to become one of those FIRE-obsessed people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My DS thinks going to college is like an investment. The longer he stays in college, he is only not making money but also losing money because he has to pay for tuition plus room/board. If he works in the summer, he is not getting paid top dollar like he would with a real Software Engineering job. With that in mind, he loaded up a lot of AP courses in HS and he also took summer classes so that he could finish his CS degree in three years. He accepted a job with General Dynamics for a salary of 125K. Not only does he save a year of tuition plus room/board but he is also making real good money in the process. It's a win-win scenario.

Let me guess, he is going to become one of those FIRE-obsessed people.

NP. I’d be thrilled if mine did!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here:

No, my kids don’t need my permission, but they could ask for my advice. Also this is a general discussion.

Most kids are NOT excelling at class work, paid work and volunteering at the same time. Have you ever participated in a real paper worthy research project? It takes a lot of time.

Not every child is "most kids." Ours is volunteering 10-12 hours per week, working about 10-15 hours per week, and is on their third straight year of making Deans-list (3.5 required, they have straight As).

this type of bragging is not appropriate past 8 months of age and only then if you’re a ftm.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Op here:

No, my kids don’t need my permission, but they could ask for my advice. Also this is a general discussion.

Most kids are NOT excelling at class work, paid work and volunteering at the same time. Have you ever participated in a real paper worthy research project? It takes a lot of time.

Not every child is "most kids." Ours is volunteering 10-12 hours per week, working about 10-15 hours per week, and is on their third straight year of making Deans-list (3.5 required, they have straight As).

this type of bragging is not appropriate past 8 months of age and only then if you’re a ftm.

You must be new here!

[Anonymous]

I've heard someone pooh-pooh the notion that a kid should attend a college where professors know their name and Residential Education staff cares if they are falling into depression. Yet their precious snowflake can't be expected to get a cushy on campus job while being a full time student.