Many college students enthusiastically pursue their degrees in preparation for the workforce, but they aren’t rushing to go to work just yet.
College students have a wide range of experiences as they pursue their education and prepare to enter the workforce. While some choose to work while attending school, others prefer to focus on other commitments for the time being.
Mathematics education junior Mason Brook reflected on his decision not to work while pursuing his degree.
“My reason for not working is actually because I’m very bad at managing my time,” Brook said. “But also, it is, in a sense, a safety net, so I can actually get things done. I do have a lot of other side commitments I like to do that are with friends, and also RSOs as well.”
On top of class work, many students are also dedicating their time to student organizations, hobbies and making memories in college before they enter the workforce.
Brook also discussed how setting goals has helped him begin to balance college with other commitments.
“I’m not really a planner of minutia, but I do like to set goals, and actually taking time with those goals and going, ‘okay, how does what I’m doing right now actually help with that?’ And when I see that, it is actually very helpful and important,” Brook said.
Additionally, Brooks contemplated what it actually means to have balance, noting the importance of acknowledging where each decision will lead.
“I think to have balance in your life means that the things that you do actually make sense for what you want to do in life, but also that what you’re doing fits into your schedule,” Brook said.
Like Brook, many other students have opted to focus on their studies and experiences rather than jump into the workforce immediately.
Construction management sophomore Dylan Wildfong explained why he has chosen not to work while attending college.
“Mostly because of the different RSOs I’m a part of; I’m part of three different RSOs,” Wildfong said. “Plus with my program focusing mostly on academics and then extracurriculars is definitely something I’ve been focusing a lot of my mind on,” Wildfong said.
Additionally, Wildfong described his system for balancing his college work with other commitments, describing a four-quadrant method he uses to make decisions.
“A lot of it comes down to sacrifice, especially with being part of so many RSOs,” Wildfong said. “And I like to have a four-bracket system, as what is immediate and necessary, what is immediate but not necessary, what is necessary but not immediate and neither.”
By using this system, Wildfong is able to prioritize what needs to be done and achieve balance in his life.
Other students choose not to work because they don’t feel like their schedules are predictable enough.
Dental hygiene sophomore Brena Rondo chooses not to work for a more practical reason.
“I would like to work, but I go home so often, and then I also am full-time with classes, and then I also run a club softball,” Rondo said.
Having a full class load makes many students feel they don’t have time to commit to work, especially when combined with their extracurriculars.
Rondo also mentioned that students can keep their priorities straight and maintain a good balance despite busy schedules.
“I guess beginning of the week, trying to prioritize what’s important, getting that stuff done first, and then seeing if at the end of the week your not prioritized items can fit in your schedule,” Rondo said.
Choosing not to work allows many students to fully enjoy their college experience and focus on their education before entering the workforce, and helps them to maintain a healthy balance with their various commitments.