One of the most common questions parents ask once their student heads to campus is, “Should they get a part-time job?”
At first glance, the answer seems obvious. A paycheck builds independence, teaches responsibility, and helps cover everyday costs. But like most things in college, it’s not that simple.
For example, a job that looks helpful in the short run can actually become costly if it pulls your student away from higher-value opportunities like keeping grades up, landing internships, or joining leadership programs.
The key is to think carefully about the kind of job your student takes, not just whether they work. Remember that choosing college right now versus entering full-time into the workforce is a calculated risk that defers a present paycheck for a long-term greater payoff.
The hidden cost of “just a few hours”
A student who works 15 hours a week at $12 an hour makes about $180 before taxes. That’s not insignificant, but here’s the catch: those hours aren’t free. If they’re working evenings at a café or commuting off-campus, that time is pulled from studying, networking, or sleep. The cost isn’t only the paycheck (or lack of), it’s the opportunity cost. At some point, if students are working multiple part-time jobs that begin to look full-time in the aggregate, they might be trying to have their cake and eat it at the same time.
When jobs make sense
That said, not all jobs are created equal. Certain roles come bundled with benefits that go far beyond the paycheck. On-campus jobs and student leadership roles are some of the best examples:
- Resident Assistants (RAs): These positions usually come with significant perks such as reduced housing costs, leadership training, and real conflict-resolution experience. Being an RA isn’t just a job; it’s a professional role that employers take seriously on a resume.
- Campus offices or libraries: Working in student services, the career center, or the library can mean flexible hours and supervisors who understand academic demands. These jobs are conveniently located and build soft skills like communication and time management.
- Tutoring or teaching assistant roles: If your student is strong in a particular subject, tutoring peers reinforces their own mastery while developing teaching and leadership skills.
Examples like the jobs above are “double plays” because they provide income now and stack experiences that matter later.
Finding the right balance
So, how should parents guide their students through the decision? Start with a few questions:
- How much time can they realistically spare? A student adjusting to freshman year may not have the margin to add a job yet. Sophomore or junior year, once they’ve found their rhythm, could be a better time.
- Does this job fit with their long-term goals? A business major working in the campus admissions office is building transferable communication skills. A future engineer tutoring math is sharpening both technical and people skills. Ideally, a job aligns with a student’s general field of study.
- Is the job flexible enough to put academics first? A role that allows for schedule adjustments during midterms and finals is far safer than one with rigid shifts.
The “resume value” test
One way to clarify decision-making is to filter opportunities through the “resume value” test. Ask: Can your student point to this job on a future resume or in an interview and say, “Here’s what I learned and how it prepared me for the next step”? If the answer is yes, it’s probably worth considering. If not, it may be better to redirect their time toward internships, networking, or simply focusing on academics.
Parents as coaches
Remember, your role as a parent isn’t to make the decision for them, but to help them weigh the trade-offs. Remind them that money is important, but so is focus. A little extra cash now might not outweigh the opportunities that come from a strong GPA, a well-placed internship, or meaningful leadership experience.
The bottom line
Part-time jobs can be a valuable piece of the college experience if chosen wisely. On-campus roles and leadership positions often deliver the best return: income plus skills, networks, and experiences that signal maturity to future employers. However, be cautious of the temptation to trade precious time for short-term pay at the expense of long-term growth.
Encourage your student to think of work in college as more than just a paycheck. It’s practice in balancing priorities, testing commitments, and, ideally, stacking experiences that will keep paying dividends long after graduation. You’ve got this, coach.
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