For many college students, having to hold down a part-time or even full-time job is one that is a harsh reality. Not all of us have parents with an endless supply of cash and some of us just choose to earn our own money instead of depending on others. So how do you balance your job with everything else?

Of course, above everything else is scheduling. Be sure your boss knows your class schedule and have a heart-to-heart with him or her about your time needs. Many workplaces are sympathetic to the plight of the working college student. Communication is essential to having a peaceful co-existence with your job and your schooling.

Family-owned businesses tend to be much more understanding of the college student. They have shown to be more willing to work with employees who are full-time students.

Consider finding work on campus. Check the bulletin boards for jobs that will fit into your schedule or find the human resources department and inquire about available positions. To gain employment, make sure you have a resume written by someone who is experienced in writing a student resume. Many colleges offer work in your field of study, which could prove to be invaluable. Working on campus eliminates travel time to an outside job and minimizes the stress of trying to coordinate classes with your job.

Don’t try to take on too many hours. Studies show that students who work more than 15 hours at a part-time job while carrying a full load of classes experience more stress and have a larger chance of dropping out of school due to that stress. While it’s important to have income to offset expenses, it’s also important to concentrate on your studies.

Take advantage of downtime. When you have a break, review your flashcards. On your lunch or dinner break, read a chapter while eating a sandwich. Talk to your employer about studying during lulls while on the clock. If you work at, say, a convenience store, see if your boss would be willing to allow you study time in between customers. When you take advantage of the time you’re given your success at balancing work and studies will increase greatly.

Working while in college offers the student more than just the chance to make money. College jobs allow students to work with faculty and administrators who can often serve as mentors. And students can often find jobs that relate to their academic work (lab work, research, etc.). Just as importantly, campus jobs often provide students with the opportunity to examine various career options. At the very least, potential employers appreciate the fact that students worked while they were in college.

Don't be afraid to let your professors know that you have a job. Most teachers have learned to turn a deaf ear to students with poor excuses for not doing their assignments on time, but that doesn't mean they aren't willing to make exceptions when they know the need is there. On the other hand, don't allow your friends to think you're never available because of your job. Make a point of putting aside time so that you can take part in at least some of their activities.

Although working while in college is important, it's not for everyone. Working, like the rest of one's college experiences, must be kept in perspective. Working should be a complement rather than a hindrance to the student's academic activities. Try it -- if it doesn't work or if academic problems occur, talk with your academic dean. Immediately!

If working gets to be too much, consider other routes for earning cash, or modify your budget. You should NEVER let work hold you back from achieving your dream of a college education. There are many resources available. Take advantage of them. Use them. Go to the financial aid office and discuss your situation with a counselor there. You might be surprised at the options you will have available.

Consider some of these other tips:

• Get a work-study job if eligible. The Federal Work-Study Program offers jobs to eligible Federal financial aid recipients. If you apply for and are awarded with Federal financial aid, your award letters will identify whether or not you are eligible for work-study and the number of hours you will be allowed to work.

If you are eligible, you can then go to your financial aid office and apply for available work-study jobs. These jobs can either be on campus or off campus and are usually at a non-profit organization or public agency. These organizations generally let students work very flexible hours.

• Get a job that includes tips. Jobs with wages plus tips pay the best. So, if you are looking to earn a lot of money while in college, consider being a waiter or waitress at a local restaurant. Just keep in mind that these job hours may not be as flexible as a job on campus or a work-study job.
  
  
• Advertise your services. If you like to type or edit papers or tutor other students, why not get paid for it? Put up posters around campus that show students what you are offering and how much you charge.

No matter what route you take to make more money, try to find one that doesn’t interfere too much with your schoolwork. If you are having trouble finding the time to go to class or do your homework, try cutting back on your hours at work. Just keep in mind that eating cans of tuna and Ramen noodles is much better than failing a class.

Another component to reducing stress and maximizing your time is effectively managing your money. Whether it comes from mom and dad or your own hard-earned paycheck, money management for college students is essential to learn.

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