College- To Work or Not to Work?

The question of whether to work during college is significant and requires careful consideration by each family, tailored to their unique circumstances.

It's all about sitting down and getting real with each other about the money situation before college even starts. Discussing the nitty-gritty of finances, and understanding what the expectations are from both the caregivers and the students, can make a world of difference. This kind of upfront conversation helps everyone get on the same page and makes the student feel more prepared and confident in their decisions about work and study.

For students pursuing careers in the arts, the commitment extends far beyond the classroom schedule. Practicing an instrument or honing a craft, demands considerable time, mirroring the workload of a full-time job. This dedication is crucial for achieving their artistic goals.

However, the necessity of working through college varies.

With soaring college expenses, some students must contribute to their tuition or living costs. If working is essential, I recommend seeking employment that aligns with your major, such as a position in the school's concert hall, or exploring work-study opportunities included in financial aid packages. These jobs may offer lower pay but allow for crucial practice and study time.

For those who don't need to work for essentials but desire extra spending money, the conversation about work is an opportunity to learn budgeting rather than overcommitting to work. Assess your spending habits critically—do you need to visit a coffee shop daily, or could you allocate that time and money towards more enriching experiences related to your studies?

For students who've got everything covered by their families, try to remember not everyone’s riding the same financial wave. It's pretty common for classmates hustling with jobs to feel a bit of envy. On the flip, if you’re the one clocking in after class or stretching every dollar, try not to sweat the flashy stuff too much. Everyone’s dealing with their own stuff, after all. Let’s all try to walk in each other's shoes a bit.

Getting creative with saving money can almost feel like making money without having to work for it.

I could write forever about the various ways I saved money in college and the ways I save money in my life now, for example I love the smart use of the Target app to save 5% and digitally track your receipts. There are plenty of other hacks out there. Consider using browser extensions like Honey or Rakuten, which automatically apply coupon codes or give you cash back on online purchases. Also, don’t overlook student discounts—many places offer deals just for showing your college ID. From tech and software to clothes and food, these discounts can add up. Plus, sharing subscriptions or memberships with friends, like streaming services or gym passes, can halve your costs.

It’s all about stretching your dollar further, so you can focus more on your studies and less on your wallet.

This is life skill material!

Remember, your primary role in college is as a student. External jobs should not hinder your academic progress or the unique opportunities college provides.

Particularly for performance degree students in music, balancing classes, lessons, ensemble participation, and individual practice is vital. Excessive work hours or exhaustion from work can severely impact the quality of your education and performance capabilities.

It's also important to discuss with family the holistic value of your education, including the time required outside of class for practice and personal growth. College offers a distinct educational experience that shouldn't be overshadowed by the pressure to work.

Keep an eye on your future goals.

Finally, this process isn't just about sorting out the finances; it's a crucial part of learning to be an adult.

By the time college wraps up, these conversations and decisions lay the foundation for independence and responsibility. It's about building the skills to navigate life's challenges and make informed choices, setting the stage for a successful transition into the world beyond college.

Wishing you all financial stability and freedom,

Juli @ JNConsulting