i hope to work abit at our pool at university as a lifeguard to keep up my certifications, there are all kinds of jobs on campus i hear

It's a personal choice that depends on finances and personal priorities. I don't think any one person can say for certain whether people should or should not.

It's really hard to balance both I find. This competitive world is demanding for too much. Because in the end you are in school to find a proper career. For most part people are striving to get good grades for grad school or professional school but at the same time all these places are also asking for work/volunteer experience and so much more. How are you supposed to do everything with such little time???

you know, in my first and second year of university i didn't have a job because i wanted to "focus" on school and have a social life at the same time, and figured working would just interfere. its kinda funny because I'm pretty sure 80% of my time was spent socializing/watching t.v/procrastinating. I got a job in my third year and found that I had a lot more structure that way, and it forced me to organize and plan my time better. It actually really helped my grades. Having a job can actually IMPROVE your university life, and not to mention you'll have some extra cash in your pockets.

I think working while in is a good idea as long as one does not lose focus of their primary responsibilities. Your main task, I think, will always be to focus on your studies. Schools often help out students who need money and do well in their studies. However a lot can be said for real world experience. When your done University, employers will want to see some experience on your resume. I guess what I want to say is "Everything in moderation".

Use your program to your advantage and network. Talk to your course coordinator and other professors and see if they can hook you up with someone that can offer you a job (or even a volunteer position to start - hey it's experience) that is relevant to your course. Its great, it can even help with project. When all is said and done, you will be finished your 3 year program ahead of other with 3 years of on the job expirence. Bonus.

I'm in the same boat as you.. currently i have vball practice monday and wednesday nights, student council tuesdays, badminton practices tuesdays and thursdays, and thursday nights i work for the military. So maybe I dont have time for a job (other than the one night a week and one weekend a month with the military), but I feel that my amount of involvement is playing the same roll as a civilian job would. I'm still learning how to delegate my time, I'm just not making any profit from it.

It's not that I dont want to work; because I would love to have some extra cash.. and its certainly not that my parents are going to put me through university because they simply can't afford that at all. I guess i just look at it as this is in the only time that I/other teenagers don't "have" to work. I look at my teenage years as the time to have as much fun as possible, without having to devote time to a job. After high school is when all the bills start flying in, and sure.. having savings would be for the best lol... but I'd rather look back knowing that I was able to be involved with my school as much as possible. Debts can be paid off with time.. however.. you dont get a second run at high school life..
(Bang on to all the students who do have jobs while attending high school(Y) I think it's great that you're devoloping youselves for the futre and saving up money. I wish I could have your drive.. but I just can't pull myself away from the sports.. and I'll end up paying (literally) for it down the road)

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"It is wise to direct your angers toward problems; not people- your energies toward reasons; not excuses"

A lot schools offer their students jobs on campus, which is handy because they realize that your main priority is to do well in school.

Personally, I worked my butt off during the summers so that I could pay for tuition and rent. Then I just budgeted and made my money last for the year. By the time summer rolled around again, I was broke and the process would begin again. It worked though.

Some of my friends worked during university and many of their employers were not very sympathetic to their needs as students. My one friend routinely got stuck working really late shifts and then she'd have to go home, study and wake up early for class. I was sure she'd have a break down at some point, but she managed to pull through.

I guess the choice to work is personal and depends largely on you as person and what you can handle.

I love working at school.... gives you great references especially if youre a good employee... I live in residence so Im currently working as a front desk personnel. Plus, school pays more than companies outside campus...lol... starting rate is abt $11 and above.

I think I have a perfect job for a student who is doing well. I am involved in a program that my college has that provides student tutors to other students who are struggling. I tutor people in my best classes and it helps me learn the material better.