As we have learned from our HWS study participants, the challenges working students face are not talked about enough within the university community. While the challenges and rewards of working differ for different groups, juggling academic duties and other commitments is a common theme for most working students.
Students at Canadian post-secondary institutions must frequently grapple with whether to work and study simultaneously. On one hand, working during your degree could reduce the amount of debt you owe once you graduate. On the other hand, working part-time while studying could lengthen your degree or reduce your GPA.
That’s why our two UBC Research Assistants, Kalli McIver and Jacob Sablan, have curated a Reflection Guide titled, “The Stamina of Working Students: A Guide to Human Flourishing.” This is a guide for undergraduate students to reflect on issues that arise from working while studying.
It provides a summary of questions and insights from the HWS project, a set of meaningful reflection questions for students, and a collection of resources to help students respond to common challenges. That being said, there is no ‘one-size-fits-all’ when it comes to being a student – motivations will look different for everyone. It is because of this diversity that we do not propose a ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ way to be a working student.
As a student, are you wondering…
Should I work on- or off-campus? or
How do other working students manage the workload of courses, volunteer and/or paid work?
As a faculty or staff member, are you wondering…
What do we know about the issues faced by different groups of working students? and
How can I better support working students?
These are some of the questions we address. Download our guide to find out more or browse below.
See the U of T guide here.
