Working while studying.. a calling to the family.
Aug 22nd, 2007 by Miranda
When I was in high school, there was this trend that said that you had to have a job on the side, or at at least that’s what most parents thought. Building a work ethic, earning your own keep; I guess that is what it was all about. I am feeling really good about not HAVING to rely upon money from a job in order to live while i’m studying now but I really sympathize with those who do.
(NOTE: There are a lot of jobs on the market though! Seriously, I hope your looking now cause jobs are there for the picking).
I was reading the other day and I found a comment on how psychologists are seeing a trend moving away from that “Must work while studying” mindframe, where parents are actually focusing on their children getting time to study, a well-rounded social life and rest because of the benefits on their educational experience. And i’m thinking “Holy cow…. this is huge!” Part of me is thinking, Damn (is that still considered a swear?)! Does that mean i’m going to have to pay for all MY kids’ extra-curriculars because the trend might be all the way over on the side of the spectrum by then? (For those that don’t know my humor, which is everyone so far, I am very sarcastic… This is one of those moments.) But the other part of me is just so damned jealous of the kids growing up now. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed the friendships that I made while having a job on the side, and of course the money but it was hard work! My marks definitely suffered (without a doubt) because of my focus shift on doing a good job rather then getting good grades. Not to mention fitting it all in. I have recently applied for a job here in Vancouver (more because i am soo restless having very few friends in the area; 2… thats right, I have 2 friends.. and one of them is in Victoria!) and I ended up with 2! I have no idea how i am going to balance that, but I am just soo glad that it’s not a “Must”.
When you are in school, studying should be your priority. Thats my opinion, anyways. I know we have all seen the type of student that takes advantage of the situation if their parents offer it to them, but don’t give up parents! There are still a lot of students out there that would really show you what their made of if only they had the time. Yes, Life is about Balance, but There are only 24 hours in a day. And part of the equation has got to include destressing time… and if your lucky.. family time!
You’ve got a friend in me, Miranda. 😀
And yes, I am going to be looking for a job the minute I step foot on campus (seeing as I am an International Student so you have to hunt for them a little more) Not just for the money but, like you!, the friends!
In Asian societies – at least, certainly in Chinese society – education is a huge thing. It’s seen as the best thing you can ever give your kids so lots of parents work endlessly to ensure they can get the best education for their kids possible. This also means that lots of them spend tons of money on extra-curriculars and that many young kids are doing several activities every week. There isn’t the culture of young people going out and getting part-time jobs. Money’s not an incentive or reward; what’s expected is good, good grades.
It’s a mixed blessing, I think. On the one hand, people educate themselves for the sake of learning. On the other hand, a lot of children end up being not very independent. (Moi, for example.)
I’m generalising about the middle- and upper-classes here (although it’s been echoed a lot by others as well). Working-class families still work their butts off for their kids; there just might not be so many extra activities. Sometimes some people do go and get jobs as well. But certainly poorer families also have an emphasis on education. I think the attitude is a bit like “our job is to find the money, your job is to study”.
Once I read something about schools in Japan actually forbidding their students from getting part-time jobs unless they went to the principal and demonstrated actual financial need, and if they got caught working part-time, they could risk expulsion.
I wouldn’t consider the source I got that from exactly credible, but if that’s true, it’s certainly an interesting approach to improving the school grades.