totally ridiculous to think I can work?

[beegee529]

I know a lot of people have been posting "can I work while in school" questions but I'm curious about my particular situation. Since graduating in '07 I've been doing research during the day and paying the bills by working as a bartender. I never planned to work while in school because a part-time job on top of graduate school seems like a ridiculous amount of work. But the thing about the bartending industry is that it's very doable to get a job where you only work one shift a week (say every Saturday night) and I've heard that bartenders at clubs in LA (where I'll be going to grad school) can make $1000 on a weekend night. I wouldn't take a job if I were only going to make a few bucks an hour, but it seems worth it to more than double my stipend for one night of work a week. Do you think I would totally burn myself out? And would most programs even allow this?

[LaraAnn85]

I would start school and see how it goes if you feel like you have the extra time, then go for the job. I wouldn't count on it though. One night a week isn't that bad, I mean I wouldn't do it but if you're used to it and can get your work done and aren't too tired then power to ya.

[Leavinmyheartinsf]

I am wondering the same thing about looking for a fill in radio DJ job. I really want to do it because I love it, not for the money, but I think it's the same situation, plus, being a fill-in has a way of becoming much much more. Hmmm

[luvalicious]

You should find out what your program says, because in the three programs I applied and was accepted to, it explicitly said that either outside employment was prohibited or that the amount of compensation funded students could receive was regulated and required permission. I do know that at one of my choices - different field, though - a student was kicked out because he was working (as a waiter). I don't know all the details, but I'd think you'd consider whether you've limitations. If not, consider how much of a time commitment it might be. Try it out, and then maybe you'll find you don't have time for both. I don't know any full-timers who work, though.

(I have a freelance job, in my field, btw. I've every intention of keeping it. In my campus visits, a few professors mentioned it, as it probably made my c.v. sparkle a bit. At any rate, it didn't seem to be an issue in my "compensation limited" program so, who knows?)

[StudyMom]

One night a week shouldn't be a problem, unless the school forbids it. Some of us are parents with children (I have three!) and we will manage the study and family commitments. I should think you can handle the one night a week, plus it sounds fun and you'll make money! I would definitely make sure it is okay with the school though...

Best of luck.

[Chchadder]

At the visitation day for the school I am planning on attending, we got to sit down privately with the current cohorts of grad students in the program for some real questions about life in the program. Basically, it comes down to a "don't ask, don't tell" sort of mentality at least where I am at. Everyone knows that NYC is friggin expensive, and that the funding levels, while at the top end of the spectrum nationally, are still really not that feasible to live on. As long as your academic work and requirements for your fellowship/stipend are not suffering because of one or two quiet shifts of work, there is generally no problem. But if one has to give...work has to go.

[lotf629]

I was about to use the phrase "don't ask, don't tell" myself.

I'm kind of in your position. I'm an SAT tutor and college counselor rather than a bartender, but the tradeoff is similar: high hourly rate means about $750 for one day of work. I did this all through my MA. Plus, I have family obligations that most people don't (my parents are completely broke, and I often have to kick back money to them instead of the other way around). So I've spent some time looking into this one. I think that if you were responsible about your research and kept your job to yourself, at most departments, nobody would care.

On the other hand, somebody pointed out to me that being broke is not that bad if it means you can focus totally on your research. At this point, I'm seriously considering *not* working even though I fully expect I could, just because I'm not sure that even really good money would be worth it to me any more. Maybe, maybe not. I'm really looking forward to just being a student, however: being responsible for nothing but my scholarship.

[Chchadder]

Wow, talk about reviving a dead thread... Just completing my first year of grad school, and I can say without equivocation that working in the first year of my program would have been akin to suicide. Now next year I only have three classes, and one of those in the first semester is a thesis class. May be feasible then due to the reduced workload, but I am supposed to be taking that extra time to work on my thesis project. I have begun tutoring a bit on the side which is providing a bit of income, but even at $30-40hr 4-6 hrs per week that doesn't really make much of a dent in NYC's cost of living.

[flit]

I worked this year, during my MA, while taking a full load.... also taught 3 sections at another school ... but next year in a different PhD program (but same uni) it is not looking good...even though I am only expected to take 1 course, plus the core, which is one day a MONTH, and TA 10 hours/week max ...they frown on such things

might still see if I can pull it off without them knowing, but am doubtful...which bites, as I really like what I do, and I DO want to keep my foot in that particular door. Honestly, I think it is unreasonable