Working while in Grad School

[paigeski]

So, I've started a part-time job, about 32 hours a week, and am taking a Summer Class, needless to say I'm extremely busy. If I'm extremely busy now, I'm wondering what it will be like when I actually start researching, etc..(I'm making up deficiencies right now, so I haven't started my thesis yet). I asked my boss to reduce my hours, but he says he really needs me right now because we are busy and I need to learn everything before the school year starts.

I was curious to hear other people's opinions on working while in graduate school. I am definitely going to ask for no more than 15 hours a week during the Fall and Spring semesters. Obviously not working is ideal, but I need a little extra cash. That, or I could take out extra loan money and not work, but who wants so much debt?

Thanks for your input!

[lyonessrampant]

I worked while I was doing my MA. I worked about 20 hours a week and it was a compressed MA into a year. I was almost always studying, working, or reading/writing. I needed the money, so I made it work. That said, my job was super flexible. I worked from home when it was best for my schedule. That made it a lot easier for me to work. You may find that an inflexible schedule just prevents you from working. If you're going on for a Ph.D., your MA grades and work matter a great deal; don't compromise that to make a few hundred bucks. My advice would be to try it for the first month or so of the semester. If it isn't working, quit your job and get more loan money. Perhaps you'll be able to make it work. I'm also planning on working about 10 hours a week during my Ph.D., but again, it is work from home and flexible (I coach a collegiate speech and debate team), so the nature of the work may make that more feasible for me than someone who has to be at a specific place for a specific time.

[ktel]

I never had a job (other than tutoring) during school, but I played varsity rugby, so I can relate to the time commitment.

In my undergrad I probably spend 15-20 hours a week on rugby-related activities, and obviously much more if we went away for a weekend to play. I will continue playing at the school where I'm doing my Master's degree, and because they practice less and have more home games, I'm looking at about 10 hours a week. I'm also planning on getting a TA position, about 3-5 hours a week. I am certain this will be manageable. I also know that I am much more efficient and organized when I am busier. If you work that way too, then a part-time job should be fine, but 32 hours a week would obviously be too much.