Is A Part-Time Job Compatible With Full-Time Study?

Recently, there has arisen a heated debate over whether it is wise to take part-time employment around our studies. Some proponents strongly believe that by taking part-time jobs they can not only earn money, but also gain the skills and experience valued by future employers. Counteracting this argument is the view that insists the priority for a student should be to devote his or her time to academic study. What is more, the disadvantages of a part-time job generally outweigh the advantages. From my perspective, I favour the opposition view. Firstly, there is no doubt it is difficult to give your full attention to two tasks at the same time. A prime example would be how easy it is to become distracted by loud music whilst trying to study. The same could be said for the relationship between study and work. Secondly, it is not worth gambling with our academic careers. Findings go to prove that taking on part-time jobs can lead to disruptive influences such absences from lessons, losing interest in your studies and, worse still, failing to achieve the degree diploma standard. Most importantly, the core component of study is to learn how to learn. The benefits of learning are often intangible but also lifelong. Crucially, the acquisition of knowledge can help shape our individual personality, something which is hugely significant to our future success. By way of conclusion, I strongly hold the view that we should refrain from taking part-time jobs when our prime task is to study to the best of our ability. Focusing on learning to the exclusion of all else can certainly guide us to experience a new world, one we would be forever grateful for in the future.