The 'Trap' of Part-Time Jobs: When Students Trade Sleep and Grades to Make a Living

Many students struggle to make ends meet by working part-time jobs or gaining experience. But when study time is 'stolen' by work, many realize the price they have to pay is their health, their grades - and their future.

A survey of 200 students at several universities and colleges revealed that approximately 80% of students have worked or are currently working part-time while studying. Of these, 50% work part-time at cafes, convenience stores, etc., while 30% take on freelance work such as tutoring, sales associate positions, or online work.

These figures show that the trend of students taking on part-time jobs is becoming increasingly common. One of the main reasons is believed to be the rising cost of living, creating financial pressure that forces many students to seek part-time work to earn extra income to cover their living expenses.

When part-time jobs become "time thieves" for students.

Facing financial difficulties, since her second year, Thu An, a third-year student at a university in Ho Chi Minh City, has been working night shifts at a convenience store, even though the pay is only 25,000 VND per hour. "My father used to be a construction worker but unfortunately had a work accident and lost his ability to walk. My mother has heart disease; although she's weak, she still sells groceries to cover the family's living expenses and support my younger sister who is in fourth grade. I work to pay for my education and ease the burden on my mother," An confided.

Working from 10 PM to 6 AM the next morning, then rushing home to sleep and rest for a few hours before going to school, An gradually felt tired, exhausted, and unable to concentrate on lectures. As a result, in the final exam, An failed 5 out of 10 important subjects and had to retake them the following semester. The female student also frequently suffered from headaches, insomnia, and prolonged stress.

Currently, Thu An has quit her job at the convenience store to focus on completing her previously failed courses and taking remedial classes to catch up with her classmates.

It's not just students from disadvantaged backgrounds who choose to work part-time; many well-off students also do so because they want to gain experience.

Unlike others facing economic hardship, Ngoc Minh, a third-year marketing student at a college in Hanoi , chose to work part-time to stay active, gain experience in the market, and earn a small amount of money to buy things she wanted without having to ask her parents for money.

Ngoc Minh, a third-year marketing student in Hanoi. Photo: Nguyet Ha

Minh said that his parents own a small breakfast shop in Hai Duong , and the family's finances are quite comfortable. From his first year of university, Minh started working part-time at a marketing company. He found the job very rewarding, providing valuable experiences ranging from planning and running advertising campaigns to meeting with various partners, and he also earned a decent income, which made him very enthusiastic.

"I earn 9 million VND a month, not including sales bonuses, so I can buy whatever I want without having to ask my parents for money. This is also a way to show independence and an important stepping stone in accumulating experience and developing myself, so I just dive right into it," Minh shared.

However, the workload increased, and at times, the company required Minh to work a full 8 hours, even working late overtime. Gradually, Minh became caught up in the whirlwind of work and had almost no time left for studying.

As a result, after three years of study, Minh is still unable to graduate on time because he has to retake five foundational courses and six specialized courses. The program may have to be extended by another year compared to the original plan.

"I regret prioritizing making money over my studies. Now that my peers have graduated and started their own lives, I'm still struggling with unfinished courses and subjects," Minh shared.

How can I balance studying and working?

According to Mr. Vuong Doan Duc, lecturer at the Academy of Journalism and Communication, most colleges and universities today, such as Hanoi University of Science and Technology and National Economics University, implement career guidance and job counseling programs for students, helping them to clearly define their goals and choose suitable jobs.

Outside of class hours, students take advantage of the time to work part-time to earn extra income. Photo: Nguyet Ha

"Part-time work is good if students know how to manage it properly, because work not only brings income but also helps to hone skills and accumulate life experience. However, no matter what, studying must always come first. The time in university is a precious period – if you miss it, it will be very difficult to get back," Mr. Duc emphasized.

According to him, schools play a crucial role in guiding and supporting students, helping them understand that while earning money is necessary, knowledge, qualifications, and professional skills are the sustainable foundation for the future. If students overwork themselves, they may become exhausted, neglect their studies, and miss out on good opportunities.

From the students' perspective, it's essential to manage time effectively, take care of their health, and set limits for themselves. "Maintaining balance not only helps with academics but also develops life skills and discipline – crucial qualities for entering adulthood. Don't let part-time work become a 'trap' that causes your studies – and your future – to be neglected," the lecturer advised.

* The names of the students in this article have been changed to ensure privacy.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/chiec-bay-lam-them-khi-sinh-vien-danh-doi-giac-ngu-diem-so-de-muu-sinh-2457220.html