Working while you went to school?

United States
July 17, 2010 7:16am CST
I know someone who's say 19ish and is now complaining about having to work to pay bills & still try to go to school. I told her how when I was her age (yeah I'm sounding old!) I went to school full time, worked full time, and supported myself & my Mom on minimum wage. She didn't even really reply with much more than an "*LOL*"?!?!? I guess she thought moving out ment life was going to be a cake walk? party time? Other than freedom from your parents rules you still have responsibility and I don't know that it has sunk in her yet. But either way did you work when you were in high school or going to college?
4 people like this
23 responses
@AmbiePam (92828)
• United States
17 Jul 10
I started college when I was sixteen, and that was the same time I got my first "real" job. I worked part time, and went to school full time. At that time I was working, but the money I made was just mine. My parents didn't ask me to "hand them over" anything. I think they were so happy I was happy. Anyway, about a year later I quit that job and got a work study at the college I was attending. And it was then that the money I earned when towards paying for my school. And I was glad to do it.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160702)
• United States
17 Jul 10
When we worked we always offered money to the household, and it went to Mom, since she did not work outside the home. I actually think I need the structure of work.
1 person likes this
@AmbiePam (92828)
• United States
17 Jul 10
Looking back, I'm really not sure how much of the money I made on my first job that I really spent on anything teenagers usually bought. I was expected to pay for my own gas of course. At that time I drove a truck, so it required a lot of gas. And of course I paid for my own clothes (no labels for me). Oh, and before I spent a dime of it, 10% went to tithes. I still remember how good I felt putting a more "significant" amount of money in the offering plate. I mean, I know God doesn't care, I just always felt badly that I couldn't give more than I did. Half of that though, was probably because my dad was the pastor. I didn't want the church to struggle financially.
1 person likes this
• India
17 Jul 10
Yes i am going to college now and i am earning a few bucks online in here. I work only a little. Now i am just going to college and all and my mom taking good care of me. She also depends on me a little.
2 people like this
• United States
19 Jul 10
I'm glad you are able to mainly focus on your studies.... be thankful for the opportunity! Unfortunatly for me when I was younger I had to take care of most everything including my Mom.
@GardenGerty (160702)
• United States
17 Jul 10
When I was in High School my parents would not let me work during the school year, other than lots of babysitting. I also baby sat in the summer. In between High School and college, I had a job in an office, full time. Other jobs on breaks from college. I had work study jobs of about 20 hours a week during college. I did not work when my kids were little, other than baby sitting. After that I drove bus. For the last ten years, up until January, I have often held two jobs at a time. It feels like I have worked forever. Right now I am just trying to find enough work online.
1 person likes this
• United States
19 Jul 10
I started as a teenager babysitting and cleaning a neighbors apartment to earn things like my class ring and my letter jacket wich my Mom could not afford to buy. But of course when my Mom was trying to get on disability when I was about 18-19ish she couldn't work and I had to toally pick up the slack... pay rent, utilities, car payment ect... thankfully we lived in section 8 or we would of been homeless.
@dragon54u (31634)
• United States
17 Jul 10
When I went to college long, long ago I did work. It was really hard to work, go to classes and study. If I'd been halfway smart I would have stayed at home with my mother but no, I had to move out on my own! Now my two sons are in college full time and working full time and the eldest might drop out so he can get a better job and go back later. It's very tough to have two full time jobs, which is what you're doing when you're going to school and working. I wish kids would realize how good they have it at home but they never will. Moving out is the beginning of life's true trials.
1 person likes this
• United States
18 Jul 10
But I imagine you craved your freedom from life at home wich most do right out of high school. I know I did but I couldn't afford to be w/o her and w/ her not working I couldn't be cruel and just leave my Mom to be on her own.... though I ended up doing that anyway a few years later. I hope your son could get that new job but still keep going to school if even online or just take one class a semester just to keep things going....
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
17 Jul 10
That's why I can't stand younger people, lol. They always complain about stupid things they're going through that we've all had to go through. I have a friend like that.. different circumstance though because she isn't in school, and doesn't work.. but she complains about things that I've had experience with and it just drives me nuts. Welcome to real life, honey! I did not work and go to school at the same time. Actually I dropped out of school and skipped college so that I could work full time while raising my son. My mother went blind while I was pregnant for my son, so I was supporting myself, my son, my mother, and my brother and sister who were both under 10 on minimum wage along with my mother's disability up until I was 21 and moved in with my husband.
1 person likes this
• United States
19 Jul 10
I know they don't know that it's life and it's not going to be a whole lot different as time rolls on. Or they don't know what rough is. Though clearly you have had a pretty similar experience to me with taking care of bills and others that technically were not your responsibility (except your son of course) for at a young age as well.
@Theresaaiza (10487)
• Australia
17 Jul 10
"I was complaining because I had no shoes until I saw a man with no feet" That person needed to realize that she was luckier by far compared to some people! I was lucky enough when I was in college. I had an educational plan and a benefactor. All that was left for my parents to worry was my daily allowance. And all I had to worry about was to study hard. Right now I am working full time and pursuing my master's hopefully at my own expense this time. I am rather confused whether to go on or not. Too costly for me and I am not earning that much.
1 person likes this
@peavey (16936)
• United States
17 Jul 10
I grew up in the country and there weren't any real jobs during the winter when we went to school, but as soon as we were able, we worked in the hay fields during the summer and bought our own clothes and whatever else we needed. When we got old enough to drive cars, we paid for them ourselves, paid for the insurance and tires and repairs and gas as well as our clothes and whatever else we needed or wanted. Driving a car meant you could drive to town to work, either after or before school! We didn't contribute directly to the household, but by buying our own things, it helped.
1 person likes this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
17 Jul 10
3snugglebunnies I went to junior college on a grant, worked part time and cared for two little kids too and my hubbie cooked for a living, then he had cancer surgery and colostomy and was unable to work so worked at night as anurses aide then got a part time day job in our local library so things never came easy for me at all.
• United States
18 Jul 10
That sucuks Hatley. Did you ever finish school? Or did you give it up to help pay the bills and care for your husband?
@Elixiress (3878)
17 Jul 10
I worked when I was in College, but I still lived at home, so it was luxury money. I did one year at Uni (just finished it) and worked through that, I had to pay for everything rent, bills, food. I am also 19 by the way, and I would not trade in the stress of "do I have enough money" and "I have no spare time" for moving back in with my parents. You seem to be being a little rough on her, I bet you complain about work, bills etc so why can't she? Also, while the wages were less when you were at school, the money went further than it does now. The wage increases are hugely short of price inflation, so minimum wage does not go as far as it used to.
1 person likes this
@savypat (20216)
• United States
17 Jul 10
I went to college, had three kids at home and worked a full time job, it's a good thing they had night school, but with the Internet I could have done it so much faster. I also had the help of a steady husband who didn't make much but was always employeed. We were right on the line of being poor, but always had food on the table.
@Canellita (12029)
• United States
19 Jul 10
I wasn't allowed to work when I was in high school. In college I had a work study job one summer and I worked for a newspaper a few hours a week proofreading. I was not the most disciplined person so it was really hard to manage all of the responsibility.
• United States
19 Jul 10
My job in high school was partly because I was in co-op my senior year and if I sat in school all day I'd graduate w/ extra credits anyways so why not earn & finish school.
@Canellita (12029)
• United States
19 Jul 10
Good for you! I wanted to do something like that but it didn't work out that way.
• United States
17 Jul 10
I have been working at the same job ever since I was 16 and I am now 19. for the last year I have woorked about 30 hr weeks or more. I have kept a really high gpa and was able to pay all my bills. You just need to stop your social life for a little bit, but you gotta do what you gotta do. Right?
• United States
18 Jul 10
Good for you keeping up your GPA! That is true with doing so much you do loose your social life to a degree. But you know it's the friends that keep in touch with you even though you don't always have the time are keepers! I remember on my days off doing homework and SLEEPING! I hardly slept otherwise I was up around 5am ish and didn't get home from work til after 10pm stayed up doing some home work or went to bed and got up even earlier to get things done.
@PDBME2 (1014)
• United States
17 Jul 10
I started working when I was 14 yrs old. I barely stopped working 6 years ago when my last child was born. Right now I have 5 kids. I am presently attending college but I don't work. My husband works full time and I get a Pell Grant. I think that it's possible to go to school and work. Although I haven't tried it yet for myself having to pay a babysitter isn't worth it at the moment. I schedule classes around what my childrens needs are at the moment.
1 person likes this
18 Jul 10
I worked when I was in high school and I was on my own the last few months of the school year. Then I tried college and got lazy. I didn't go to class so I failed! I'm hoping to go back this spring though!
• United States
18 Jul 10
That would be great if you were able to go back. I'd like to just dunno what for or how to pay for anything or if what I'd like there would be any jobs as that's what happened last time.
• United States
24 Jul 10
pft..i was working in junior high.i had to get a permit to do so. but my dad needed help as he got laid off,and i couldn't see just sitting on my butt about it.i could at least pay for my own stuff. i get annoyed as hell when i hear these kids whining about how hard their lives are now(on $400 dollar iphones,yet!).you kids don't have a clue.
@tigeraunt (6326)
• Philippines
18 Jul 10
dear 3snugglebunnies, after high school graduation, i got a clerical job in an office and i worked full time during the day and full time college student at night. it was difficult but i wanted to feel very responsible for myself. i knew that by working i will be helping my parents with some of the little expenses at home although they did not require me to work until i am finished with college. it just felt very fulfilling to be able to give part of what i earn to them. ann
@dorannmwin (36392)
• United States
20 Jul 10
When I was in high school I never had a job. However, it was different when I was in college, I did work part time while I was in college so that I could have some extra spend money to use during my days in school. I was working on campus for the school alumni affairs/fund raising. This was a very fun job and it really taught me a lot about life as well. So, I would say that anyone that is in school should at least work part time.
@aldawn22 (224)
• Philippines
19 Jul 10
I'm a student now and at the same time I'm also working.This is by the way my second course,when I took my first course in college I'm a full student since my mom is there to provide all my needs.After graduation I found a job,but it's not stable.The competition nowadays is very tough,company's are not only looking for a college graduate but also with a lot of skills.Because of this kind of job I have to go back to college and upgrade my education and somehow earn a lot of skills that's why my mom suggested that I would go back to college.This time I am working and at the same time studying.I realized how hard it is to pay your tuition fee,bills and your personal needs.Hats off to all working students out there.
• Philippines
19 Jul 10
When I was in college, I worked as a part time academic tutor and was also earning from online article writing.
@tetsella (29)
• Philippines
20 Jul 10
3SnuggleBunnies, I totally agree with you because back in my college years,I've also worked full time and went to school at night full time.