Should I get a job working at a car manufacturing plant while I am working towards a Master's Degree?

Question

I will be going to University of Alabama to start work on a Master's Degree in Theatre Management and my dear old dad thinks I should get a part time job working at the Mercedes Benz plant... of course he said I should work only part time... I guess he doesn't understand the work involved in working towards an MFA.

Answer 1

if ya wanna eat, ya gotta work.

Answer 2

Oh wow, that's a toughie. May I ask if your father would feel the same way and make the same suggestions if you were going to Med School? I know that many people consider the Arts of much lesser importance than other fields, which is a shame, because they are so very important to so many of us.

My nephew is currently working on his MFA in an acting program in another state. He was fortunate in that he has been able to find a job teaching basic acting courses to undergrads at the same university. I know from his crazy schedule that working shift work just may kill you :) He puts in roughly 60 hours a week just in school work for himself (attending classes, doing homework, etc), plus another 40 preparing for and actually teaching his two classes. That 100 hours a week just gets ramped up when they go into rehearsals for a production (four majors on the main stage, and 6-8 small ones on one of the small stages at the university each year). On top of all that, he gets small film roles from time to time, and has to find time to prepare for those, as well as for flying out to film sets. He told me recently that during Spring term this year, his average work day was 18 hours for most of the term, and he rarely got more than 4 or 5 hours of sleep at any one time.

I would really suggest that if you absolutely must work, you go for something a little less demanding than shift work at a manufacturing plant. Manufacturing jobs are very demanding, both physically and in terms of time committment and the need to pay attention to detail. If you are tired anyway, and thinking about your education, working in a manufacturing environment could actually be dangerous. (That's not saying anything about you, just stating the inherent risks of the job.)

It sounds a lot like Dad wants you to bring in some money of your own so he doesn't have to foot the bill for you. Can you satisfy him by finding another job, perhaps? Another thing to consider is that studen loan rates are very good right now. You don't have to start to repay until 6 months after you leave school. Perhaps you could apply for one, which essentially shifts part of the burden to you, which might make him feel a little bit better about things.

Whatever you decide to do, I wish you the best. You are going to be working in an absolutely essential, though frequently undervalued, industry.

Answer 3

Take the manufacturing job, part time, that way you won't need the expense of going to the gym. Your brain will get a work out from school, while your body will get ripped! Just think of the strength endurance you will acquire. Think of it this way, your employer will pay you to stay fit! Try working in the body shop, in the door, hood or decklid area. Besides, it is only part time, & probably temporary. But tell your dad that it's non-union, & isn't the same as it was in any other manufacturing facility, it's definately worse, with the Gustapo like, "new regime" management. Then, if you don't like it, you can always go elsewhere, but at least you can give it your best shot.

Answer 4

It's hard to balance time for class and work. My suggestion would be to get a job at a place where you can have a really flexible schedule so that you can easily take off work if you have a test/have to write a paper, etc. I found working 10 hours a week to be more than enough, but depending on the classes you take you could probably work more and still do well in school. Also, it's good to have a job that will not wear you out so when you do your homework you are able to concentrate without falling asleep.

Answer 5

Get a job doing ANYTHING while working toward your Masters. Really, you need the money. So i say work there until something comes up related to your major, because you're going to need that also when the real job hunt comes around.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

Many schools offer student aid to graduate students to prevent them from having to take time out of studying. As a fellow student of graduate studies, I know that time is a critical thing: you have to treat school like it is your job. Talk to your school about and assistance they may offer to you; you will be suprised at what money is available.

Answer 8

i think that if you can manage the time between working and studying, it won't be any problems. Try to survey whether there are other students like you;working part time.Take some tips from them and if can,consult with your lecturer as well. see if they can tolerate with your study time and part time job.So, good luck to you(^ ^)..

Answer 9

i work in a crappy call center to help me through school. so i know you should take what ever job to help you make it to the goals you need to obtain for yourself you should be proud. i hate my job and it helps to pay for everything. good luck and God speek.

Answer 10

If it pays well and the hours are good, then go for it! You can't be a bum forever.