How possible is it to take 16 credits and work 20 hours a week?

Question

I'm taking an upper level poli sci class, econ 101, Spanish grammar, and college writing, and I need money. Would working 20 hours a week make me a sleepless basket case? Any experience with this situation? Thanks.

Answer 1

I worked 40 hrs a week on night shift and went to school full time days and stayed active as a Lieutenant in the reserve. My course was electronics engineering and I fairly consistently stood 2nd or 3rd in my college courses. The habi ts I had picked up in the army helped immensely in my schooling. For example when given any assignment begin it right away and finish it and hand it in ASAP. Keep more than one copy.of all your work in more than one place. Backup often. Do the hardest work first. Always have study material on you, you never know when you will get the chance to study. Let the schools nursing staff know what you are doing in my case they allowed me to use any unoccupied bed in the med office to nap if I had a spare period. Get a good portable alarm clock and never pass up an oppurtunity to nap or study. Try to get employment where you ultimately desire to work. When you go for your job interview take your schoolwork to show as an example of your work. (a trick one of my profs taught me)

You will probably find your school work and job quality both improve as you become busier and develop a better stronger work ethic and it will last your life.

I would wish you good luck but will instead use what is usually translated as "Good luck" from Japanese gambatte. Literally it means Do Your Best. They don't believe there is a difference.

Answer 2

Pretty easy, and definitely possible.

I took 21 credit hours/7 classes in statistics, international economics, and other upper level courses and worked full-time at a day job (45 hours a week), then babysat every night (another 10-15 hours a week). It's NOT fun, but it's very possible. However, something may have to "give" and that "something" could be your GPA. My GPA suffered, but I took more classes and worked twice/three times as much as what you're suggesting.

With only 16 hours and only 20 hours to work a week (part-time job), you shouldn't have a problem.

Scratch some of the social life and free time and you can easily do fine.

Answer 3

I'm a college freshman and I work about 30 hours a week..I take classes on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays so I work on Tuesdays, Thursdays and weekends (no less than 8 hours a day). My first semester of college I took 17 units (four 3 unit classes and one 5 unit class). Work pretty much takes up all of the time I had previously set aside for homework and other stuff. If you know how to manage your time you'll be fine. If you have at least a half hour or hour break while working, take advantage of that time and do your homework or study for your exams. So far, work hasnt really interfered with my academics..but I do get really tired sometimes but its alright..Good Luckkk!!

Answer 4

I can tell you the best job ever while you are in college. Substitute Teacher.

I know it sounds a bit crazy but you get paid usually between $65-$100 a day depending on your area and its not terribly difficult.

You get to pick your own schedule so if you have a test coming up---just dont take on any jobs that week. Also many times
teachers just leave busy work for the subs to give the students, pass out the work tell the students to be quiet and do some homework while they work. I did it all through college and it was great.

You just have to find out the requirements in your area. Sometimes you need to have a certain ammount of college credits and generally you need a background check to make sure you arent a pedophile. It was the best job ever when i was in college! Its much better tahn staying up till 4 am waiting tables.

Answer 5

Not if you found the right job! I took 12-15 credit hours a semester while in college and worked at a restaurant. I also worked as a baby-sitter at the same time so I was working well over 20 hours a week! I still made the deans list! Sitting was the best thing that I could do because I could do my homework while I worked. It actually ended up saving me time and sleep!

Answer 6

I was able for a semester to do 15 credits and 20 hours of work in grad school - if you keep yourself disciplined enough it is possible.

Good Luck!!!

Answer 7

It is do-able. 4 classes and a part-time job.

You could work 4 hour days M-F and go to school, weekends free.
Or 3 6 hour shifts...for 18 hours...

I have worked 30+ hours with school, if you keep up with your school assignments then it will all work out, but once you're behind in school...its hard to get back on track, Good luck!

Answer 8

I am taking 18 hours this semester, (six classes.) and I work 20 hours a week, although I do my hours Friday-Sunday. If you know how to manage your time wisely, you should have no problem taking the time to study for your classes, socialize, and work.

Answer 9

It is possible, but pretty difficult if you like sleep. I have tried it and it all really depends on how much time and effort you are willing to put forth in class and work. For me class was a little more important, so I ditched the work. If you can afford not to work, I suggest you don't and focus on school.

Answer 10

Depends upon when you have to put in the 20 hours. On the weekends and one evening would be your best bet. Don't try to work during time you need to spend studying. You are taking 4 classes - it should be doable.