Figuring out how many hours is a part-time job for a student like me

[MartaPhillips]

Hey everyone! So, I just finished my first month of college, and my bank account is already crying for help. I really need to get a job, but I'm terrified of failing my classes. My parents are paying for tuition, but I'm responsible for everything else—food, books, going out sometimes.

I've been trying to calculate how many hours is a part-time job for a student that won't destroy my GPA. Is 10 hours a week manageable? Or should I push for 15-20? I'm an English major, so I have a lot of reading every week. I found a cool gig at the campus coffee shop, but they want me to commit to at least 15 hours.

My plan is to work only in the afternoons so my mornings are free for studying. Does anyone here have experience balancing 15 hours with a heavy reading load? I don't want to burn out by October. I'm excited to have my own money, but I also want to actually pass my classes. Any advice from the pros here?

 

[PamelaS]

10 hours is the sweet spot if you're an English major with all that reading. 15 might sound manageable now, but wait until midterms hit and you have three essays due. Start with 10, prove you're reliable, and ask for more hours next semester if you're handling it well. The coffee shop will still be there!