Balancing School and Work

Story by: Laura Poythress

It's common for college students to have a job on top of their class schedule, but how they keep all the balls in the air with their juggling act remains a mystery.

Montevallo Seniors Jacob Robertson and Lauren Headrick say working while in a college is a must. " I have expensive taste," says Robertson, "I don't just cook; I make full blown meals." Headrick says she needs to keep a job to pay her bills.

Robertson works 20 hours per week on campus as a tutor and a resident assistant. Headrick works 30 hours per week at an animal clinic 45 minutes away. Each of these students has worked for at least two of their four years at Montevallo, and both have maintained excellent grades.

Robertson recommends students take no more than 15 course hours in a semester while keeping a job. He says it's difficult to keep up with everything and still do well.

To stay motivated, these two turn to food and friends. They say the food is like their pat on the back for a job well done.

Lauren Headrick enjoys a pancake made by Jacob Robertson.

They also enjoy spending time with their friends to de-stress after a long day of classes or work.

Robertson and Headrick say that working on campus is ideal because it requires no transportation and most of the employers are understanding and flexible with class schedules.

"An on-campus job takes less time out of your day to get to and come home from," Headrick adds.

While the juggling may be difficult, both Robertson and Headrick agree that their hard work pays off in the classroom and on their paychecks.

Click here for 30 time-management tips from Forbes.