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RealMac · 02:38 PM

Just wondering about the current and past full-time college students here on the boards.

Did you have a part-time or full-time job during times you weren't in class? For me, having a part-time job is a necessity. Helps keep my car on the road, pay for books and computers. Not to mention the experience factor. I work at a supermarket in the area, so you could consider it underemployment (doing something that I'm overqualified for).

A bit of background on my education if anyone cares. I have a degree in liberal arts - general studies from SUNY Suffolk here on the island and am working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Technology - Business Administration.

I feel broke though. I see people riding in these new-ish cars, dressed nicely fairly well off (or at least presenting the notion they are). This is Long Island. Every 50 cars or so you see either a new car or an expensive car like a mercedes-benz, lexus, infinity or BMW.

I don't want to knock myself out picking a job that sucks vast amounts of time and compassion away from other things in life. Likewise, I don't want to make a low wage, feel poor and not gain a decent amount of experience in a field related to my major.

Any advice for a 20 year old seeking to find something that works?

Xeo · Sep 30, 2003, 09:38 PM

Good question. I'd like to know this as well.

mzllr · Sep 30, 2003, 09:54 PM

i saw the same thing while going to arizona state. it's called "daddy's got deep pockets."

i guarantee you that every single one of those kids you see driving around in a 30-50k car has never worked a day in their life.

as for me, i worked on campus at the rec center while in college. it was great, i got to meet a lot of cool people, hot chicks were always around working out or at the pool, and i was able to get experience in leadership and management.

the experience you gain only really matters if you can relate it back to the job you're applying for. so your college job doesn't necessarily need to be in your field of study (though it helps), just as long as you're able to learn and apply.

macvillage.net · Sep 30, 2003, 10:03 PM

I go to a state college. Don't work during the semester. Work hard over the summer.

During the school year just focus. Thankfully my parents have enough saved up for myself and my brother to go to college that (at least for this college) I'm ok.

If I were in a private school... would need a job.... or a big loan.

RealMac · Sep 30, 2003, 10:08 PM

I guess I should also note that I've been working since my 16th birthday. Started at 5.15/hr, making 7.90/hr now. That's not all that significant right now though.

I'd rather work on something that would have bigger gains down the road than some quick cash for a little while. To me, college appears to be that something. A major part of it at least.

Mastrap · Sep 30, 2003, 10:12 PM

I didn't get a single penny from my parents.

I waited tables. Sold hot dogs. Did building work. Assembled printers. Worked in a recycling plant. Got a job in a steel plant. Tended bar. Build sets in a theatre.

All good fun.

Adam Betts · Sep 30, 2003, 10:13 PM

I'm 19 years old and am a full time student. I'm making money off my jobs as a freelance graphic/icon designer (TheBettsBro, Inc.)

I don't really like to show off but the money's pretty decent. I could afford to pay for VW Jetta 2002, Condo rent, nice clothes, etc. My family is far from being rich.

The big advantage of working at home is that you can stay in one place and do homework while you work.

There are several jobs that allow you to work at home. One of my friends is working at home putting letters in letter envelope and earn $1,500 monthly. Not so bad. I'll ask her where she found the job.

IceEnclosure · Sep 30, 2003, 10:30 PM

be a server/waiter. work nights.. then do late night homework..

school in the daytime.

best bet.

RealMac · Sep 30, 2003, 11:02 PM

Originally posted by Adam Betts:

There are several jobs that allow you to work at home. One of my friends is working at home putting letters in letter envelope and earn $1,500 monthly. Not so bad. I'll ask her where she found the job.

I've read a whole lot about those and wasn't sure what was crap vs what was the real deal. Maybe you could help me out? hmm

macvillage.net · Sep 30, 2003, 11:25 PM

I know someone whose a "professional enslaver of women" (slang is "pimp").

He beats up women, and forces them to have sex for pennies. He makes good money.

he also gets to wear fun clothing.

His hours are ok.

Not to mention his sex life isn't bad.

There many jobs. Pick one if you need it... perfer a legal one.

todrain · Sep 30, 2003, 11:50 PM

I worked full time (6-10pm weekdays and all weekend) and went to school full time as well. I had a crappy car and no life!

It did annoy me to see all of those people in college with the expensive cars who didn't have a job and just partied all the time. I'd have loved to have just done that!

Ganesha · Oct 1, 2003, 12:40 AM

Originally posted by RealMac:
I feel broke though. I see people riding in these new-ish cars, dressed nicely fairly well off (or at least presenting the notion they are). This is Long Island. Every 50 cars or so you see either a new car or an expensive car like a mercedes-benz, lexus, infinity or BMW.

Don't forget at some schools the faculty park in the same lots as the students. And some of the younger faculty members are mistaken for students.

malvolio · Oct 1, 2003, 01:05 AM

Pick your field carefully. In addition to the previously mentioned pimping, you can pull in big bucks dealing dope.
If your hacking skills are 133t, break into your school's computer network, and offer "edited" transcripts at premium prices.
Hey, the opportunities are out there. You just gotta know where to look!

waxcrash · Oct 1, 2003, 01:17 AM

Originally posted by RealMac:
I don't want to knock myself out picking a job that sucks vast amounts of time and compassion away from other things in life. Likewise, I don't want to make a low wage, feel poor and not gain a decent of experience in a field related to my major.

Any advice for a 20 year old seeking to find something that works?

One day some co-workers and I were going out after work for a couple of beers. A new guy had just started at the company so I invited him along so he could get to know some of the other people. He accepted and offered to give me a ride to the bar. We walked out to the parking lot to his car. It turned out that he had an Acura Legend which was a $35,000 car. During the drive to the bar, I told him he had a nice car. He then told me that he paid for it with cash when he was in college. I asked him what kind of job did he have when he was in college and he replied that he was a pot dealer. He said that he stopped dealing when he graduated college and did it for the money. Moral of the story - you can make mucho dinero dealing drugs. Don't do it though - it's illegal!

bkatran · Oct 1, 2003, 03:16 AM

im a full time student, 12 units to be exact
and i am a freelance cameraman...and starting this weekend, an apple store employee

CRASH HARDDRIVE · Oct 1, 2003, 03:43 AM

I worked in a bookstore, waited tables and later did freelance animation and illustration work.

Virtually everyone I know personally who has had any kind of self-created success in life since their school days, busted their humps working while they were in school.

There's far more to be learned from the college experience than just what's in the classroom. It should be almost a test for oneself; just how much you can juggle as far as school and work, while still making ample time for play/ party like a maniac. Like a microcosm of life to come, crammed into a few whirlwind years, at a time when you've got the boundless energy to handle it all in stride.

Somehow I tend to think that people that have too much handed to them during those crucial years are missing out on something they may never realize the value of.

And to hell with some prick's BMW-drive a bucket, or walk. A freakin' brand of car means dick to most anyone worth knowing.

lemondrop · Oct 1, 2003, 03:52 AM

My girlfriend was a stripper. She paid for living expenses. Financial Aid paid for my books and tuition. It worked out well.

nobitacu · 06:29 AM

Well, from national guards, I get paid $780 a month, than from my personal stock trading, I make around $1000 a month, than I also work at PRACS here in Fargo which gives me anywhere from $500 to $1500 a month. So yea... add all that up, it's pretty much the amount I make a month, which is anywhere from $2280 to $3280. Yes, I'm a full-time college student as well.

Ming

Amorya · Oct 1, 2003, 06:53 AM

I've not got a job yet. My parents are paying for my accommodation in first year, and I don't have to pay any tuition fees, so I'm OK for the time being.

However, I really do need to start saving up for second year. Chances then I will have to pay full fees (�1300 or so), plus rent a house, etc...

There are jobs on campus here. The best is �6.50 ($10) an hour for what's essentially telemarketing - phoning graduates from the uni and trying to make them donate money. I think I'd go mad if I did that for too long, though.

Amorya

bracken · Oct 1, 2003, 08:24 AM

Originally posted by waxcrash:
I asked him what kind of job did he have when he was in college and he replied that he was a pot dealer. He said that he stopped dealing when he graduated college and did it for the money.

With a fat mouth like that one wonders how he got away with it the entire time.

... Unless the real truth is that he's just talking the talk like eeeeeeeeveryone does...especially the Acura Legend* type.

* Young, white male, recent college graduate, #1 pain in the ass for Daddy's Money, Inc. and Daddy's I Got You Your Job, Corp., g-money, date rape drug using, kiss-ass, pretty boy, 5 years behind the times goatee, snob.

maxintosh · Oct 1, 2003, 09:42 AM

I go to college full time. My parents have gauranteed me an education and all living necessities while I'm in school (they see it as part of raising a child). All extras (clothes, eating out, CDs, room stuff, gadgets, etc.) I am responsible for myself. They will support me as long as I'm "doing something with my life". I think it's a good deal. I work 40 hours/week during the summer to save up some money for college spending (NYC is expensive, to say the least... but at least I don't need a car). I'd like to make a few more bucks, but the 'rents want me to focus on my school work... still I might find something for a few hours per week. I have absurd amounts of homework here, but I asked for it by going to an A-List college

typoon · Oct 1, 2003, 09:55 AM

As stated by many others there are many of options out there. You could freelance your computer skills. IE. teach people how to use there computers do some troubleshooting things like that. Build up a nice customer base then start your own company from it. There are always folks willing to pay for someone to come out to there house to fix there computer or teach them how to use there new fangled computer that a friend reccomended they buy.

Just remember pimpin ain't easy.

You could also be a porn producer. film it and cut the movies on iMovie and FC Pro. Then sell them. Porn is where the money is. I'm sure if you made enough the girls in the videos you make could make some decent money too from you. WOrks both ways.

Joshua · Oct 1, 2003, 10:09 AM

I worked the front desk of a residence hall in college. They basically paid me to sit and do my homework for a few hours a day. The pay wasn't terrific, but it covered beer expenses and it was time I would have spent studying anyway.

Also, check with your schools cultural events office. I had friends would would get jobs ushering at concerts/recitals a few times a week and pull in pretty good cash. And again, during the concert you can sit outside and study.

Edit: eBay is another good option, if you've got the time to dedicate to it. One of my roommates paid for an engagement ring and honeymoon with money he made off eBay in a little under a year.

benb · Oct 1, 2003, 10:41 AM

My current job pays me pretty good for a part-time student, and they also pay my tuition. And they called me and asked if I wanted a job. Not to bad.

DesignerTerp · Oct 1, 2003, 11:39 AM

I went to a private liberal arts college for 2 and half years and I HAD to work to keep up with the "richies" (who coincedentally were also from Long Island-well NY/NJ area). I had work study for two years (working in the PR office for $4.85/hour) then waitressed my last semester.
Much to my parents relief I transferred to a state school the middle of my junior year. I lifeguarded in the summers and worked maybe one day a week lifeguarding at an indoor pool. I remember many trips to Target so I must have gotten money somehow.

How about waiting tables? Are you in a town with many restaurants/bars?

dreilly1 · Oct 1, 2003, 11:58 AM

I had a part-time job in one of the campus computer labs. I would imagine that anyone posting on a Mac board has the ability to do this, even if the labs are full pf PCs. However, I was going to a state school at the time, and my parents had my tuition and room and board covered, so I didn't have to totally support myself on the money.

Oh, I also lived on campus, and never owned a car as an Undergrad. And I didn't drink. Those two things saved me a lot of money.

Shaddim · Oct 1, 2003, 12:02 PM

Originally posted by RealMac:
Just wondering about the current and past full-time college students here on the boards.

Did you have a part-time or full-time job during times you weren't in class? For me, having a part-time job is a necessity. Helps keep my car on the road, pay for books and computers. Not to mention the experience factor. I work at a supermarket in the area, so you could consider it underemployment (doing something that I'm overqualified for).

A bit of background on my education if anyone cares. I have a degree in liberal arts - general studies from SUNY Suffolk here on the island and am working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Management Technology - Business Administration.

I feel broke though. I see people riding in these new-ish cars, dressed nicely fairly well off (or at least presenting the notion they are). This is Long Island. Every 50 cars or so you see either a new car or an expensive car like a mercedes-benz, lexus, infinity or BMW.

I don't want to knock myself out picking a job that sucks vast amounts of time and compassion away from other things in life. Likewise, I don't want to make a low wage, feel poor and not gain a decent of experience in a field related to my major.

Any advice for a 20 year old seeking to find something that works?

I work full time as an Apple service tech, attend grad school full time (16 hrs), and I'm a writer. I've been doing this for 5 years. For some reason I'm one of those people that do well with only 4 hours of sleep a night.

The only time I wasn't going at this pace is when I found out I had Hodgkin's. It took a lot out of me so I stopped working full time for 6 months and fell back on just my writing and school.

Find what you like to do and just do it, and don't ever stop.