Many Houston City College students balance school and a job as part of their daily routine, often going directly from class to a work shift.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, about 40% of full-time college students in the United States are employed, showing how common it has become for students to work while in school.
“I go to class in the morning and then head straight to work,” said Breana Finney, a student who works nearly 30 hours a week at local grocery store H-E-B. “By the time I get home, I’m exhausted, and it’s hard to focus on homework.”
Students like Finney say time management is one of their biggest challenges, as well as finding time to rest and relax.
“I have to plan everything out: my shifts, assignments, even when I’m going to study,” said HCC student Jana Tran. “If I don’t stay organized, I fall behind really fast and my grades slip.”
Tran said that working while attending college helps her prepare for life after college.
“It gives me experience that I can actually put on my résumé,” Tran said. “I feel like I’m getting ahead while still in school.”
Although Tran’s workload can be demanding and at times, overwhelming, Tran believes working during college offers valuable benefits.
“It’s stressful, but it’s also helped me grow up,” Tran said. “I’ve learned responsibility and how to manage my time better.”
Some students rely on their income to cover tuition, as well as housing and daily expenses.
“I wouldn’t be able to afford school without my job,” Finney said. “It’s not really a choice. It’s something I have to do.”
Research shows that working long hours, especially more than 20 hours per week, can negatively affect academic performance, making it harder for students to keep up with coursework.
Some students say the pressure impacts their mental health but remain motivated by long-term goals.
“I remind myself that this is temporary,” Tran said. “I’m doing this so I can have a better future.”
Trellis Strategies consulting firm reported that colleges can better support working students by offering flexible schedules, online course options and access to academic resources.
The number of students working while attending college is expected to grow as higher education costs continue to rise, emphasizing the need for colleges and employers to understand and support the challenges students face.
“For many students, it’s about more than just a paycheck. It’s about building my future,” Tran said.
For more information on jobs and career resources, visit Houston City College’s Career Hub at www.hccs.edu/careerhub.
