Going to university is a great time of life. We get our first taste of independence - away from the family for the first time, away from our comfort zone, and we get to decide what to do and what not to do. Until now, we have had one dependency that is a constant - we are dependent on money from our parents. I want to change that a little bit - at least - because getting a job while you are a student is more valuable than you might think.
I'm not saying it's bad to get money from your parents. It's natural for parents to help and support their children. But I think there is a big difference between a student who earns some money on their own and a student who depends entirely on others. The empowered student appreciates his or her money. They appreciate the effort it takes to earn and accordingly are more responsible.
When I look around, I see many students who spend money without thinking because it's not coming from their own effort. They don't feel the weight of it. But when someone gets a first opportunity to earn an income, no matter how little it is, they're a different person. Now they're more careful about how they spend money. This type of motivation cannot be taught.
Having a job studying also makes you more confident. It makes you feel independent, in a way that's difficult to express. If you know you can contribute to some of your costs, you don't feel like an extra mouth to feed. It is an important feeling, particularly for one's well-being and confidence.
There is also a practical side to it. University is also a training for work. By starting to earn a living early, they begin to master the skills of time management, handling deadlines and stress. This is something you can't learn in class. Employers also favour applicants who have some experience. So working at university is not only about the money, it's also about gaining experience.
But I also know it's not easy. Universities take up a considerable amount of time. It's hard to study and work and some students have more opportunity than others. Some students have no option but to focus only on studies. I don't blame them for that. But if the chance arises, a small part-time job or some freelancing work I believe a student should go for it.
It's not so they can be instantaneously 100% independent. The idea is to get a taste for how valuable money is, and to develop some life experience and maturity. And honestly, there is no better time to start learning those lessons than during university, when the stakes are still manageable and mistakes don't cost as much. Earning your own money as a student is not just helpful. I think it is necessary.