Should I Get A Part-Time Job?

[lordofthebling]

I'm going to animation school in September, and I expect the work load will be quite huge. Would it be a good idea for me to get a part time job (no more than one or two shifts per week), or should I reserve all my personal time for schoolwork? At my last job, there was a girl in graphic design who could only afford one shift per week, and even that seemed like too much for her. I really want to do well at this school, but I definitely want to work during my time off in the summer, and that will be easier if I already have a job than if I have to go looking for one.

[Seedling]

Whether or not you feel that you have time for anything but art, there are some things that you will need to include in your life, such as exercise; and there are things that you may want to experience that can likely only be had at a job, such as being part of a team or interaction with non-artists. If you need a job, why not find one that covers one of these bases?

By the way, giving up television (except for research purposes) is a great way to add more art-hours to your day.

[Maxine Schacker]

At Max the Mutt, first year students can generally handle up to 15 hours per week of work for $. Second year is another story, and some students really can't handle the workload and a paying job. Some manage, but I'd rec. not going over 10 hours.

[lordofthebling]

That's cool. I'd like to try for a job at Woolfitt's or something, and make sure I only work one or two days a week.

[tatiana]

I agree with Maxine. Usually the first year, a part-time job won't take away too much time, but your final year or two...if you don't have to work, don't!

I say this based on my own experiences. I always had to work when I was in school (9 years at university level working part-time days or evenings and weekend shifts during the semesters, and full-time summers; and then 2 years of full-time working days during continued education classes for a 2nd degree) and could have definitely used most of those hours to fine-tune my school projects.

Try for an internship as part of your class curriculum if at all possible, though; and that's a job worth having while you're in school. :)

t

[Mirana]

I had to work all four years and it sucked hardcore. If you don't HAVE to work (ie live on your own, have your own bills, etc) then don't. Of course, do not waste that precious extra time slacking either. ;)

[Storyboard Dave]

I think there are ways of minimizing how a job can aversely affect your time in school. Why not get a job on campus? Or get a job in the field of study that you're in? What about a paid internship somewhere?

I worked through all four years of school and made it work. I was also fortunate enough to have a boss who let me do homework at my job when I was off the clock too.

Everyone's going to have their own take as to whether it's beneficial or hurtful to their schooling. It's obviously going to be based upon how well you can manage your time and your processes.

[Volchiha]

I'd love to go for an internship job, but here theyre most often unpaid, which is kind of defeating the point.

[Coinpurse]

In reference to the overall question. Id recommend not getting a job unless you seriously need it while in school. If you find yourself with alot of freetime, then your in desperate need of something to do (Part-time wouldnt be a bad idea if this will be your case). Reason I say this is because alot of my buddies ended up dropping classes or failing because of work. It takes away from precious time of studying and art (depending on the job). Try it and see how it goes, if you feel like its too much, don't think twice about leaving the job.

Don't take my advice though, just listen to the others here. Their more in-tuned to the whole college/ university system.

[Storyboard Dave]

I'd love to go for an internship job, but here theyre most often unpaid, which is kind of defeating the point.

Unpaid internships that have a possibility of turning into full time positions are still worthwhile. It's a perfect way to audition your skills and become a known quantity within a company.

Talk to fresh grads and they say they toughest thing to do is to get a foot in the door with companies. Now if an unpaid internship is one way to get a foot in the door, isn't it worth it in the long run?

Sure, I understand an unpaid internship in the short term stinks because of no income, but if it has a possibility of paying off later big, I think it's worth it. By no means am I recommending taking on an unpaid internship at a place that you have no intention of working for.

Another benefit of internships (paid or unpaid) is that you'll be in the business. More than likely you'll be given the most menial of jobs and you'll never get to touch the good juicy stuff, but keep your eyes open and learn the business. Observe and learn! That's not to say that you might not be more talented than the creative director at the place but it's not your place to be making those multi-million dollar decisions yet. Soak it all up on those internships and be somewhat thankful that you're in there.

Again, talk to recent grads and see what their number one complaint is and I can almost guarantee you that it's their inability to crack into a company. They just want to audition and show off their abilities to anyone of note who can hire. If you're interning, you already are each and every day.

Long term gain for short term pain perhaps?