Temporary Adult

Students who work part-time while pursuing their studies… How do they strike the balance?

Written By: Tan Ariane | Photos By: NYP SU

Similar to many other students, Sze Wei Xiang took up a part-time job to earn extra pocket money to buy stuff that he wants.

Wei Xiang, 21, is an Accountancy and Finance student in Nanyang Polytechnic pursuing his internship at Tan Wee Tin & Co. Additionally, he has been working as a part-time service crew at A Poke Theory for a year now.

As he worked, he became more independent and helped to ease his family’s financial burden.

Having a part-time job for seven years now, Wei Xiang realised that there is more to a part-time job than earning extra pocket money.

“The experiences and etiquette gained through part-time jobs are stuff I feel that everyone needs to have,” he emphasised.

Struggles

Although there are positive outcomes from a part-time job, Wei Xiang faces challenges juggling both work and studies.

Currently, he is undergoing his internship and is also actively involved in his Co-Curricular Activity (CCA), Foreign Bodies, which requires his attendance on weekday nights.

This busy period has taken a toll on him. “The lack of rest made it even more challenging to keep me going,” said Wei Xiang.

Overcoming Challenges

However, Wei Xiang handles setbacks positively. To properly plan his schedule, he notes down his weekly schedule through a mobile planner application.

He also ensures that he has rest days for him to recharge after a tiring week.

Supportive Ones

Even though Wei Xiang is a determined person, there are times where he felt like giving up. He said: “There are days that I just want to put everything on hold and run away to take a long break”.

However, he is thankful for the people around him that keeps him motivated till today.

“My job’s environment plays a big part in me sustaining it. The people are nice and understanding of the schedules we have,” said Wei Xiang.

Wei Xiang is also grateful that he can meet friends who share the same passion as him.

He enjoys dancing. He said: “It’s a bonus activity that you’re passionate about and have the heart to go for it. You can just momentarily put down the hectic schedules that you have on your back and truly enjoy spending time doing what you like, with your friends.”

Life Lesson

“Perseverance” is one important value learned from his experiences. Although there are days where he felt like giving up, Wei Xiang persevered through hard times with determination and support from the people around him.

He also learned that one should always have proper self-care. “It’s important to rest for a day or two to properly care for oneself, and to keep going for the remainder of their schedules afterward,” he shared.