We all arrive at that stage sometime or another when we contemplate quitting our part time job during the HSC.
This is often the case when it comes to an HSC student who is dealing with various kinds of stress from different sources in their life and is working a part time job.
But just before you make your decision, we’ve put together our top 4 reasons for when you can justifiably quit your part time job during the HSC.
So, let’s dig into it!
Reason #1: You can’t cope with the school workload
Reason #2: Your job is becoming an unhealthy distraction
Reason #3: Your job is tiring you out mentally or physically
Reason #4: Your job is stressing you out
You can also check out Rowan’s video below on how to maintain a casual job while studying for your HSC!
Reason #1: You can’t cope with the school workload
If you’re beginning to fall behind in homework or assignments and feel as though you can barely keep up with assessment tasks, you’re most likely feeling overwhelmed trying to balance school life and work life.
You might notice that your afternoon, evenings or weekends are spent working your part time job or trying to catch up on schoolwork that you haven’t managed to make time for.
It’s in instances like these where you might want to consider quitting your part time job so that you can put all your time and effort into your HSC studies.
Alternatively, you can speak with your manager and either request them to decrease your shifts or perhaps grant you leave for the time being.
If your employer agrees to either, then you don’t need to quit, at least for now.
Reason #2: Your job is becoming an unhealthy distraction
It’s great to have a part time job during the HSC when you need some time to think about or do something other than studying. Part time jobs can present an escape or way to relax during your HSC.
However, if you find that your part time job is becoming more of a distraction than a positive break from studying, it may be time to consider quitting.
You might find that your job isn’t benefiting you in any way; such as building important skills, there’s lots of work drama, your manager is being too demanding or you find that your team members aren’t being very cooperative.
If this is the case, it’s okay to walk away from your part time job, particularly if you find yourself wrapped up in thinking about your part time job rather than studying.
So, instead of putting up with it, if this is affecting your it would be the best decision for you to quit your part time job. You want to be immersed in your HSC, not your part time job!
Reason #3: Your job is tiring you out mentally or physically
You can burn out very easily during the HSC, particularly from studying and dealing with the pressure to do well.
If you find that your part time job is adding to this stress or is draining your physically, you should consider quitting your job or finding a way to cope with your work.
Your job might require you to be on your feet constantly, such as working in a cafe or at the cash register all day, which can easily tire you out.
To cope with this, remember to get adequate rest when you get back from work so that you can recuperate, rather than jumping into some study.
If it’s mentally tiring, such as a part time job in tutoring or baby sitting, then remember to relax from time to time and give yourself a break.
However, if you find that you’re still feeling drained, it’s probably best that you quit your part time job.
Reason #4: Your job is stressing you out
You don’t need more stress in your life than you already have being an HSC student!
If your job is stressing you out by either being too demanding or too strenuous, you should seriously consider going on a temporary or permanent hiatus.
Remember your priorities – they may be the finishing HSC, attaining an ATAR, going to university, tertiary education or TAFE and keep them in the forefront of your mind before making any decision.
Whilst there are numerous benefits of having a part time job, it can sometimes do more harm than good, depending on one’s situation.
Ultimately, know yourself and know when it’s all getting too much for you.
You don’t need to necessarily quit your job to get a bit more balance in your life – sometimes organising and assessing can help.
Looking for some help to actually pick up a job? Check out how to write your first resume here!
However, at times, quitting is the only option, for the sake of your own sanity. So heed the warning signs and take action before it’s too late!
Looking for some extra help with your HSC studies?
We pride ourselves on our inspirational HSC coaches and mentors!
We offer tutoring and mentoring for Years K-12 in a variety of subjects, with personalised lessons conducted one-on-one in your home or at our state of the art campus in Hornsby!
To find out more and get started with an inspirational tutor and mentor get in touch today!Â
Give us a ring on 1300 267 888, email us at [email protected] or check us out on Facebook!
Mansahaj Kaur completed her HSC in 2015 and now studies Bachelor of Commerce/Laws at USyd. She thinks that English is the most versatile and loveable language on planet Earth and she loves dabbling in anything English related, writing included. But then again, this could be because she hasn’t learnt French or German or Japanese yet. But it’s on her bucket list, mind you! Her desire to learn another language or two is only matched by her passion for eclectic tones and mystery dramas- yes yes, Sherlock, too. She is an avid reader and writer, her favourite series still being Harry Potter, despite her having read numerous renowned classics. Mansahaj likes to think that by becoming a lawyer, she might be able to make a slight, small-as-your-pinkie, teensy difference in the world; but that could be wishful thinking!
