Many university students take on part-time jobs to cover living costs or gain experience. But when work starts to steal time from studies, they often realize the price is their health, academic performance – and their future.

A recent survey of 200 students from several universities and colleges revealed that approximately 80% have taken on part-time work during their studies. Of these, 50% work shifts in coffee shops and convenience stores, while 30% pursue freelance roles such as tutoring, sales collaborations, or online gigs.

These figures reflect a growing trend of students working during school. A major driver is the rising cost of living, which pressures many to find part-time work to stay afloat.

When part-time jobs steal students’ time

W-sinh vien lam them2 Ngoc Ha.jpg
Ngoc Minh, a third-year marketing student in Hanoi. Photo: Nguyet Ha

Facing financial hardship, Thu An, a third-year student at a university in Ho Chi Minh City, began working night shifts at a convenience store in her second year, earning just 25,000 VND (about 1 USD) per hour.

“My father used to work in construction, but he had an accident and lost the ability to walk. My mother has heart disease. Though her health is weak, she still runs a small shop to cover expenses and care for my younger sister who’s in fourth grade. I work to cover tuition and ease my mother’s burden,” An shared.

Working from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m., then rushing home for a few hours of sleep before heading to class, An soon became exhausted, unable to concentrate in lectures. As a result, she failed five out of ten important courses in the semester and had to retake them.

She also suffered frequent headaches, insomnia, and prolonged stress.

Currently, An has quit her job at the convenience store to focus on completing the courses she previously failed and catching up with her peers.

Not only students in hardship

It’s not just financially struggling students who work part-time. Many from more stable backgrounds also take jobs to gain experience.

Ngoc Minh, a third-year marketing student at a college in Hanoi, didn’t face financial hardship. Her parents run a modest breakfast food stall in Hai Duong and provide a comfortable living.

From her freshman year, Minh started working at a marketing firm. She enjoyed valuable experience - from planning campaigns and launching ads to meeting clients - and earned a decent income.

W-sinh vien lam them.jpg
Outside class, students seize opportunities to work part-time and earn income. Photo: Nguyet Ha

“I make around 9 million VND (360 USD) a month, plus bonuses, so I can buy whatever I want without asking my parents for money. It feels like a step toward independence and a head start in building my career,” she said.

However, as work demands increased, Minh was eventually asked to commit to full-time hours and even overtime.

Caught in the work cycle, she gradually found herself with little time for study.

Now, after three years, she still hasn’t graduated on schedule. She needs to retake five foundational and six major-specific courses. Her studies may extend a year longer than expected.

“I regret prioritizing income over academics. While my friends have graduated and moved on, I’m still stuck trying to finish my remaining classes,” Minh admitted.

How to balance work and study?

According to Vuong Doan Duc, a lecturer at the Academy of Journalism and Communication, most universities and colleges today - like Hanoi University of Science and Technology and National Economics University - run career orientation and job counseling programs to help students clarify goals and choose suitable jobs.

“Part-time jobs are beneficial if students manage their schedules well. Work can provide income and build life skills. However, education must remain the top priority. University years are precious - and once lost, hard to regain,” Duc emphasized.

He noted that schools play a key role in guiding students to understand that while earning is essential, knowledge, degrees, and expertise are long-term assets for the future. Overworking can leave students fatigued, neglectful of studies, and deprived of crucial opportunities.

Students, on their part, must learn to manage time wisely, take care of their health, and set clear boundaries.

“Maintaining balance helps students perform well academically while developing life discipline - both vital traits for adulthood. Don’t let part-time work become a trap that derails your studies and future,” Duc advised.

Nguyet Ha