Studying and working as a student in Jamaica

Studying and working as a student in Jamaica can be described as dynamic, exciting and challenging. There are several intricacies associated with this dual role that you need to be aware of in order to successfully navigate it.

It comes down to your ability to multitask, persevere and handle stressful situations. In Jamaica, there are socio-economic factors that impact how individuals pursue their journey as a working student. There are Jamaican students who, while studying, have jobs to finance their college and university education and have to sustain themselves and their families. Every student’s situation is different.

Pursuing dual roles or a multiplicity of tasks simultaneously within the higher education space is nothing new. Studying and working is a worldwide phenomenon in colleges and universities, but it is the stories from the students that make the difference.

I have been reflecting on my journey since I began studying part-time as a graduate student and working full time. I must admit that it hasn’t been easy especially when you work in a dynamic field such as sports in a diverse country. But it has been fulfilling.

There are a number of things in Jamaica that can distract or burden working students: from the demands of meeting work deadlines in sometimes understaffed departments to the many spiralling school assignments you have to complete.

It could also be the temptation of wanting to go to a social event, which is a weekly occurrence here. For instance, I have been labelled boring, a workaholic and even antisocial whenever I have not been able to find the time to partake in unrelated school or work activities. However, I knew that studying and working at the same time was going to be challenging but gratifying because I am advancing myself personally and professionally.

Similarly, Fiona Binns, who works full time and is a graduate student, says manoeuvring both responsibilities “builds mental fortitude and forces one to create even more efficient time-management practices”. She also shares that the process is sometimes challenging because both require 100 per cent focus.

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Imagine being a full-time undergraduate university student with set class schedules and two part-time jobs. This is Kimberly Grey’s situation, and she describes it as both difficult and flexible: “I have managed to balance because of the understanding supervisors I have…It is still a lot because sometimes you are leaving classes to go directly to work.” She admits, though, that it has been rewarding – especially because it teaches her how to handle complex situations by applying practical solutions.

One thing that makes about studying and working in Jamaica easier is if you are conducting both roles at the same location. Fortunately, I am in this category, and this has really benefited me because I can rush from work straight to classes and use the educational facilities all on campus.

Working students who have to travel to and from campus may find it a bit more challenging, especially based on geographic location and the flexibility of their jobs. Jovaughn Neil manages student leaders at the University of the West Indies, Mona and is a graduate student who also appreciates studying and working at the same place because of its convenience. He adds, however, that it can be daunting, and it does require a lot of discipline and commitment, especially when the resources needed are not readily available.

My advice to those working and studying is to always have a schedule with work and school commitments separately. Always remember what your ultimate goal is. Allocate time to unwind, to spend time with family and friends and to do fun things. Also, when it becomes overwhelming, take a break and, like we normally do in Jamaica, listen to some dancehall or reggae music.

Read more: How to juggle university with part-time work