One road, many paths

For many high-school students across the nation, the decision whether to enter college or immediately enter the job market is one that is primarily concerned with economics. For many, working part-time is a necessity rather than an option if they desire to attend college. Tuition payments in Indiana can range from the in-state tuition of Ivy Tech Community College at $2,632.50 to the $20,472 required by IU for out-of-state students. Neither number being low in relation to varying students’ economic capabilities, it might be necessary to not only hit the books, but also to carry a waitress tray, hard hat or work laptop. \nHowever, for many college students, whose baby-boomer grandparents and parents started saving money when we little Hoosiers could barely open our eyes or before, working a part-time job during our college careers is a choice, not a necessity. Whether that choice be instigated by the desire for luxury items, the need to stay focused on work at all times, desire for a leg up in the eventual industry of choice or the mere fact that without a job boredom sets in, what is clear is that some could get by without the long hours at work. I, for example, have my housing and tuition paid for fully by my parents, yet for the past two semesters have worked two jobs that consume 45 to 60 hours per week (though I recently quit the second because of time constraints). My reasoning is dual. One, in the summer of 2005, I purchased a brand-new car straight off the lot and have been in debt ever since. Second, I spend enough time at the Indiana Daily Student to gain real-world experience as I deem necessary to be beneficial in job pursuit.\nBut long hours and hard work have their consequences. With so much time focused on work and still having to carry a full schedule of classes, students miss out on some of the social experiences that only college life has to offer. For those required to work, by all means continue and propel yourself to a college degree, which is the most important aspect of university life. For those of you with the choice, it may be worth considering these words from musician Tom Petty.\n“You have four years to be irresponsible here. Relax. Work is for people with jobs. You’ll never remember class time, but you’ll remember time you wasted hanging out with your friends. So, stay out late. Go out on a Tuesday with your friends when you have a paper due Wednesday. Spend money you don’t have. Drink ‘til sunrise. The work never ends, but college does.”\nWhatever decision is made, there is no doubt that each will gain experiences that another will not. Personally, I have very much considered Petty’s comments lately. Reviewing career and social decisions may improve your state of mind. And whether you are a workaholic, an alcoholic or a little of both, remember that there is certainly another route.