So now we’re fully immersed in essay deadlines and exam revision, I’ve found myself looking back to the precious four weeks of Christmas break and wondering if I spent them wisely. I currently work as a seasonal colleague for a supermarket back at home, and in total, I worked over 60 hours for them during the Christmas holidays. But should I have spent those 60 hours focusing on my degree? Here’s my list of the pros and cons of working during the holidays:
Pros:
Working = money
Pretty straightforward. Working over the holidays is a great way to earn some extra cash. This can come in handy if you’re brave enough to venture out for the January sales, or sensible enough to do it online!
All important work experience
Whether it’s paid or voluntary, working whilst you’re not at uni is the perfect chance to pad out your CV with work experience. It also shows your future employer you didn’t spend four weeks in front of Netflix!
Connections
Getting a job over the holidays gives you the opportunity to network and build up useful contacts for the future. If your employer wants to keep you on, it also means you’ve got a source of income to return to next time you’re at home.
Cons:
Neglecting your degree
If you work too much, there’s a danger of not having enough time to complete your essays and revision. Of course, our deadlines and exams are always within days of each other, so falling behind can be pretty stressful!
Missing out
Missing out on festivities is definitely something you risk if you choose to work over the Christmas break. This year I had to work on Christmas Eve, Boxing Day and New Year’s Eve. Ultimately, not only did I miss out on the exciting build up to Christmas, I also didn’t get a chance to enjoy the Christmas/ New Year events themselves.
Not seeing your friends and family enough
Taking on too much work when you’re home from uni could result in you not being able to see your friends and family as much as you’d hoped. Also, how are you going to spend all that money you’ve worked so hard for if you haven’t got enough time to go out with them?
Now, the real question is how much should I work when I go home for Easter? And will I be getting a job during the summer break?
Edited by Georgina Varley
Image sources:
http://collegecandy.com/2013/03/06/make-it-rain-gifs/#!gallery-202179-202185-0
http://giphy.com/gifs/cat-working-kitten-4bAEIAB84zPwc
http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/3u8ysq