Survey says 71 percent of college dropouts cited job as factor

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Keara McKnight is no stranger to stress. It is a feeling that creeps up some weeks all to easily.

But who could blame the Jackson senior?

McKnight is taking a full course load of 12 credit hours as an art and photography major and, when she is not studying, she works about 20 hours a week at Staples, 2135 S. Mission St.

“It is stressful,” McKnight said. “It is very hard to balance work and trying to get time in the studio for projects.”

McKnight’s job keeps her motivated to finish school and move on. But for some students, the pressure of work and school is just too much.

According to a national survey, 71 percent of young adults who quit college cited work as a factor in their decision. Thirty-five percent of those who dropped out said they tried to balance work and college studies, but found it too stressful.

The report, titled “With Their Whole Lives Ahead of Them,” was released in December by Public Agenda, a non-partisan nonprofit research group, and surveyed 614 adults between the ages of 22 and 30.

Julia Sherlock, director of Career Services, said the number one challenge new students face is time management.

If students do not organize and prioritize, she said, they can become a victim of their own schedule.

“If you don’t manage your life,” Sherlock said, “life is going to manage you, and that’s where things can become complicated—ending with dropping out of college.”

Be organized, healthy

Jana Lewis, assistant director of Career Services, said stress is often caused by an urge to complete a seemingly impossible to-do list in a short amount of time. That would include being a full-time student with a job.

Lewis said students should plan their projects and papers well before the due date and suggests a healthy lifestyle of eating right, exercising and getting enough sleep.

With each student being different, she said there is no set number of hours recommended to work.

“If you can, work in a field related to the position you hope to obtain after graduation,” Lewis said.

It is important for students to work with their employers too, she said, and try to develop a consistent work schedule.

“This will help develop a school/homework routine and manage your sleeping pattern,” Lewis said.

Kristin Willis, a Battle Creek senior, double-majors in psychology and child development, works 10 hours a week and tutors children with reading difficulties.

Even Willis cannot imagine being a full-time student and employee and does not know how anyone could juggle the two.

“It stresses me out working only 10 hours a week and going to school full time,” Willis said. “It is hard because you want down time. When you get it you still have things to do and then your downtime isn’t as enjoyable as you wanted it to be.”