Ever since I came to college, money has been a big issue. I do have financial aid and loans that cover tuition and housing, but I have to buy my food and other essentials with the money I saved up during high school. I'm not a big spender, in any way, but I'm still pretty sure I won't have enough money to finish out the next 2-3 years of school. Even if I did, it's not like I want to see all my savings fly out the window; I don't want to graduate college with zero dollars!

So now comes the question: should students study and work at the same time? I skimmed through a study that said students who work almost always have lower GPA's than students who don't work. This study also said, however, that students who work may gain valuable experience that will give them an edge when finding a job after college.

Right now I'm trying to decide where I stand. First of all, I don't think I could find a job that would give me that valuable experience in my field unless I already have the college degree. If I got a job, it will be in fast food, Wal-mart or something similar.

I think school can be tough enough as it is. I'm still trying to find the balance...sometimes it seems like I do so much homework that when I'm done I must do something I enjoy so I can de-stress, or I'll just lose it. I don't think I could handle having a job and working during the time I need to free my mind from homework and preserve my sanity.

So I devised a new plan that I have yet to implement. I'm going to start looking online and in the library for more scholarships. When you are awarded excess financial aid, the school writes you a check and that money goes straight in your pocket! So I figure the more scholarships I can work for, the better. If it works, then I can concentrate solely on keeping my grades up; these high grades will allow me to get scholarships and/or renew them, so in a way school will be my job. If nothing else, I'm hoping I can find enough aid to stop taking out a loan every semester.

In the end, I think I will probably have to get a job. And hey, whatever doesn't kill me will only make me stronger. Time will tell.

So, now that I have a forum, I can ask this question: What do you think? Do you think it's a good idea to work while in school? Please join the forum and tell us your views.