Working Students: Balancing Books and Bills

Final Production By Victoria Kompari 

Entrance of the University of Media, Arts and Communication (UniMAC)

University life isn’t just about books and lectures anymore. For many students, it’s also about clocking in, hustling through shifts, and making ends meet. The rising cost of living and limited financial support mean more young people are finding themselves juggling academic deadlines with work schedules. For them, education is not just an academic pursuit, it is also a financial balancing act.

According to a Ghana-based study by Tetteh & Attiogbe (2019), combining work and academics significantly reduces the time students can dedicate to learning and this can ultimately affect academic performance. Yet, for many, the choice isn’t about ambition but survival.

Students at UniMAC exchanging ideas and preparing for classes amid their busy schedules

 

Bless Tawiah, a third-year student, works to support himself while in school. He says his secret is effective scheduling. “I make sure I plan my time properly,” he explained, confident that his system helps him keep up with both work and studies. Bless admits the journey is not easy, but his disciplined approach has given him confidence that he can graduate without slipping behind.

Mavis Asare shares a different experience. For her, balancing work and school comes with sacrifices. “Sometimes I don’t get proper sleep, and even weekends aren’t for resting. By Monday, the cycle starts again,” she said. Mavis believes she could be a straight-A student if she focused solely on school, though she admits her grades are not bad. Her experience highlights a reality many students quietly endure: the constant fatigue, the lack of rest, and the feeling of always being on the move.

Franklin Adjotor, a lecturer, sees both sides of the story. While he notes that most students in his Level 200 class struggle academically, he has also taught a few who excel despite their workload. “It’s all about time management,” he explained, emphasizing that success depends on how students organize their schedules. Here’s what he had to say in more detail.

The broader question, however, remains: at what cost? While working builds resilience, independence, and financial responsibility, it can also erode the energy students need for learning. For some, it means missing out on rest, campus activities, or even networking opportunities that could shape their careers. For others, the pressure sharpens their focus and teaches life skills beyond the classroom.

In the end, the balancing act between books and bills is one many students can’t avoid. For some, it builds resilience, discipline, and financial independence. For others, it drains energy, time, and focus leaving academic goals compromised. Whether it’s a sacrifice worth making often depends on the student, their priorities, and just how well they can manage the ticking clock.