Is it OK to do a part time job for gap activity?

[akimhaneul]

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I graduated in 2014 and worked in a biomedical research lab for two years. Then I had some personal issues so I took a break for a while. Now I am looking for a job since I need some income to make a living. I am also planning to study for a MCAT retake to apply during this summer. If I had a part time job like a cashier, in my current situation, would this look bad since its a part time job? Would adcoms look down on the fact that I did not have a full time job since 2016? I thought about having a part time job since this would open up time for mcat and also other activities. Also, mcat is my main flaw in my application right now.

Should I just suck it up and do a full time job? I have noticed that many people are still successful while juggling school or work.


Thanks!

 

[Anti-PD1]

I graduated in 2014 and worked in a biomedical research lab for two years. Then I had some personal issues so I took a break for a while. Now I am looking for a job since I need some income to make a living. I am also planning to study for a MCAT retake to apply during this summer. If I had a part time job like a cashier, in my current situation, would this look bad since its a part time job? Would adcoms look down on the fact that I did not have a full time job since 2016? I thought about having a part time job since this would open up time for mcat and also other activities. Also, mcat is my main flaw in my application right now.

Should I just suck it up and do a full time job? I have noticed that many people are still successful while juggling school or work.


Thanks!

What did you do when you 'took a break for a while'?

Without a good MCAT score, you're dead in the water. Of course you can work part time. Also, have no reservations about working as a cashier. I personally think working in the service industry is an asset on one's application. I would not shift to full time for fear of what adcoms think. You need time to study for your MCAT. After you take the test, you can ramp up your hours.

 

[akimhaneul]

What did you do when you 'took a break for a while'?

Without a good MCAT score, you're dead in the water. Of course you can work part time. Also, have no reservations about working as a cashier. I personally think working in the service industry is an asset on one's application. I would not shift to full time for fear of what adcoms think. You need time to study for your MCAT. After you take the test, you can ramp up your hours.

During that break, I really didn't do much other than a little bit of volunteering. I also stayed with my mother while she went through chemo for 6 months.

Thanks for your advice! It was either something like a cashier job or working full time in another research lab so I'll think about it.

 

[ciestar]

Working in retail is the biggest reality check to humanity there is. You learn patience quickly.
Unless you’re a porn star, I highly doubt any part time job would be looked down upon. You need an income, so you’re getting one.