School vs. Higher Paying Activity

[WSUWarrior2014]

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Hey SDNers,


I have a tough decision to make. I have recently been offered significant pay at job X I was working at. In order to accept it, I will have to drop my janitorial job (no regrets there) but I will also have to discontinue TAing which is one of my favorite activities. With TAing, I have a small income, an almost guaranteed LOR, and a solid activity I genuinely enjoy. However, the job I have been offered will allow me to pay off my loans for undergrad pretty quickly. It runs from evenings to 2-3 AM. I am really in a fix here. Also, job X is not something I want on my app. I was planning on dropping it but was unable to find significant paying job this semester so I am really considering taking job X's level-up offer. I am planning to apply for the 2014 cycle. What should I do?

 

[deleted550985]

Hey SDNers,


I have a tough decision. I have recently been offered significant pay at job X I was working at. In order to accept it, I will have to drop my janitorial job (no regrets there) but I will also have to discontinue TAing which is one of my favorite activities. With TAing, I have a small income, an almost guaranteed LOR, and a solid activity I genuinely enjoy. However, the job I have been offered will allow me to pay off my loans for undergrad pretty quickly. It runs from evenings to 2-3 AM. I am really in a fix here. Also, this new job is NOT something I want showing up on my application. I am planning to apply for the 2014 cycle. What should I do?

I'm curious, what is the job? Because a high paying job that runs from evenings to 2-3 AM and you wouldn't put on applications.... well, I can't think of many possibilities.

 

[BlueLabel]

I'm curious, what is the job? Because a high paying job that runs from evenings to 2-3 AM and you wouldn't put on applications.... well, I can't think of many possibilities.

My guess is bartender. OP, I think you need to balance the financial benefit of the job against the strength of your application. Since it seems you expect this job will burn up a bunch of your time, it could hurt your chances, as it already is potentially doing by making you quit your TA gig.

On the other hand, if you really do need the money, then do what you gotta do. And if that is the case, I think you shouldn't be ashamed of admitting it on your application (assuming it actually is bartending and not something really untoward).

 

[staygoldponyboy]

Maybe talk to the professor you TA for, and let them know your situation. Loans and finances are real concerns, and he or she would understand that, and maybe there are other paying jobs that he or she would be aware of?

 

[SN12357]

Hey SDNers,


I have a tough decision to make. I have recently been offered significant pay at job X I was working at. In order to accept it, I will have to drop my janitorial job (no regrets there) but I will also have to discontinue TAing which is one of my favorite activities. With TAing, I have a small income, an almost guaranteed LOR, and a solid activity I genuinely enjoy. However, the job I have been offered will allow me to pay off my loans for undergrad pretty quickly. It runs from evenings to 2-3 AM. I am really in a fix here. Also, job X is not something I want on my app. I was planning on dropping it but was unable to find significant paying job this semester so I am really considering taking job X's level-up offer. I am planning to apply for the 2014 cycle. What should I do?

Per your post in WAMC, you are not going to have a problem getting in next year. Pick the job that you're most at peace with--if that means paying off your school loans, then that one. If it'll make you happier to not do that job, then keep your TA job. It's really not going to swing your application one way or the other given your other positives.