Balancing Part-Time Jobs with Studies: A Desi Student’s Survival Guide
Yaar, is balancing a job with uni harder than a Karachi wedding dawat schedule?
So this one time, my friend came late to class straight from his part-time shift at a burger joint. He smelled like fries, the teacher asked him a question, and he answered with “Would you like ketchup with that?” 😂. That’s when I realized balancing work and studies isn’t just a struggle, it’s an extreme sport.
Balancing part-time jobs with studies requires time management, setting priorities, and learning to say “no” to both Netflix binges and unnecessary overtime.
Why It Matters
Let’s be real: in Pakistan, a part-time job isn’t just for “pocket money.” For many of us, it’s about survival; tuition fees, hostel rent, or just enough to keep drinking chai at our favorite chai spots in Karachi.
- Jobs build responsibility (and dark circles)
- You learn money management better than any Excel tutorial
- It preps you for the real world, where deadlines don’t come with grace periods
The Pakistani POV: When Desi Parents Don’t Get It
Try telling your ammi: “Ammi, mujhe part-time job karni hai.” She’ll reply: “Beta, tumhara kaam sirf parhna hai.” Meanwhile, your wallet is crying louder than a PSL fan after a last-ball loss.
Part-time jobs teach us things universities never do:
- Handling customers angrier than your viva examiner
- Negotiating shifts like you negotiate with a Qinqi driver
- Learning shortcuts to survive like how to track your TCS package while attending an online lecture
What Nobody Tells You
Here’s the reality nobody posts on Insta:
- Burnout is real. Working late shifts + early lectures = zombie mode.
- Friends won’t get it. They’ll party while you’re stuck making biryani deliveries.
- Time hacks matter. Use your commute to revise notes or calculate percentages for class prep.
Related Questions People Ask
- How can students balance part-time jobs with studies?
By creating a realistic schedule, setting priorities, and not overcommitting. - Is it worth doing a part-time job as a student?
Yes, if you need financial support or want work experience, but not at the cost of failing classes. - What jobs are best for students in Pakistan?
Tutoring, internships, call centers, café jobs, freelancing.
👉 If freelancing is your vibe, read this: How to Earn Money Online.
Witty Wrap-Up
Balancing a job and studies is like balancing a plate of biryani in one hand and chai in the other, you’ll spill sometimes, but with practice, you’ll nail it.
So, next time you’re stressing over your schedule, remember: even Babar Azam balances batting and captaincy (with critics shouting from all sides). You got this, boss!
Your turn: Share this with that one friend who’s always “too busy with work” but mysteriously free for every cricket match screening.
