For many college students, part- and full-time jobs are a part of the picture. The National Center for Education Statistics estimates that around 40% of full-time college students and 74% of part-time students have jobs, as of 2020. 

EIU students work a variety of jobs like as resident assistants, dining hall workers, convenience store clerks or desk service assistants in residence halls.  

After the job is done, these students head back to campus and deal with homework and classes. Both activities take up time, limiting social life and self-care. 

Junior psychology major Karla Tejada is a staff employee at the EIU Union Bookstore said she has experienced these things.  

“As a student at EIU, obviously your schedule is going to be flexible, but for me I would talk to my manager about how I am feeling so that way I can at least have much more time for myself and balance school better,” Tejada said.   

Burnouts can also play a large role for students working and attending school. With limited time, many students have to cram to get their schoolwork done after work, leading to late nights and feelings of being overwhelmed. 

An American Educational Research Association study found that working college students are around 20% less likely to complete a degree compared to students who are not working.  

Sophomore CIT major and resident assistant Fredy Pedroza said he had a rough experience with burnout.  

“There was a point where I felt like I couldn’t function anymore,” Pedroza said. “Working had made me so unmotivated to the point where I let myself slip up and got behind on so many things. But luckily, I went home for spring break to clear my mind.” 

Though Pedroza has been through tough times, he said he still appreciates the pros of it and knows that he has people to run to for guidance, considering that this is his first position as an RA this school year.  

“My experience being an RA was interesting. For the most part, I enjoy it. I am very thankful to have this staff near me in case I am ever lost,” Pedroza said. “It is a very satisfying job when all the pieces are in their place.” 

As much as the students have trouble trying to stay focused, there are some that have step by step mindset of how to overcome it, like sophomore biochemistry major Jayla Singleton. 

“Is it stressful? Yes. I would take a deep breath and get my mind straight along with reaching out to my resources around me,” Singleton said.  

Singleton said when she is having a hard time, she tells her associate resident director and gets her workload lightened up so it doesn’t happen again.  

She said her residents tend to struggle as well but tries her best to help them too as she says   

“It does feel good getting to know the residents and getting to help them go through what I go to, so that way we can all succeed together,” Singleton said. 

Koria Downs can be reached at 581-2812 or at kdowns@eiu.edu.