Are you a student who works or a worker who goes to school?

Most students work at least one job. Many workers attend school. At some point the question becomes are you a student who works or a worker who goes to school? The reply to this question is a matter of emphasis. And emphasis can be quantified by time. Simply put, what do you spend more time on, work or school? During summer the answer is simple. For the most part you spend time at work. You are a worker.

During the rest of the year what do you spend most of your time on? The time you spend will tell the tale. One handy reference is if you spend more time on work than school you are a worker who goes to school. There is a simple but subtle difference here. And it is this difference which may explain your frustration with your college progress so far. Specifically, if you look over your schedule for the past three semesters you might see how much time you are actually spending on work. With this simple formula you may realize that your resources have been allocated to working. Had you put this same emphasis on school you might be progressing faster. But you can't because you need the dollars that work generates. To restate, your time resources are being traded for the money it takes to survive and hopefully finish school.

With this awareness you can make informed decisions. For example you may revise your projected graduation date more realistically. You are going to make it, but it will take longer than you thought. So, press on realizing that you are trading your time for your education. Somewhat indirectly but eventually your efforts will pay off with the degree you seek. Press on.