Students work for various different reasons: as part of a university course (such as vet nursing), to improve a CV - but mainly because they need the money! Finding funds was a major concern for me as for for all full-time students. 
If making a complete fool of myself was a way to break the ice, I certainly succeeded. | | Jules Curtis |
Landing a job that would not affect my studies and vaguely help reduce my fatally large overdraft wasn't just necessary, it was essential. My solution was to get a job at a local night club where my friends and I were regulars. This way I could earn some pocket money while still having some social life, see friends and juggle college work during the day. The first night was an experience! After a terrifying 20 minutes trying to figure out the tills, I got the hang of it. Challenge The nights generally consisted of heavy-duty smiling and flirting, which proved to be quite effective as the tips started rolling in! Then, just as I was getting the hang of it, my boss decided to set me a challenge. I was sent up on stage to do a routine that I had never seen before, let alone performed! Well, if making a complete fool of myself was a way to break the ice, I certainly succeeded. I looked a complete fool and ended up laughing hysterically as I bungled along attempting (unsuccessfully) to imitate the other dancers. Customers were generally easy-going, and ranging from serious eye-candy to middle-aged men who flirt in the vain hope of an ego boost or a free drink.  | | Jules found a bar job a good way of combining work and social life - but beware of unwanted attention! |
Booze however, can seriously affect this behaviour, and attract unwelcome attention. On one particularly bizarre night, a man came over, announced his undying love and then told me he was going to take me to "his secret special place". A little daunted, I told him I was spoken for and at the end of the night, asked one of the bouncers to walk me to my car as a precaution. To my horror, the man was hiding behind my car waiting for me. Needless to say, I don't think I have ever driven home so fast in my life. Embarrassing - and sometimes potentially hazardous - experiences like this are among the pitfalls of working life. Depending on the shifts you work, you also run the risk of having very little spare time, no social life and being permanently tired. The upside is the increased feeling of independence and the boost to your funds - even you spend it all the next time you get a night out! The challenge is to find the right balance so that you are not working just to survive. Juliet Curtis YOUR STUDENT JOB STORIES | The job: Working in a timber yard
What was good about it? The start was fantastic, being paid for not doin' much because you just start and don't know much
What was bad about it? Once you get the hang of it accidents are regularly common, bruised arms, legs, hands and also cuts, and scracthes
Any other comment? To work in a timber yard it's not all what it's cracked up to be, things get tough and you need to have a strong head and a lot of determination. It takes a lot out of you and you become easily tired.
Marcus Tarantino - Gloucester |
What's the best - or worst - student job YOU have ever had? Tell us your experiences and we'll publish them on BBC Gloucestershire.
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