Learning while working is no longer an option, but a need
Ms. Vu Tuong Thanh (from Phu Tho) - a second-year student at Hanoi National University of Education, shared: " Going to work part-time is almost mandatory if you want to take care of yourself when living away from home. accommodation, food, tuition... at least 4 million VND per month. My family is in the countryside, my parents are farmers, so I don't want to ask for more. Working part-time helps me reduce the burden on my family.
Currently, Ms. Thanh works as a waitress at a coffee shop on Duy Tan Street (Cau Giay Ward, Hanoi City), earning from 20,00025,000 VND/hour. Because the school schedule is not too tight, she works part-time, earning about 3 million VND per month, with this amount of money just enough for her to cover living expenses.
"After finishing the final period of school, I have to run to work right away, sometimes I come back to the rented room at nearly 10 o'clock at night, tired and leave, but the next morning I still have to wake up early to go to class. Although it was hard, I felt happy because I could take care of myself. In addition to earning more income, I also accumulate experience and practice practical work skills, said Ms. Thanh.
Independence in the city
Choosing the path of studying and working, Mr. Nguyen Huu Hieu (from Ha Tinh) - a first-year student at Hanoi University of Natural Resources and Environment - said that before he only knew how to study, but when he went to university, he learned how to calculate spending, manage time and appreciate the value of money more.
"Going to work part-time is another school, where there are no scores but there are valuable lessons. More than learning how to take responsibility at work, I also learn how to behave, communicate and maintain myself under pressure, Mr. Hieu shared.
According to Mr. Hieu, those skills cannot be acquired only through lectures, but must be practiced through practical experience. Each job gives me a different perspective on life. Thanks to that, I know how to appreciate my labor and make more efforts for the future, Mr. Hieu added.
Also from Ha Tinh with Mr. Hieu, Ms. Nguyen Bao Ngoc - a student at Hanoi National University - also started working part-time from her first year of university. At first, she just wanted to earn some spending money to help her depend on her parents. But the more she works, the more she realizes that overtime work not only brings in income, but is also a valuable opportunity to learn. "Now I consider working part-time as part of my studies," Ms. Ngoc shared.
Every penny earned is the result of time, effort, and even tears. Before, I spent money quite comfortably, but since making my own money, I have been more hesitant. Now when I go to the supermarket, looking at the price of each dish, I only choose the things that are really necessary. In addition, the work helps me gain more practical experience, know how to work in groups, communicate and handle situations, skills that books cannot teach, said Ms. Ngoc.
According to Ms. Ngoc, working part-time also helps her practice her sense of responsibility, the ability to withstand pressure and understanding others. For her, the years of studying and working are the journey to adulthood and learning to live independently.
