Flexibility, fun, funding keys for students’ part-time jobs
by Rhonda Cookus
reporter

Smelling like greasy food or alcohol is not what an employee wants after a long shift on his feet; however, it seems bartending or waiting tables is what many college students prefer.

With these types of jobs come instant money or extra shifts when rent is due, but some TCC students have found other jobs to help maintain their living circumstances without the extra smells.

Bryce Reed, 21, has worked as a valet at H3 Ranch and Stockyard Hotel for three years.

Right now he is trying to finish his pre-pharmacy classes on the NW Campus so next year he can apply to a pharmacy school.

“ My job there is good. The managers are awesome, and it’s a good position for people who can’t live paycheck to paycheck,” he said. “The managers also allow time to study when we’re not busy.”

Reed explained what makes his job so helpful.

“ With the economy being as bad as it is, many people are making less money, especially those who work off tips. But here, we have not had to take much of a pay cut,” he said.

Although jobs that require living almost completely off tips are perfect for some students, others need more guarantee that they will always make a certain amount or receive a steady paycheck.

J.B. Huddleston, a 20-year-old nursing major on the NW Campus, has worked at John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth for a year and a half.

“ I want to join the fire academy and be a nurse part-time, and this job helps me with my future. It’s good experience before I actually start my upcoming career,” he said.

At JPS, Huddleston is an emergency technician and learns how to help with the numerous different conditions brought into the emergency room.

“ My bosses are very flexible with my school schedule but still give me plenty of hours,” he said.

Along with offering a flexible work schedule, some jobs provide benefits to help employees in school.

Matt Doane, a NW student, is majoring in wildlife management because he hopes to be a game warden. He has worked one year for UPS as a loader.

“ I get weekends off, and it’s easy to move up in the company,” he said.

As an encouragement to all future UPS employees, Doane would like to remind everyone, “What can brown do for you?”

Some students are continuing to rely on jobs they had in high school. These occupations were flexible and decent paying. Plus, after staying with the employer for so long, students gained more seniority.

Scott Stewart, 23, is majoring in history on NW Campus. He has worked for four years at Accent Stones, where he is in concrete management.

“Along with being flexible with school, my job has helped me to learn responsibility,” he said. “It has taught me how to balance work and school and pass up the temptation to go out with my friends every night.”

Stewart said that his job has taught him financial management with buying books and paying rent.

“ I am no longer careless with my money,” he said.

Some students have learned to turn a high school passion into an enjoyable job.

While playing baseball in high school, Kyle Mahaffey, 20, became an umpire for a little league field, Wild West Officials Association.

Mahaffey, another NW student, is still unsure of his future plans but enjoys the interaction with children. Mahaffey said he is well paid and works around school.

Travis Vawter, a 22-year-old NW Campus student, is currently working on a degree in zoology. He has been a delivery driver for Domino’s Pizza for almost four years.

Although Vawter’s present job was not a high school passion, it is a low-stress job.

“ I can focus more of my energy on school rather than my job,” he said.

Vawter said his managers give him plenty of hours on the weekends but enough time off during the week to study.

“ I’ve learned how to manage my time, and my circumstances help me to get ready for the real world,” he said.

Even with the high temptation to pursue a short-term career in bartending or waiting tables, some undergraduates prefer not to deal with demanding customers or drunk patrons.

For many students, other, less stressful choices are available.

Last Updated: 4/21/2004
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