I'm, currently studying Computer Science in hopes of being a software developer. My current situation is taking two classes a semester, working ~32hours a week at a big box retailer, and have little time to code between those two responsibilities. I currently live at home with my parents, so I don't really need a job. I hate working in retail(currently working as a cashier supervisor). Even before I got a job, I wanted to wait until after college to get a job. That way I can spend my time in college learning and coding. To hasten my college career, I want to start doing school full time next semester instead of just two classes at night. Because retail is definitely not my career choice, I think my time would be better spent doing something that I enjoy and not something that makes my stomach hurt. On one hand, I have a job in a bad economy. On the other, I am a student and I should be using this time(in a bad economy) to invest in myself so when the economy does pick up, I have skills to get a decent job as a software developer. My dad says he would MUCH rather me focus on school than have a job. My grandparents very adamant about school/education being more important than everything(My grandpa always tells me the store of two associates of his when he worked at Texas Instruments. He wanted to promote one of them, but his managers wouldn't let him because the guy didn't have a degree). The choice is easy for me. Stay home, have time to focus on school and write code instead of dealing with stupid people for 8 hours. But the decision is scary because it isn't exactly easily reversed. It's a big change from how things are right now.

Do you NEED to work besides college?
From what I read it seems your parents are able to support your education on their own and the want you to study more! Maybe you should cut back on your 32(!) hours of work every week and focus on college.

I am at your situation right now but I'm not living at my parent's anymore and I'm too old to benefit from the cheap student offerings (health care, educational assistance...)
Could I travel back in time... I'd do a lot of things differently ^^ Had I just listened to my parents...

EDIT: Assuming you don't really NEED to work: Why are you doing it? Are you really happy with your choice? (Computer science)

I don't NEED the job. I got it because mom was pushing me to get a job, not sure why...probably just to get me off my butt. This was(is?) my first real job. I've learned a lot by it, and have become a lot more sociable with people I've never met before (I was VERY shy before this job) so this job has improved me as a person. At this point I've learned everything that this job can teach, so I think I'm ready to move on.

I'd suggest you go studying full time next semester.
You can always keep a weekend job (If you find one). At the current rate you're neither really working nor are you really studying. Do you really enjoy studying computer science?

Yea, I'm really interested in selling mobile apps to make some money while in college.

Quote: Original post by CirdanValen
I don't NEED the job. I got it because mom was pushing me to get a job, not sure why...probably just to get me off my butt. This was(is?) my first real job. I've learned a lot by it, and have become a lot more sociable with people I've never met before (I was VERY shy before this job) so this job has improved me as a person. At this point I've learned everything that this job can teach, so I think I'm ready to move on.

It sounds like you already know what you should do. Just do it.

College is already a full-time job. Unless you're in a bad situation financially, it's crazy to work on top of that. Education is far more important. I always worked hard during the summers and saved enough money so I never had to work during school.

If you have no financial limitation then why would you not go to school? The only reasons I can see for working and taking night classes are either financial limitation (can't afford school/life without a job) or you have a job in the related field already that can support you and you want to expand your skillset.

If you hate your job, have no financial limitation, and a parent who supports your choice to go to school there is no reason NOT to go to school full time. You'll finish faster, learn more, and probably won't be depressed about your crappy job.

Did you just want us to tell you that you're not stupid for wanting to go to school and quitting the job you hate? It seems like the decision is pretty obvious.

Let's take a step back and look at the pros and cons:

1. It's a retail job. Unless you plan to have a long term career in retail, it's pretty much useless for resume material. You won't gain any extra professional skills by continuing to work there (at least as far as computer science is concerned).
2. You have a job and you get some disposable income. What do you need the money for? Tuition? Books? Rent? Gas? Bills? Food? If you're living with your parents, your living expenses should be quite low. Can you afford to quit?
3. The longer you take in school, the longer it'll take to graduate. The longer it takes to graduate, the later you'll start a professional career. The later you start your professional career, the greater the financial impact on your total lifetime earnings (which could be exponential if you invest early). So, you might actually be losing more money in the long run by working.
4. If every college student thought like I did, not one of them would work and consequently, that would probably crash many parts of the economy. :P
5. Do you like your job and the people there? Is it fulfilling any socializing needs you may have? (I realize school may do that as well)

If you really need money for school, you should consider student loans, grants or scholarships. If I were in your shoes, I would be unhappy and quit right away. Tomorrow, they'd be getting my two weeks notice so maybe that biases my pros and cons list a bit ;)

Thanks for the feedback guys. I'm going to put in my two weeks in December so my last day is before the holidays. That way I can get a few more paychecks in the bank before I quit.

Quote: Original post by slayemin
Let's take a step back and look at the pros and cons:

1. It's a retail job. Unless you plan to have a long term career in retail, it's pretty much useless for resume material. You won't gain any extra professional skills by continuing to work there (at least as far as computer science is concerned).
2. You have a job and you get some disposable income. What do you need the money for? Tuition? Books? Rent? Gas? Bills? Food? If you're living with your parents, your living expenses should be quite low. Can you afford to quit?
3. The longer you take in school, the longer it'll take to graduate. The longer it takes to graduate, the later you'll start a professional career. The later you start your professional career, the greater the financial impact on your total lifetime earnings (which could be exponential if you invest early). So, you might actually be losing more money in the long run by working.
4. If every college student thought like I did, not one of them would work and consequently, that would probably crash many parts of the economy. :P
5. Do you like your job and the people there? Is it fulfilling any socializing needs you may have? (I realize school may do that as well)

If you really need money for school, you should consider student loans, grants or scholarships. If I were in your shoes, I would be unhappy and quit right away. Tomorrow, they'd be getting my two weeks notice so maybe that biases my pros and cons list a bit ;)

6. You'll have more time to relax, to be with your friends, to be with your girlfriend if you just study. You won't burn out and shoot up a McDonald's or your class.