More and more students are breaking into the work force during university and many believe it has a negative impact on their studies, according to a study by the Fédération étudiante universitaire du Québec (FEUQ).

The study, called “Paid work and university studies (PDF), looked into the amount of hours students worked, the effect it had on their education and the reasons behind seeking paid work.

The FEUQ is concerned with the increases to university tuition and the lack of financial aid available in the form of scholarships and loans.

“Minimum wage has increased, which is a good thing, but unfortunately, the [financial aid] has not been adjusted,” FEUQ President Martine Desjardins, told Métro Montréal. “And 52 per cent of students who benefit from scholarships and loans also have private debt.”

Key findings from the study

Employment rate in 1978-79 for full time students aged 20-24: 25 per cent

Employment rate in the 2000s: 55 per cent

43.6 per cent of students find work to have a negative impact on their studies.

32.4 per cent say that work was the reason they took longer to complete their degree.

42.4 per cent of undergraduate students work more than 20 hours a week.

Did you, or do you currently, work while studying? Leave a comment to tell us what you think.

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