I am looking to go back to college and finish my physics degree. I’m trying to find some type of job where I will have downtime where I will be able to study some during work, while at the same time, a fairly flexible job for when things are busier or slower with college.
Last time I was attending college, I was able to get a part-time job at a reception desk in the college. It was great, as I had a lot of free time to study, while I was working, and they gave me quite a bit of flexibility when exams were coming up and such, so long as I gave them a bit of a heads up in advance.
Looking for something at this point outside of the college, as it has been years since I have been to college, and I have a lot of catching up to do on the material before I start.
Sorry…not enough info. It sounds like your last college job was a work study job…and some do have the flexibility you are describing.
There are some on and off campus jobs at some places that will offer you flexibility in terms of your exams, etc. BUT I would plan on actually working while you are at work.
Pet sitting/house sitting. We pay people to sit on our couch and watch tv when we are on vacation so our pets aren’t lonely. You can pick your jobs, so scheduling is flexible.
Evening receptionist at an Assisted Living facility or similar. Super busy all day until around 7:30 pm, and then an occasional phone call, late visitor or pharmacy delivery. But at several facilities I’ve visited regularly, the evening shift all seemed to be college students with a book on the desk, an empty visiting area, and plenty of quiet.
You won’t get much flexibility in terms of getting time off- but PLENTY of opportunities for overtime if you’re willing to work holidays, stay past 11 when the night coverage cancels…
Thanks for the suggestions. And yes, I do have a job currently, but no, they won’t be willing to work with me on schedule, and it is a VERY demanding sales job. I won’t be able to juggle working for them and going to college full-time (and with how old I am already and the time needed to get a physics doctoral, full-time is my only option imo).
I’m actually already looking to leave my current job because I moved a few months ago, and I went from a 15min commute, to a 1.5hr commute… each way. So yea, 3hrs of my day just driving, and I can’t study very efficiently while driving (although I certainly try, lol)
You might look for a campus job that fits your experience.
I know you said you didn’t want an on-campus job, but I am not sure why not. My kid found a job related to finance (her planned career area) within the department of student organizations. It pays more than minimum wage, but they accommodate her schedule.
It seems to me your sales skills might make you a good fit in the admissions or communications or fundraising areas, for example.
Thank you for the feedback. The only reason I’m not considering options at campus currently is because I’m not actually attending yet. I would imagine most the jobs that are not demanding at the college would be given to students over prospective students. But, it’s definitely something I could look at as well
I get it now. Maybe gig work is your best option. Back in the day, I signed up with temp agencies during some school breaks. The work wasn’t reliably steady, but it was flexible. Or look for seasonal work?
I doubt you’d be able to do any studying while working but hospitals are run 24/7 and can be very flexible with what days or nights you’re available. I did patient registration in all areas of a large hospital and could work pretty much whenever especially in the Emergency department. It paid much better than minimum wage. I would increase or decrease my hours as needed - with notice of course. Think of them like a self contained city needing lots of people to make it work