No time to teen: These youths juggle school and work part-time to support their families

A growing number of young adults are balancing the demands of education with the necessity of part-time work, often to support their families. Recent accounts highlight the financial pressures faced by students and the difficult trade-offs they make between earning income and academic success.

Financial Burdens and Educational Pursuits

Of five young people interviewed, four come from single-parent households and have taken on jobs to alleviate financial strain. Ms. Nur Aqeelah Haslin, 21, has worked various part-time positions – including roles at a student care centre, wedding banquets, and a clinic – since her secondary school years. Her earnings contribute to her own expenses, savings, and financial assistance to her mother and grandparents.

Mr. Teo Zhi Xian, 25, has also consistently held part-time jobs in the food and beverage industry since secondary school. He described a reciprocal support system with a close friend, where they financially assist each other when needed.

Did You Know? Ms. Nur Aqeelah Haslin completed a diploma in international business in one-and-a-half years.

The Impact on Studies and Well-being

The pursuit of income while studying isn’t without its challenges. Ms. Nur Aqeelah recalled a period in 2024 where taking on too many gig work jobs alongside her student care centre shifts led to illness during examinations, negatively impacting her grades. She expressed regret, stating she prioritized finances over her studies.

Mr. Teo Zhi Xian noted that balancing work and school became more difficult when he began studying for his National Institute of Technical Education (ITE) Certificate, due to longer school days stretching from 8am to 6pm, coupled with group work commitments. He had found it easier to manage while attending Assumption Pathway School.

The emotional toll of this balancing act is also significant. Ms. Nur Aqeelah described feeling distressed about missing family time, often unable to have dinner or meaningful conversations with her mother and three siblings before they went to sleep, and experiencing emotional stress that sometimes led to tears.

Expert Insight: The accounts illustrate a common dilemma for young people facing economic hardship: the need to contribute financially to their families can come at the expense of their own educational attainment and well-being. This highlights the complex interplay between economic circumstances and personal development.

Looking Ahead

Ms. Nur Aqeelah has recently graduated and is now seeking full-time employment, hoping to eliminate the need to juggle work and school. Mr. Teo Zhi Xian continues to work part-time while navigating his educational and professional path. It is possible that both individuals will find greater stability with full-time employment, but the challenges of financial insecurity may persist. A possible next step for others in similar situations could involve seeking financial aid or exploring alternative educational pathways with reduced costs. Analysts expect that the need for young people to work while studying will likely continue as long as economic pressures remain.

Frequently Asked Questions

What percentage of the young people interviewed came from single-parent families?

Four out of the five young people interviewed came from single-parent families.

What types of jobs has Ms. Nur Aqeelah Haslin held?

Ms. Nur Aqeelah Haslin has worked at a student care centre, as a wedding banquet server, and as a clinic assistant.

What challenges did Mr. Teo Zhi Xian face while studying at ITE?

Mr. Teo Zhi Xian faced longer and less regular curriculum hours while studying for his ITE Certificate, with school days sometimes stretching from 8am to 6pm, in addition to group work.

How might the experiences of these young adults inform broader discussions about economic support for students and families?