Balancing work and studies

The perseverance to study and stand on their own feet is high amongst the Gen Y. They know that education is important for them. So if  they cannot go to a regular college, they opt for evening colleges or distant learning programmes. The reasons for doing so may vary — working in the mornings, marriage, or helping parents at home. 

Prasad, a second year B Com student in Seshadripuram Evening College said, “I work in the mornings at a call centre. That's why I attend college in the evening. I want to fund my own education and not depend on my parents. The college timings are very convenient for me.”
“Work surely interrupts my studies but I tend to manage by doing last minute studies. There have been times when I have attended an exam in the morning and gone to work in the evening. My parents have no problem with me studying and working,” he added.

“I’m working as an accounts assistant in a company. I like the evening college concept because I have the entire morning for other things. The number of students are also less so the individual attention given to students by the lecturer is more. My parents are very proud that I’m working as well. I plan to do my degree also in an evening college only,” exclaimed Rachana, a second PU commerce student.
While some prefer evening colleges, others pursue correspondence courses. Many universities are now offering courses through distance education.
“I finished my graduation before marriage. But I wanted to specialise in Psychology. So I enrolled myself in Mysore University for a correspondence course in MA Psychology. My husband encourages me greatly and he also helps me at home with household chores. This motivates me to study further and perform well,” said Nikita, a housewife.

Radhika, a first year law student has other reasons for joining an evening college. “I help my parents in the morning and study in the evening. I’m studying LLB to become a good lawyer and help the poor. At times, it becomes  difficult as the fee is high. Nobody has studied beyond grade 10 in my family. So my parents are immensely proud of me and encourage me. They even want me to do my LLM.”
“I want to become a CA for which practical knowledge in the field is very important. So I’m working in an auditing company along with studying. I don’t want to waste time by first doing degree, and then studying for CA. Instead, if I can do both at the same time, it is an added advantage. It gets tough at times, because my work demands commitment and studies are also equally important. But I have managed it till now,” said Mahesh, a second year B Com student.