The eternal question for students. To answer it, ask yourself these 4 questions:

  1. Financial Pressure: Are you worried about rent, tuition, or living expenses?

  2. Job Nature: Is the part-time job related to your major?

  3. Time Management: How dense is your university schedule?

  4. Goal Alignment: Does the job support your graduation goals?

The Economics and Opportunity Cost

My personal view:

Unless it is absolutely necessary (survival), focus 100% on your studies.

Let's do a simple calculation (as of 2024):

  • Average part-time wage (waiter, sales...): 25,000 VND/hour.

Now, imagine you graduate with Distinction, possess solid knowledge, and land a starting salary of 12,000,000 VND/month.

  • Workdays: 22 days/month (weekends off).

  • Hours: 8 hours/day.

  • Your hourly value:

$$\frac{12,000,000}{22 \times 8} \approx 68,000\text{ VND/hour}$$

Conclusion

One hour spent studying seriously now has a potential value nearly 3 times higher than serving coffee.

Do not trade your "golden time" for knowledge accumulation for petty cash, unless it helps you survive or brings real experience relevant to your future career.