Life often pushes us into crossroads where choices are not simply between “good” or “bad,” but between “necessary” and “even more necessary.” Combining studies and work is exactly one of those challenges. On the surface, it may look like a compromise—less time for classes, less focus for assignments, and fewer hours of sleep. Yet beneath this struggle lies a deeper truth: students who work while studying are shaping themselves into resilient professionals.
According to the Ministry of Labor and Social Economy, 24.2% of young people between 16 and 29 combine study with work. This is not a small figure—it is almost one in four. For many, this is not merely an option but a forced decision due to rising tuition fees, housing costs, or limited access to scholarships. For others, it is a conscious choice for independence, experience, and a head start in their careers.
And here lies the paradox: while the path is demanding, it is also rewarding. Every shift worked, every project delivered under pressure, and every sleepless night is silently building perseverance and professional maturity. These young people are no longer “just students.” They are apprentices of real life.
If you are currently in this situation, don’t feel isolated. More and more opportunities—remote jobs, part-time positions, summer contracts—are tailored for working students. Platforms like InfoJobs reveal that 17.6% of job postings are part-time, designed exactly for people like you. Whether in customer service, logistics, teaching, or seasonal roles, there is always a chance to find flexible work that adapts to your academic rhythm.
👉 Tip for readers: If you’re searching for such opportunities, look for student-friendly recruitment platforms that specialize in flexible jobs. They can be the bridge that makes your dual life more sustainable.
From Burnout to Breakthrough: Real Stories of Student-Workers
Let’s be honest—combining studies and work is not romantic. It is exhausting. It requires sacrifices, skipped meals, and sometimes the bitter taste of burnout. Alba Sáez, an Industrial Organization Engineering student, knows this well. She once held an internship that drained her energy and gave her no meaningful tasks. Filing folders and cutting magnets were far from her vision of engineering. She quit after three months. But instead of giving up, she sought better opportunities and is now working part-time in manufacturing engineering—directly applying what she learns in class.
Her story carries a powerful lesson: not all work experiences are created equal. The right job is not just about earning money but also about aligning with your field of study. This alignment accelerates growth, giving you a competitive edge once you graduate.
Hugo Pérez, studying Architecture, also proves this. By working part-time as a draftsman, he bridges the gap between classroom knowledge and real-world practice. “Drawing plans is one thing,” he says, “but seeing them built changes your perspective completely.” His effort echoes a truth every working student eventually learns: while time is limited, the richness of experience makes every sacrifice worthwhile.
👉 Practical takeaway: Always choose jobs that either respect your schedule or enrich your professional profile. If you are unsure where to start, career services at your university or professional agencies can help match you with opportunities that fuel—not drain—your ambitions.
Building Bridges: How Universities and Employers Can Support You
The good news is that the system is slowly catching up. Universities are starting to recognize that “a working student should not be a second-class student.” Article 33 of the Organic Law of the University System (LOSU) already establishes that academic activities must adapt to work-life balance. Some universities, like the University of Alcalá, are taking steps to make this a reality—offering flexible schedules, online tutoring, and the possibility of shifting exam dates for students with valid work contracts.
Employers, too, are adapting. Many service-sector jobs now cluster around weekends or evenings to avoid clashing with lectures. Remote roles, freelance projects, and digital internships are increasingly common, giving students new ways to gain income and experience without burning out.
But here’s the challenge: the system is still far from perfect. Often, flexibility depends on the goodwill of individual professors rather than structural policies. Many students still face the dilemma of choosing between passing a class and keeping their job.
👉 Conversion-oriented suggestion: If you are struggling, do not hesitate to seek professional guidance. Time-management coaching, online productivity tools, or even academic consulting services can be game changers. Investing in such services is not a luxury—it is a survival strategy that keeps both your grades and your paycheck intact.
Turning Struggle into Strength: Why This Journey Matters
At the end of the day, combining studies and work is less about suffering and more about transformation. The path is steep, but it builds muscles—intellectual, emotional, and professional—that pure academic life alone cannot offer. You learn to negotiate, to prioritize, to endure, and to rise stronger from setbacks.
Think of it this way: every email you send at work, every lecture you attend despite being tired, every project you complete under pressure—these are invisible investments into your future. They become your story, your competitive advantage, your proof that you can handle complexity.
So, the question is not whether you should combine study and work—it’s how you can do it smarter. Seek flexible opportunities, align your job with your academic field, and use digital tools or professional services to lighten the burden. Yes, it is difficult. But it is also deeply rewarding. And when you look back years later, you will realize: the very challenge that drained your energy was also the one that launched your success.
👉 Final Call to Action: If you are navigating this journey right now, explore resources that help balance your schedule—whether it’s career-matching platforms, student-friendly job boards, or productivity coaching services. Don’t just survive your student years—turn them into the foundation of your professional future.