Nobody likes having to ask mammy and daddy to fund their weekly antics. However, with over 39% of people aged between 15 and 24 unemployed, more students are struggling and have no choice but to ask their parents for financial assistance to get through the college week.
“Do you think I’m made of money” has become one of the more popular phrases to come out of parents’ mouths.
Generally, parents don’t mind helping out as they know that their ‘brain-box’ will be well-fed and housed while studying for his or her degree. However, they will also be the first to hear about the shop up the road that’s looking for staff.
Aoife Bennett is a jobless student living away from home. She feels guilty about taking €80 of her parents’ money every week. “I do feel guilty about it, especially when my dad says ‘that’s all I have for the week’. You need to survive, but you also want your family to be ok while you’re away”, she explains.
Joanne Culhane is always on the lookout for a job. She appreciates what her parents are doing for her.
“What my parents are doing for me is great and in return I always try to pass my exams and make them proud”, she said.
Aaron McNicholas doesn’t have a job because he is focusing on college work: “sometimes I feel awkward about not working and then I remind myself that I’m doing the best to get the most out of my time in college”, he explains.
After two years without having a job, international student, Celine Loriou, decided to give French grinds to students as a way of earning money. “This year I charge €20 per hour… I’m giving grinds to students so I wouldn’t charge more than that,” she said.
Financial pressure becomes intense during the festive season and according to the Irish Independent, over 850 temporary jobs will be created over the season, with employers believing this could be one of the busiest Christmas periods in years.
Marketing co-ordinator for Findajob.ie, Kate Lawlor, spoke to The College View about the importance of standing out. “Everybody has a selling point – you must learn how to market yourself, to present yourself to an employer by highlighting your key personality traits.”
When applying for jobs many students make the mistake of sending the same CV to each of their potential employers.
“A recent survey conducted by Findajob.ie found that 40% of Irish job seekers didn’t amend their CV when targeting jobs”, Lawlor said.
However, although having a job means you can do whatever you want with your hard earned cash including enjoying a better social life , it can have a huge impact on your college work. Panic can set in when you are stuck in work and you have an essay due the following day.
Lauren Kelly
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