Ever feel like you’re climbing Mount Everest when it comes to managing medical school and your finances? You’re not alone. With the rising pressures to figure out how to pay for medical school, many students grapple with the question, “Can I work while in medical school?”
In this post, we’ll explore whether it’s feasible to juggle work and medical school, the pros and cons of doing so, and how to strike the perfect balance for you. Let’s dive in!
Can Medical Students Work?
The Practicality of Working in Medical School
Is it possible to hold down a job while pursuing a medical degree? Of course it is. Is it for everyone? Certainly not. Naturally, if you’re totally strapped for time, and stressed to the point where you’re merely treading water, wondering how you’ll get any study time in, then carving out extra time for working is probably a nonstarter.
The workload in medical school is intense, with lectures, labs, study sessions, and clinical responsibilities. However, some students find that taking on part-time work is manageable if they choose the right type of job.
Disclaimer: Always check your program’s policies. Some medical schools have strict guidelines about whether students can have another job while in medical school, and it’s best to make sure you’ve reviewed these in detail before looking for a part-time job.
Types of Work Suitable for Medical Students
Not all work is created equal, especially when you’re knee-deep in medical textbooks. The most important facet here is choosing a job that’s flexible. As your schedule is going to be somewhat unpredictable, and ever-changing (with frequent erratic call shifts, unexpected late nights, etc.), you must be able to call the shots regarding not only when you will be able to work, but how many hours you’ll be able to put in.
Timing
Some phases of medical school, like 3rd-year surgery rotation, are incredibly demanding. It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to show up to a job after operating at 2 a.m. and rounding in the ICU in your 28th hour awake.
Other phases of medical school are far easier to pencil-in working time. Research electives often allow you to create your own schedule. Many 4th-year electives also have reputations of being “easy” and expecting much less of you than your other med school courses. At my medical school, for example, it was the radiology elective, where you would review films from patients that came overnight. We’d talk about chest X-rays from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and then call it a day.
Jobs
What kinds of work afford you such flexibility? Tutoring, research assistant positions, and any freelance work should give you the opportunity to make your own schedule. Other students find success in hospital-related jobs, such as medical scribing or working as a phlebotomist, which can provide valuable experience in a medical setting. (It also looks fantastic on your medical CV when you’re applying to emergency medicine, and on top of your electives and coursework, you went above and beyond to demonstrate your love of time spent in the ED by working 100 hours there scribing notes.)
I personally worked as a medical school tutor, and could take on more or fewer students depending on how intense my medical school curriculum was at the time. I also tutored high school students in-person, scheduling appointments in the late evening hours when I knew I would be free.
Balancing Work and Study
The key to successfully working while in medical school lies in balance. Some students find that working a few hours per week helps them manage financial stress without compromising their academic performance. It gave me peace of mind to have earned a little spending cash, realizing that I wasn’t digging an ever-deepening pit of debt without doing anything to fight against it.
🧠 However, it’s important to remember that your studies should always come first! Prioritize your schedule, and be honest about how much work you can realistically handle.
Pros and Cons of Working During Medical School
Benefits of Working During Medical School
Working during medical school can offer several advantages. For starters, it can alleviate financial stress, reducing your reliance on student loans. Every little bit helps, especially early in your career. Money earned in medical school has the potential to grow throughout residency, creating more wealth (or less debt) over time.
Working during medical school also provides an opportunity to gain practical experience and build a professional network, which could be beneficial after graduation. Plus, if you had the wherewithal to excel at medical school and hold down a steady job, interviewers will know that you’ve got what it takes to balance all the challenges of residency.
In some cases, working can even help improve your time management skills, forcing you to become more efficient with your study time. As Parkinson’s law says, “Work expands to fill the available time.”
Drawbacks of Working During Medical School
While there are benefits, working during medical school understandably puts an extra weight on your shoulders while already balancing a hectic schedule.
The most significant concern is the potential impact on your academic performance. Juggling work and school can lead to increased stress levels, burnout, and decreased focus.
Evaluating Your Situation
Ultimately, the decision to work while in medical school is a personal one. Consider your financial situation, academic standing, and mental health before making a commitment. Remember, the most important thing is to find a healthy balance between work, study, and self-care!
My recommendation is to only do it if you are able. Money earned and experience gained will only help your cause. It provided me with balance in life, especially during 4th year (and after Match Day!) when the heavy lifting was all behind me, and swaths of free time opened up.
If you can’t muster it because med school is all consuming right now, that’s totally fine. Financial freedom will still be there, so long as you are smart with your money.
💸 Check out our other post, Managing Your Finances Through Med School and Beyond, for a more in-depth look at how to manage your finances through residency and into attending-hood!
Finding the Right Balance
If you do choose to work during medical school, start by creating a detailed schedule, prioritizing both your academic responsibilities and work commitments.
🗓️ Use “smart” tools like Blueprint’s Med School Study Planner to keep track of deadlines, exam dates, and personal appointments (for free!) with just the click of a button. It’s also helpful to set aside specific times for relaxation and personal time to avoid burnout!
Final Thoughts
Working while in medical school is undoubtedly challenging, but it is achievable with the right strategy and mindset. Assess your situation, consider the pros and cons, and make an informed decision that aligns with your personal and professional goals. Whether you choose to work or prioritize your studies, remember that every medical student’s journey is unique.
If you’re considering working during medical school, start by identifying the most compatible jobs with your schedule and aspirations. And remember, you’re not alone in this endeavor. Many students have successfully navigated the balance between work and study, and with determination and perseverance, you can too. We’re rooting for you here at Blueprint!
