After a year of working, I made my first investment of $10K into VTI. My […]
Did it affect my academics? Maybe.
Were the side hustles worth it? Absolutely.
Throughout my 4.5 years of university, I worked consistently, including a semester where I completed a full-time internship. I spent freely (not the wisest choice), but it allowed me to better understand my spending habits.
I learned which purchases were right for me and became more selective about what was worth buying. It was tricky to avoid biases like sales as it affecst my judgment.
The money I managed to save eventually became my investment capital.
Rating the jobs that I had done
⭐️ Jobs via University
I like the jobs which I found through the university, as they generally pays well and the job scope is unique. Such as participating in surveys, moderating paid studies, assisting corporate professionals pursuing their Master's degrees, and even ushering at graduation ceremonies etc
⭐️Waiter
I wouldn’t highly recommend this unless you’re waitressing with friends, which makes the experience more enjoyable. Otherwise, it may not be very beneficial unless you’re aiming for a career in customer service after graduation.
⭐️Tuition
As an undergraduate, you can also teach a class at a tuition center. If you prefer something more flexible, consider providing private, one-on-one tutoring. The pay is quite attractive, often exceeding $40 per hour, and you can earn a steady income if you teach the same student over an extended period.
⭐️Internship
Internships are crucial for gaining work experience. They help me determine which office environments and cultures are the best fit for me. The salary for internships should be at least $1,000 per month.
⭐️University perks
One way I boosted my savings, though not directly through side hustles, was by learning a new language at school without any additional cost. It was one of the best decisions I made during university. I enrolled in a beginner Korean course for one semester, and the syllabus was adequate for me to read basic words. However, be aware that the workload was considerable, and I spent many hours studying for the exams.
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