My 50hr Week

Illawarra Mercury

Tuesday June 10, 2003

Lisa Sewell

Name: Siobhan Christian

Age: 26.

Studying: Master of Journalism. Has a double degree in creative arts/arts, with honours in English literature.

Institution: University of Wollongong.

Commenced work: After school I did a diploma of health science at TAFE before working one year full-time, then I started university. Throughout secondary and tertiary study I've had a number of jobs, including waitressing, food preparation, retail and remedial massage. I'm working at the student newspaper, Tertangala, and for the university's careers service.

Reasons for working: I have to work to pay my living and study expenses. These days, students don't just choose to work to get a bit of experience or to get a little spare cash - work is a necessity.

Reasons for choice of work: I chose to work on Tertangala as I think there is a lot of power in the media and, if used properly, it can benefit a lot of people by giving them a place in which their opinions/concerns can be heard.

How many hours worked: I am paid to work up to 20 hours for the paper, and six hours for the careers service. In reality I work up to 50 hours per week on Tertangala and in my capacity as media officer for the student representative council.

Benefits of work: Working at the university really pushes my boundaries so that I am able to learn what I am capable of and know what my limits are.

Disadvantages of work/impact on study: Sometimes you get so tired trying to juggle work and study that you become physically ill. When you get overtired, you then have trouble sleeping and the problems spiral. Ultimately, I've had to cut down to part-time study to handle my part-time jobs.

Plans for after university: I would love to get into promotions. I would also love to work in research or politics - I like to stay in the background, so a research job in some area of politics would be ideal.

How work experience will help: Through networking I have built up many useful contacts. I have also learned how to work under pressure and tolerate a bigger workload. Hopefully the skills and experience I have gained will give me an edge when looking for work after university.