Poll: Which is better: studying or work?

[JoJo]

[HEADING=1]JoJo Proudly Presents:[/HEADING]


[HEADING=2]Which is better: studying or working? [/HEADING]​

A simple question but one which I'm genuinely interested in the answers. A lot of people say things like "School is your best days" or "University is much better". Having experienced both and now on my fourth job, I have to say from what I've experienced so far I actually prefer being at work.

That's not to say I don't like learning - I do very much. Structured learning for exams is what I really found boring, despite being good at it, and outweighed the benefits in my eyes of being able to see your friends more often. Homework (or at university, 'independent learning') was also a drag too, I love that now I come home from work and don't even have to think about it until the next time I go in.

So yeah, I think I prefer working over studying. How about you Escapists? Am I in a minority here or do you agree with me?

TLR: Studying or working - your choice?​

 

[Vegosiux]

I think in my case it's not really as much about "study" vs. "work", it's "learn" vs. "create". And I need both in my life.

And both kind of suck when you're on a schedule and with little artistic freedom ^^

 

[Barbas]

I prefer bring at work, but if I were to study, I imagine I would likely enjoy that as well. So much depends on the people you meet at your place of education or employment. I have been lucky in that respect. I do like the fact that when a work shift is over, there is a dependable period of relaxation before the next one, whereas studies are more or less ongoing.

Work frees the mind, etc.

 

[Zhukov]

EDIT: Accidental post. Please disregard.

 

[Imperioratorex Caprae]

Book smarts can only get you so far, real experience seems to be more useful but having the extra book knowledge is also advantageous. So doing both is a bit more palatable than just one or the other. Also having no work experience and all college experience is not the same and can really hurt people coming fresh out of college (especially those who never had to pay any bills in their life).
So my experience working for my car insurance, then paying for my first car (all before graduating high school) gave me a wealth of knowledge on budget and savings. Of course right out of high school I was building PC's and servicing them on my own without any college education, just my own personal experience with PC's. I guess gaming really helped me learn to diagnose issues and fix them as well as building so one cannot say it taught me nothing.

 

[MysticSlayer]

The only time I've ever worked was when I was also studying, so I can't say I prefer either at this point. I don't mind studying, but honestly, I am looking forward to moving away from it being a constant thing in my life. I don't expect life to get easier after school, but being able to take actual breaks from my work and not constantly pulling all-nighters because I need to study for the next exam or write a research paper will be a welcome change in my life.

 

[Artina89]

My job requires a certain amount of studying anyway, because I work as a microbiologist and a biochemist, and as a result I need to keep abreast of current events and new techniques and the like. I think I prefer studying now as part of my job, as I get to properly apply my knowledge as opposed to just studying for an exam and then forgetting it once the exam is over or the coursework has been handed in.

 

[Esotera]

If money wasn't an issue, I would prefer to be studying, more specifically doing research. However, as it costs about £10k/year to do this in the UK and research jobs are poorly paid and insecure, I've definitely preferred working so far. Also just learning stuff gets boring after a while...research is a lot more fun than reading books.

 

[Radeonx]

I've preferred work. While the student lifestyle allowed for a lot more responsibility-free living (and a lot more partying), the stable work that I have is enjoyable and gives me a fuckton of money to spend on stuff.

If I could make the same amount of money that I do now to study, then I'd do it, but I like having a disposable income more than anything studying can provide. Plus, anything that I'm really passionate about learning now I learn on my own time, unless it is some ludicrous high level concept or new field that requires teams of phd's and masters students to break ground in.

 

[weirdsoup]

I can only speak for the UK, but I'd have to say studying is the easier option. At least up to A Level standard.

This is simply because of the league table system forced on British schools which means that the schools have to teach kids to pass the exams rather than actually teach them anything they can use in the real world. That's why there's always a huge increase in the numbers of kids getting good grades. It's not that the exams are easier, it's that the kids are better prepared for what to expect on the exam.

 

[Best of the 3]

For me, you study to help find better lines of work. If you have not got those better lines, studying is usually better. If you have found a stable, secure job that you like or is good for your situation, then perhaps working is better.

 

[FPLOON]

Well... I study on how to work and I work on how to study...

I say it depends on the overall situation... but personally, I prefer to do both simultaneously...

 

[Drummodino]

Well I'm still studying at the moment and I've never had a full time job as of yet... plenty of part time work though. For me it all depends on the work environment, my best job was at a pie shop where I had the most awesome boss. He was a great guy that I could chat with and just be myself with. Plus the work never got too busy, lunchtime was always a rush but nothing that overwhelmed us completely.

My other jobs have been okay... I like having an income but they were really nothing too special. Studying at uni however I really enjoy, the flexible hours and having the ability to do my work when I want to is great. Plus I have a genuine interest in what I'm studying right now so I'm actually enjoying my classes, rather than just learning to pass the exam.

So for now my vote is studying, although that may change in the future when I actually get a proper job.

 

[-Dragmire-]

Work > practice > study

I like seeing things I do in an accomplished state, or at least I see what my contribution has done toward a goal, so I generally enjoy work. Studying does not give this tangible sense of progression so it feels I've done nothing regardless of time spent studying. There are payoffs to studying but they don't feel as "real" to me, if that makes sense.

Practice is a bit in the middle so I like it more than studying and less than work. There is no end state to aim for and progression is hard to gauge but you can slowly feel some skill improvement over time which is rewarding in of itself.

 

[Brotha Desmond]

I have problems focusing on one thing which is why I always had problems studying or focusing in school. I prefer to work because you are always moving from one thing to another, and your mind can drift so long as it doesn't interfere with your work.

 

[Vault101]

I love money and stability more than I like "recognised" learning although I recognise the vakue in the latter

 

[dyre]

Well, my studying was split between history (awesome) and finance (not very awesome), while my work is exclusively finance, so yeah...studying > work. Also, there's the whole 9-to-6 thing...not very fun.

That said, having money is nice.

 

[Gennadios]

...A lot of people say things like "School is your best days"...

I find the people who say that don't actually do much "studying." School, from high school to uni sucked for me in the social sense, so I vote for work.

In both cases you have a goal of what to learn, but at least you're getting paid for it.