Because It’s All Financial Wellness, Baby: Self-Advocacy for the Overloaded Student 

I don’t need to tell you, but spoiler: College is expensive and stressful. Tuition, housing, transportation, textbooks, that one overpriced coffee you regret but absolutely needed (yeah, it all adds up). And if you’re working while studying, you’re not just earning a paycheck—you’re managing your time, energy, long-term well-being, present and future financial wellness. Who's ready for a coffee now? ME! You're probably just trying to keep your head above water, most days, but the truth is: you can have more power than you might think.

Learning to self-advocate—clearly, calmly, and with confidence—isn’t just about speaking up. It’s a survival skill. Maybe here’s how to do it with a smile, a calendar, and a coffee.

1. Advocate for Fair Pay...Because Your Time Is Worth It.

1. You deserve to be paid fairly—yes, even if you’re a student. 

• Ask upfront:
• “What’s the pay range for this position?”
• “Is there room for adjustment based on my experience with [relevant skill here]?” 

Be ready with that relevant skill or experience–you may not have it yet, but you will. If the answer is no (and sometimes it is), ask about other forms of compensation like transportation support, meals, or training. Later, in future jobs, you’ll be even more ready to negotiate. For now, focus on knowing your value, not just your need—and always do your homework on going rates (Glassdoor, Handshake, or U Career Success are great places to start).

2. Advocate for Your Time…because Time = Money = Peace of Mind.

Time isn’t just something you spend; it’s something you can budget. As a student, your time is limited, so make it count. Right now, you can: 

• Propose a regular weekly schedule that aligns with classes. 
• Ask if training, prep, and meetings are paid. If not, weigh how much unpaid time you’re giving away. Of course, guard your study hours like your GPA depends on it, because it does.  
• In a work-study role, the answer may be no right now, but with some finesse these strategies could work: asking for “focus blocks”—uninterrupted time during work to get stuff done. 
• Use shared calendars to make non-negotiable times and mental health breaks visible; but let’s be honest, time in college isn’t about balance. 

Unfortunately, college life can be an unbalanced time in your life, so keep that in mind.  It won’t always be like this, so keep the big picture in mind. Think about these other tips: 

• Batching your tasks time with friends and family. Batching tasks and fun times involves grouping similar tasks and times together and completing them in dedicated time blocks to avoid switching gears every five minutes. 
• Depending on the flexibility of your job, you might also look into job sharing or split shifts. This could allow you to divide work hours with another student or schedule shifts around your classes. 
• And maybe, suggest office hours-style check-ins to replace chaotic pop-ins on the job and in your social life.

3. Advocate for Resources…so you don’t pay out-of-pocket.

After six months some positions offer a raise, but if you can’t get a raise or more pay for that campus job, ask for support that saves you money. This could look like software, tools, or supplies you need to do the job or student worker meal plans, transportation help, or access to professional development or certifications. Every dollar and/or minute you don’t spend is a win for your wellness.

4. Advocate for Your Wellness…because burnout is real.

Burnout is real, and financial wellness includes emotional and physical wellness, too. Advocate by stating your limits: “I can work 15 hours/week while in class.” Linking wellness to performance when advocating can also help. You can say, “I’m sharper with more rest between shifts.” Ask for support during busy weeks, especially around midterms and finals. This isn’t about doing less, unfortunately, but it’s about doing it smarter.

5. Advocate for Your Money...because confidence pays (literally).
Self-advocacy helps you grow financially and professionally. It’s not about having all the answers; it’s about asking the right questions:

“Can you clarify the pay structure?”
“Can we revisit my schedule next semester?”
“Are there any benefits or resources I might be missing?”

And don’t forget to track your hours and pay. Mistakes happen—you need to be your own auditor.

Looking Ahead: Laying the Groundwork for Long-Term Change
Down the road, as you gain experience, you can help build a more supportive workplace for everyone:

• Suggest shift-swap systems or time-banking to build flexibility into your team.
• A shift-swap system is a voluntary arrangement where employees exchange their assigned work shifts. Instead of managers being responsible for finding coverage for every absence, employees coordinate with one another to find a replacement with the same qualifications. 
• Time-banking is a flexible work arrangement where employees can accumulate extra work hours in a "time bank" during busy periods and redeem them as time off during slower times. When applied to a team, this system allows for greater flexibility, promotes work-life balance, and improves collaboration by creating a shared pool of skills and time.
  
• Propose predictability clauses (like getting schedules 2 weeks in advance).
  
  
• Ask for time perks like early release during finals or unpaid leave options.
  
  
• Create or join a peer support network—you’re not alone.

Here are some Campus Resources to support your self-advocacy:

• University Counseling Center:  Offers workshops and mindfulness programs focused on building skills for student well-being and success.
  

• Peer Well-Being Navigators(Center for Campus Wellness):  Provides guidance from student peer staff to help navigate wellness resources and make informed decisions.
  
  
• Basic Needs Collective: Provides support and resources to help students meet their fundamental needs. 
  
  
• Feed U Food Pantry: A resource for students facing food insecurity.
  
  
• Financial Wellness Center: Offers support and resources to help students manage their finances and plan for the future.
  
  
• Center for Disabilty and Access: Offers academic and housing accommodations for students with disabilities.
  
  
• Center for Community and Cultural Engagement: a hub on campus dedicated to fostering multicultural learning, awareness, and belonging for all students through educational programming and cultural celebrations. Located in the Union.
  
  
• U Career Success: Offers personalized coaching, guides students through every step of the career journey, from exploration and personal branding, through resume building and applying, to interviewing and salary negotiation.

 

Being a student doesn’t make your time worth less—it makes your time worthy. Advocating for your pay, your time, your wellness, and your resources isn’t about being difficult. It’s about being smart and building a life that supports both your academic success and your financial future. For now, start where you are—with your calendar, your voice, your vision, your values, and your coffee.

 

 

 

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