Honestly confused about how many hours is a part-time job for a student athlete

[PeterCrow]

I'm in a bit of a unique situation and I need some real talk from people who get it. I'm on the track team (sprinter, woot woot! ), which means my schedule is already packed with practices at 6 AM, meets on weekends, and all the regular class stuff. But here's the thing: my scholarship doesn't cover everything, and my running shoes alone cost me a fortune. I seriously need a job.

I've been trying to calculate how many hours is a part-time job for a student who also has daily athletics. My coach says "focus on the sport," but my bank account says "get to work." I found a gig at a local sports store (perfect, right?), but they want 15-18 hours a week.

Is that even possible? I'm already exhausted. I'm thinking of negotiating down to 8-10 hours max, just on Sundays when I don't have practice. Has anyone here balanced D1 sports (or any serious athletics) with a steady paycheck? How do you not collapse? I need that "student athlete with money" energy, but I also need to sleep.

 

[AnnaCross]

Let me give you the real numbers based on what I've seen with hundreds of athletes.

The average D1 athlete spends:

• 20-25 hours/week on sport (practices, meetings, travel, competition)
• 15 hours/week in class
• 15-20 hours/week studying
• 56 hours/week minimum just for sport + academics

Adding a job:

• 8-10 hours = manageable for most, especially with a flexible employer
• 12-15 hours = pushing it, only possible with low-maintenance job and high time management
• 15-18 hours = unsustainable for more than a semester, high injury risk, academic slippage guaranteed

The sports store at 15-18 hours is too high. Negotiate down to 8-10, and try to make those hours Sundays only. That gives you a full day to earn without disrupting your training week.

Also, look into work-study if you qualify. Those jobs are designed to work around student schedules. Library, front desk, tutoring—all good options.

Your coach's "focus on sport" advice is well-intentioned but ignores financial reality. You need money. Just protect your body and brain while earning it. 8-10 hours is the sweet spot.