Being a college student often means juggling academics, social life and personal expenses. At Fairfield, students face managing costs, from groceries and toiletries to weekend outings.
To ease this and have some extra cash, students can look for part-time jobs that will fit into their busy schedules.
Fortunately, there are plenty of off-campus job opportunities offering flexibility and convenience. Being located in Fairfield is an advantage, with many businesses and shops that may need an extra set of hands.
Fairfield is also home to many families and schools, giving students a great opportunity for after-school babysitting or tutoring.
Sophomore Caitlyn Shanley has found success working at Chip’s Family Restaurant in Fairfield. She landed the job through a friend and works on Sundays.
While it’s only one day a week, it provides her with a steady way to earn money without interfering with her studies or social life.
Shanley only applied to one other job before getting hired at Chip’s. She recommends exploring off-campus jobs to anyone interested. For those who want even more flexibility, babysitting and pet-sitting can be great options.
Eileen Russell, a sophomore public health major, has found numerous opportunities through Facebook groups.
She expressed to me that she originally applied to work on campus at the library. Even after informing the library of her need for a job, they told her they did not have enough positions to offer her one.
Frustrated and needing a way to make money without spreading herself too thin she joined three groups on Facebook titled University Sitters – Fairfield County, Fairfield County Nannies and Babysitters and Nannies/Babysitters of Fairfield County.
To get a job through the Facebook group Russell posted a short bio about herself and her general availability. Parents or pet owners then reach out to her with job offers. Since joining these groups in the fall, she has babysat for several families and even has a dog-sitting gig lined up.
As a public health major who is preparing for physician assistant school, she felt many places would have a hard time hiring her because of her lack of availability due to labs and tutoring.
“It’s good because you can make your own hours,” Russell shared about babysitting through the Facebook groups. She has found that many parents need babysitters for occasional weekend nights, after-school hours, and even Sunday or Saturday mornings.
Sophomore Abigail Concaugh, finds her off-campus jobs through an app called Rover. Rover is an online platform that connects pet owners with nearby and available sitters or dog walkers. Concaugh, who does not have classes on Friday, spends her afternoons walking dogs through Rover.
She informed me that Rover conducts a background check on each user. But once approved there are multiple flexible opportunities on the app.
Rover is another great option for Fairfield students looking for extra income with hours that are tailored to their schedules.
Finding an off-campus job as a Fairfield University student may seem challenging, but with these online platforms, students can discover great opportunities. Whether working at a local restaurant, babysitting, or dog walking, these jobs provide a way to earn money while having a healthy balance between work and academics.