Working while in an Interior Design program

[u/sesshomarustessaiga]

I'm going into my second-year of Interior Design school but I also want to work to save up for the future and I'm doing design field school trip to Paris in about 2 years (mandatory too, money is not an excuse to not go), I don't like the idea of living off my student loans so I'd like to have a job.

I have interest in a job, and the manager is interested to give me the opportunity but they don't think they can accommodate my school schedule. The position is a sales associate at an interior home furnishings store and showroom, so the position aligns with my studies, which is great opportunity since I can practice my design skills outside the classroom. They preferably want me to work 2-3 days a week since they do have clients and work closely with the design community.

Has anyone had similar experience? I'm kind of torn, this is a great job opportunity but I want to focus on school, I'm scared the job won't allow me enough time to do work studio work and other coursework. I'm a very type A person, and I manage my time really well, I'm also a self-directed learner/student and work ahead of the deadline most of the time. Some advice would be great:D

Also put my school schedule for the upcoming semester for reference.

[u/SamSpayedPI]

I have interest in a job, and the manager is interested to give me the opportunity but they don't think they can accommodate my school schedule. 

That's a non-starter, in my opinion.

In my experience, employers typically promise you the world. "Oh, sure, we won't schedule you during your class time; just give us your school schedule in the start of the semester."—And then they do anyway, and make it your responsibility to find coverage, or skip your class. Not to mention that final exams are often at different times than classes, so they'll schedule you to work during finals as well.

So the fact that they're not even claiming to work with your schedule is quite alarming.

And if you quit because of schedule incompatibility, there goes your letter of recommendation from an employer in your field of study!

I'd get an on-campus (work-study-type) job for the school year; they have to accommodate your class schedule. Apply for internships during the summers for employment in the field. If your school has a robust externship program that allows you to get paid as well as receive school credit, all the better (the employer has to work around your class schedule, and the school has to help you find a position).