Should you work your way through college

Which would you prefer: a), you work while in college, perhaps at two jobs or maybe one full-time job, to get the money to pay for it, or b) mom or dad,or some other person, pays all your college costs so you don't have to work at all?

I think I know what your answer is. But a lot of parents, including those who can easily afford to send you to college, don't want to pay. They think it's better for you to learn firsthand about the world of work while in college. They also think you'll appreciate your education a lot more if it isn't handed to you on a platter.

Your argument, and it has merit, is that you can't participate in all the extra curricula activities your school has to offer, if you work. You won't be able to join that club, play that sport, go to that performance, if you are at work all the time you aren't in class. You'll miss out on a lot of fun, fail to make some good friends, and later in life look back on your college experience with some sadness over the campus life you missed.

I worked my way through college and I benefitted in more ways than financially from the effort, such as learning the discipline of getting up early every morning and showing up for work on time. So I lean towards recommending the work route. But if I could do it over again, and could have someone pay for my tuition, books, room & board, etc., I'd do it that way. I'd enjoy the "campus experience." But would I be as ready for the "real world" when I graduated? I don't think so.