Do you have to do work study once you've signed up for it?

Question

I am a junior in college and am eligible for financial aid. I was also awarded work study (I have never been interested in this and this is the first time I've ever checked that I was interested on my FAFSA) but now I am having second thoughts. I read online that you only get paid minimum wage (which I expected) but it also said that you usually do not work more than 8 hours a week. I have to drive 10-15 minutes to get to my college everyday, and would have to make special trips up there to work because my classes last all day on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Is this even worth my time?

Can I back out now or is it too late? Am I obligated to stick with it? My classes start in a week.

Answer 1

You don't have to do work study it if you don't want to.  It is your responsibility to find a job on campus.  If you never look and never get hired on somewhere nothing happens.  I'd just make sure you tell the fin aid office so they can give it to someone else. You usually work 15 to 20 hours a week though.  Your schedule can usually be as flexible as you want it and depend on who hires you. They are always excellent with your school schedule and are as flexible as possible.  If you only want to work a few hours immediately after your classes i'm sure they'd do that.  The library is open in the evenings and I'm sure if you got hired on there they'd let you work after your classes were over.  Same with the school bookstore, coffee shop, virtually anywhere you see on campus has work study workers.