The Knowledge Economy and Education13 Juggling Rhythms

This book examines the varied experiences of undergraduates who work while studying full-time. It draws on conceptual metaphors and rich longitudinal student case studies to develop an integrated and holistic approach to understanding youth transitions. As in many European countries, the majority of undergraduates in Canada work while studying. However, little research has examined how they juggle school and work. This book draws on original research to address this gap. It moves from students’ day-to-day survival strategies to engage larger questions including how students prepare for volatile labour markets and the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Taylor draws on “circus arts” metaphors to argue that twenty-first century skills include the ability to juggle competing demands, to balance studies and various forms of work, and to learn boundaries and the limits of one’s flexibility. Although students’ experiences are diverse, commonalities indicate areas where more attention and support are needed from policy-makers, educators, and scholars of education.