Twenty-year-olds Malavika P., Rinisha Fathima, and Fahmitha Sherin clock in to their job at a hypermarket at Vandipetta in Kozhikode as soon as their classes at a management institute get over. “Our classes end at 10 a.m. What are we supposed to do all day? We come here,” said Rinisha.

Finding a fresh-faced cashier at the local grocery store has become increasingly common as more college students join part-time jobs. These Gen Zs are seeking more financial autonomy as well as essential life lessons.

“I wanted to be able to support myself,” said Malavika, while Rinisha and Fahmitha jokingly said it was a ‘pastime’. “When we come here, we can be productive. It’s better than watching reels on Instagram all day,” they added.

Vineeth S.S., a store manager at a hypermarket, said, “We give opportunities to students who are financially struggling so that they can stand on their own feet. The students here receive all the benefits of a regular employee.” He added that the students were on equal footing with the other staff.

Aviation students Hiba Sherin C.K. and Misbah Sherin work part-time at a textile shop in Kozhikode.
| Photo Credit:
K. Ragesh

Darshana Manoj, a 19-year-old student at the Government Residential Industrial Training Institute, Koduvally, has been working at a hypermarket in Kunnamangalam for the past seven months. “It’s not common to find girls working, but I saw that my neighbour [a boy] had got a job, and I thought I could do it too,” she said.

Hiba Sherin C.K., another student working at a textile showroom, said the job provided soft skills for her future career in aviation industry. “Working here has helped me develop my customer service skills, which are critical in airline and airport jobs,” she said.

Her co-worker Misbah Sherin shared that she had two motivations. “I wanted to support myself and learn skills relevant to my career as well,” she said.

Hinzam, a 21-year-old student at St. Xavier’s Arts and Science College, said his job at a phone showroom on Mavoor Road had given him the opportunity to purchase things for himself and his family. “I pay my own tuition fees. I’ve also been able to buy gifts for my family members and a bike for myself,” he added.

Adarsh P., a student at Malabar Institute, working part-time at a local store in Chevayur, said part-time jobs exposed students to financial management. “When you get older and earn a big salary, many people have no idea how to manage that money. Once you start earning earlier, you get an idea of how to handle your finances,” he said.

His classmate and co-worker, 20-year-old Amal Raj had a more sobering response. “At this age everybody wants to be care-free. However, my situation prompted me to take up a job,” he said.

Amal clarified that his parents had always supported him. “But I can’t rely on them forever. Working has given me so much exposure and confidence. Now, I know that wherever I go, I’ll survive, “ he said.