His success, he attributes to "a greater commitment to studies and a stronger desire to excel that comes from the knowledge that my education is my responsibility." Financial independence is just one of the benefits. .
Sumitra Cardoz, a young student at St Andrew's who works on contract with Mad Hatters, the family entertainment company, acknowledges that the money does matter. "At the same time, it is the self-confidence that I've gained on the job, the ability to mix with people from different rungs of society that I have developed and the way I am looked at, as a committed and responsible person that really makes the job worthwhile. .
"She also points out that unlike her non-working friends who are subject to their parents' whims and restrictions, "earning my keep means that I get to spend the money without too much fuss." Ironically, with more money in their pockets, collegians tend to spend less of it. Work and studies take up much of the time that they would normally use to 'hang out', party or go shopping. Besides, the young employees quickly learn the value of money. .
"When you have put in hours of work to earn the cash," says Sumitra, "you tend to think ten times before blowing it up." Add to this, the concern of some employers who look upon their young employees as their wards. For instance, at Mad Hatters the salaries are paid by cheque and make their way straight into the bank, in the hope that this will encourage the students to save. .
Moreover as Martin D'Souza, the brain behind the organisation points out, "While we pay well, we try to take in many youngsters, so that no performer earns more money than he can safely handle. After all, we do not want the focus to shift from studies, which should be their first priority." At Mad Hatters, college schedules are held sacrosanct and students are only contracted for days and times, which do not clash with college work. .
Not all employers are so considerate however.
