Türkiye'de çalışan öğrenci olmak: ''1500 TL'den az parayla öğrencilik açlık sınırı demek''

Summary

The transcript provides an intimate look into the lives of university students and young adults in Turkey, detailing their struggles with financial instability, work, and personal aspirations. From balancing part-time jobs to manage living expenses in cities like Istanbul, to coping with gender-specific challenges and harassment at work, these individuals share their stories of resilience. Despite facing numerous hardships, such as low wages and limited opportunities, many hold on to their dreams of personal growth and a better future, with aspirations of studying abroad and securing fulfilling careers.

Takeaways

• 😀 Many students in Turkey face financial hardships and are forced to take on multiple part-time jobs to cover basic living expenses.
• 😀 Living costs in large cities like Istanbul are high, with students needing at least 1,500 TL per month to survive, often with limited income sources.
• 😀 Female students face additional challenges in the workplace, including harassment and security concerns while commuting late at night.
• 😀 The pressure to support families is a recurring theme, with many students working not only for their own survival but to contribute to their households.
• 😀 Some students, particularly those from large families, rely on family support or loans to cover their educational expenses.
• 😀 Despite financial struggles, many students are ambitious and aim to pursue international experiences and careers in fields like criminology and law.
• 😀 Several students dream of studying abroad, with Spain being a preferred destination due to its similarities with Turkey’s justice system and opportunities in their field.
• 😀 Many students feel disconnected from the typical university experience due to their need to work long hours, limiting their ability to socialize or explore their surroundings.
• 😀 The work environment for students is challenging, with physical risks in jobs like construction, and emotional strain from job insecurity and low wages.
• 😀 There is a clear divide between students who focus on immediate survival and those who, despite hardships, are striving for long-term career goals and self-improvement.

Q & A

What are the financial challenges faced by students in Istanbul, as discussed in the transcript?

Students in Istanbul face significant financial challenges, particularly with the high cost of living. For instance, the speaker mentions that 1,500 TL or less a month is considered the 'hunger line,' making it extremely difficult to cover rent, bills, food, and personal expenses. Many students are forced to work multiple jobs to make ends meet.

How does the speaker describe their experience of finding work as a woman in Istanbul?

The speaker mentions that finding work as a woman in Istanbul is particularly difficult, especially in male-dominated fields. She shares an instance where she was harassed by a male supervisor during an internship, which led her to leave the position. She also notes that working late hours in less secure areas raises concerns about safety.

What were the speaker’s living arrangements during their university years, and how did they manage financial burdens?

Initially, the speaker lived in a shared dormitory, paying 1,100 TL per month. Later, they moved into a house with friends, with each person contributing around 400 TL for rent. Despite these costs, the speaker worked multiple jobs, including part-time work in a restaurant and dog walking, to support themselves and cover living expenses.

What does the speaker think about the cost of living in Istanbul for students?

The speaker believes that living in Istanbul as a student is incredibly expensive, and it's nearly impossible to live on less than 1,500 TL per month. This amount barely covers basic expenses like rent, food, and transportation, leaving students with very little for personal or leisure activities.

What are some of the part-time jobs the speaker has taken up to support their education?

The speaker has worked several part-time jobs, including as a waitress in a restaurant, dog walker, and seasonal worker in construction. These jobs allowed the speaker to contribute to their education costs and living expenses, even though they paid low wages.

How does the speaker feel about the gender-based discrimination they face in the workplace?

The speaker expresses frustration and disappointment with the gender-based discrimination they have faced in the workplace, particularly in male-dominated industries. They recount instances of harassment, where male colleagues or supervisors have crossed boundaries, making it difficult for them to feel safe and respected in the workplace.

What are the speaker's long-term goals, and how do they plan to achieve them?

The speaker dreams of becoming a criminalist and is working toward studying abroad, particularly in Spain, which they believe offers better opportunities in their field. Despite financial hardships and uncertainties, the speaker remains determined to achieve these goals and is actively looking for ways to improve their financial situation.

What personal sacrifices has the speaker made due to financial constraints?

The speaker has made several personal sacrifices, such as forgoing the purchase of new clothes, not spending money on luxuries like eating out, and even choosing not to dye their hair due to the inability to afford such expenses. They also avoid spending money on activities like buying expensive items or going for a coffee outing with friends.

How does the speaker cope with the emotional and psychological toll of their situation?

Despite the emotional and psychological toll of their financial struggles, harassment, and the demanding nature of their work, the speaker maintains resilience. They focus on their long-term goals, working hard to improve their future, and find strength in knowing they are not relying on family support but rather taking control of their destiny.

What does the speaker say about the difficulty of working and studying at the same time?

The speaker acknowledges that balancing work and study is extremely challenging. They work long hours at multiple jobs while trying to keep up with their academic responsibilities. However, they also emphasize that working is a necessity, as it allows them to cover their living costs and avoid relying on their family for financial support.