job-hunt/academic conflict

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As a full-time student, my assignments keep me busy (with long-term career goals in mind),
but occasionally I find immediate job offers I want to apply to.
I can't have my phone on all the time, and I can't respond to messages punctually
while I'm supposed to be in class/lab/studio working on assignments.
I also feel reluctant to drop classes, even if it's for a good local job.

My question is, should I ever mention these concerns to a potential employer?
Should I ever say things like, "I'm a full-time student, so if you accept me I may need to drop classes."?
If I do, I appear unsure and reluctant to take the job. If I don't, they may think
I'm lazy or rude when the stress of classes forces me to stop the application process part way through,
and I worry they might relay these poor impressions of me to other potential employers.

It seems to me like you need to decide what means the most to you - your studies or getting a job.
I think you have already answered that question in your post.
Can you get some voluntary or paid work that relates to what you are studying? That way your employer will share your enthusiasm for your studies and may be willing to be more flexible than employers in unrelated areas, you will have relevant work experience on your C.V. for after your studies are over and you will feel you are staying true to yourself.

Admittedly, my emotional attachment to my class material plays a roll.
If I was a perfectly-rational being, I might have a different assessment
as to which course best serves my long-term interests.

Thanks for the response. I may need more research & soul-searching before I can find the answers.

Last edited by Fatal-Noogie on 09 Sep 2011, 12:58 pm, edited 1 time in total.

Just out of interest, what are you studying? What are your long-term goals?
Don't be put off and think your interests are too narrow; think positive and look to the stars! )