Kingston students would rather worker long and earn more money than pursue the fabled work-life balance and spend time with family and friends according to a RiverOnline poll.

In a survey of 102 students, 57 prioritised having a stable income to build a secure future, fund their social lives and pamper themselves upon entering full-time employment rather than earning less for more time off.

The remaining 45 believe that “money cannot buy you happiness”, preferring shorter hours and a lower income for a better social life.

Nadia Jabburi, a television, video and technology student, said: “I’d prefer to have more money and a solid income, especially these days."

Nusrat Jahan, a first year chemistry student, responded: “Definitely more money, so I have more to spend on shoes and clothes”.

Our poll comes in the wake of a study conducted by think-tank New Economic Foundation (NEF), which suggests that the average working week should be slashed to 21 hours, less than four and a half hours per day, as experts say this would not only conserve energy but make people happier workers, boost productivity and allow time to be better quality friends.

"The support of friends and family is the most important thing so I would rather more time" - Maria Papoutsi

The majority of those who voted in favour of more money were unmoved by the prospect of working longer hours, asserting that they would “find time” to socialise, despite the fact that the average working week is 43.5 hours, according to the most recent report by the Office for National Statistics.

Less than half of the students quizzed concurred with the findings of the NEF research, based on the example of Utah where the state has implemented a four day working week, with many preferring the freedom to fulfil life ambitions and build better relationships.

Cuong Phan, an international studies student, said: “I will have 40 or 50 years of working to save up the money I need. I want to enjoy my twenties and do everything I want to do, like travelling.”

Maria Papoutsi, a first year psychology student, commented: “I don’t think that money can make you happy. For me, the support of friends  and family is the most important thing so I would rather more time.”