Research suggests that working while studying may compromise academic performance although findings vary when determining if time management or time availability is more influential. A pilot study into time availability for study was undertaken with a sample of pre-service graduates undertaking a teacher preparation course at an Australian university. By adapting Vickery's time poverty formula, a time deficit was found between recommended study time and expended time commitments. Pre-service teacher entrants worked an average of 18 hours per week, which was greater than the recommended hours of instruction. A negative imbalance between work and study hours may influence how working students achieve skills, competence and knowledge required for the profession of teaching.