"Sorry, I can't. I have to work," is how most of my social life plans get ruined. Being a full-time student and having a part-time job is time consuming, but working while in college is one of the best decisions I have made, and I honestly love my job and the good conversations with customers. Like most college freshman, I turned 18 and wanted to head in the direction of independence from my parents. It's only natural, and I decided the best way to do that was to get a part-time job. I have been working at Home Depot since I was 18, and I am about to be a senior in college. I have learned so much about myself and about people, and I have to believe that working in college is something everyone should experience. Here's why.
1. You learn to be patient with people.
People are generally nice and good, but after you have explained to someone four times and four different ways that they have to insert the chip side of their credit card into the pin pad, and they just aren't listening, it's hard not to lose your patience. But you have to realize that they are only human.
2. You learn to have a filter.
As badly as you want to tell that customer how awful of a person they are, you have to keep your mouth shut if you want to keep your job. The good thing about developing this filter early in your working life is that you only get better at it. This is a branch off of my first point, and if you've ever worked with the general public, you know exactly what I'm talking about.
3. You realize how much more observant you are than the rest of the population.
"Where do I put the money in?" would be a valid question for someone to ask if there wasn't a giant button that says "cash" and a series of flashing lights where the money is. Maybe I am super-aware of my surroundings, but it is surprising how many people can't figure out simple tasks like this. Working with the general public has taught me that people are usually consumed with what is going on in their own lives and don't intend to be mean or dense. They're just distracted.
4. You learn your strengths and weaknesses.
I am great at dealing with angry customers, but I am a terrible saleswoman. This is something I never would have known, or at least not yet, if I hadn't worked in college. Now that I know, I can develop the skills I need to improve myself. I am also developing leadership skills because I have worked my way up to a position where I have to manage people. People sometimes panic under pressure, and I have learned how to diffuse sensitive situations.
5. You learn how to manage your money.
While your non-working friends are paying for their $6.20 Chick-fil-A sandwich meal in quarters and dimes, you don't have to worry so much about how you're going to pay rent, feed yourself, and maintain a positive bank account balance. You don't have to rely so much on your parents for money, and it feels awesome to be able to support yourself. Learning money management skills as a young adult will definitely help you be successful once you graduate.
