Picture that you are on a tightrope. The only goal is to cross the rope from one side to another, but there’s a catch: you are holding a large pole. Resting on one end of the pole are your grades and at the other end are your job responsibilities. Now all you have to do is walk this rope until graduation without letting the either side of the pole drop. This is what it feels like to be a college student with a part time job.
Money is of the essence during the four years at a university. Loans are very common and so is spending money that you don’t actually have. To prevent myself from digging into a deeper finical hole at school, I acquired a part time job this year. The best part about this employment is that it actually relates to the field that I want to go in to, education. Not only am I making some cash, but I am gaining experience that will look professional on my resume. However, it is not all rainbow and sunshine, it does cause some stress on my daily life.
Right after class, I change out my leggings for dress pants, and then I head straight to the office. In the matter of a ten-minute car ride, my attitude shifts from talking to my peers to being ready to discussions with my higher-ups. I mask my bubbly personality with a logical, determined face for my work environment. My measly four to five hour work shift goes by slow some days, fast others. But sure enough, at the end of a full schedule of class and a shift at work, there’s always homework to follow. There just never seems to be enough hours in the day and I always feel exhausted. Although, deep in my heart I know that all of this stress is worth it, and there is a fulfillment happening in my life.
Balancing a job and school, although challenging, has made me feel accomplished. I know I am striving by putting my nose to the grind stone to excel myself forward. The perseverance that I show now will be nothing but helpful in my future endeavors, and I am proud of myself for being responsible enough to handle this vigorous life-style.
Life in general is always going to be a balancing act, but there will always be satisfaction in crossing that tightrope to achieve your goals. So, don’t look down, and keep on stepping towards your dreams.
