The Best and Worst Things About Having An Office Job in College
Start writing a post
Adulting

The Best and Worst Things About Having An Office Job in College

There's plenty of good... and plenty of bad, too.

19
The Best and Worst Things About Having An Office Job in College

The jobs you take in college are often all over the map (figuratively, and sometimes literally). You might have a work study job that places you in the admissions office a few days each week, you could work at a coffee shop or other retail store in the area, or maybe you chose to work in some type of office setting. Now, office jobs may have the stereotype of being super boring. This is especially true if you've taken a menial assistant job where all you do is grunt work. Hopefully, though, it isn't a job that's in your field.

Regardless, there are pros and cons to taking an office job. Some people strongly prefer this type of work environment while others hate it. If you aren't sure where you stand yet, that's just fine. In the meantime, you can read about the best and worst aspects of working in an office:

Best: You’re not on your feet all day.

If you're like me, you always wanted to work at Starbucks or Subway. It sounds like fun, right? Making coffee drinks or sandwiches. In reality, it's a lot of work to be on your feet the whole time. Plus, there's all the behind the scenes cleaning and stocking you'll have to do as well. When you work in an office, you don't have to worry about any of that. You can chill out in an office chair all day.

Best: You probably get paid a little more.

The minimum wage has gone up in some states recently, but retail and restaurant jobs still often pay the absolute least they can. With office jobs, you might be in a position where a certain background or college major is required, which can often lead to a higher wage. (Obviously this isn't the case for an unpaid internship though…)

Best: You’re getting valuable experience for your resume.

Even if it is an unpaid internship, it's still great for your resume and your career. Having any work experience is important, but having relevant experience is even better. It'll make you stand out from other recent grads when you start looking for a full-time gig.

Worst: You have to deal with the ‘Karens from Accounting’ of the world.

Every office has got some nosy coworker or manager you just can't stand. They either are the worst to work with, or they are just annoying personality-wise. When you work in an office, you'll have to tolerate these types of people. Just try to stay friendly, laugh off any weirdness, and focus on your work.

Worst: You’ve got to speak and understand the language of business buzzwords.

"Growth hacking," "touch base," "circle back," the list of buzzwords goes on… and unfortunately, you need to at least know what they mean. A recent study shows that everyone seems to hate these terms, but for some reason we all keep using them. Alas.

Worst: You probably have to dress up a little more nicely.

The nice part about work study jobs or retail jobs is that you'll either have a uniform given to you, or you'll be able to dress casually. In an office environment you usually have to wear nicer outfits. Luckily, society no longer expects us to wear formalwear to work. Still, you probably can't wear a hoodie and shorts.

Ultimately, a lot will depend on what type of job you have and the type of company that has hired you. Some are terrible, some are okay, some are awesome. Don't settle for an awful job long-term. Or, at the very least make it fun by playing conference call bingo or testing out new recipes when you pack your lunch each day.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

73490
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

46500
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

977234
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments