Everyone loves the feeling of seeing $7.62 in their checking account. Just kidding. No one likes to see that, but almost everyone has.
Being in college is extremely difficult. You want to do well in your classes, you want to get involved on campus, and you want to have a social life, while squeeze some sleep somewhere into the mix. So getting a job for a lot of college students isn't always in the cards.
Even if you do find a job, most of the time it's an on-campus or just off campus job that involves serving coffee, waiting tables, or filing things and answering phones. (Or in my case you're a lifeguard. Shout out to all my HRC guards!) Theses are super jobs to have! However, your hours usually aren't that much and the pay is good...but you're a college student. Money goes fast.
So here are some things that should try and cheer you up about being the broke kid in your group, and how sometimes when money is tough, life is trying to teach you something.
1. You Become Real Good At Finding Things To Do That Are Free
You have your rent due Tuesday. You have just enough to cover it before you get paid Wednesday. Today is Saturday and you have already watched everything on Netflix. So you want to be social, but you don't have the money to go out to the movies or dinner or the bars. You now become the champion of finding free stuff to do on the weekends! Walking around downtown, checking out a free arts fair, you are the go to for fun events that are easy on the wallet.
2. You Know How To Budget
You will rarely find yourself in a situation of panicking at the last minute to pay a bill. You know how much you need for groceries, your cable bill, and your electric bill. Need to pay that credit card off? You always know how much you'll need. When you don't have a lot of money, you become smart with it.
3. Your Decision Making Skills Wildly Improve
Making tough choices is a huge part of life, and when you're broke you have to make lots of tough choices. Do I want to have enough money to get me food this week? OR do I want to blow all my money at Urban? Should I go out and spend all my money on booze? Or should I get my mom her birthday present? All of these choices are difficult for students, and when you learn to make hard choices early, it's a skill that will help you throughout your adult life.
4. Relationships Can Improve
Is it your BFF's birthday? You could go out and get them that cute clutch they have been raving about OR you can make them a heart felt gift with a bunch of cute photos of your guys through the years with a nice note. While at the time, the clutch might seem cute, it doesn't last forever. Eventually it will go out of style and a newer better clutch will take it's place. However your little collage will last, and will always be something to celebrate your friendship. Plus when you focus on activities that don't cost a lot, all the pressure of money can melt away and you can focus on having a good time.
So my fellow cash strapped friends, the next time you look at your bank statement remember that you aren't defined by the dollars in your account, but by the way you live your life with the people around you. And if you have a good set of friends, a love for what you do, and a positive outlook on life, you're richer than kings.
