Someone had mentioned to me that this break (the spring break of senior year) was the last break we would have has undgrads. The truth of that statement never really hit me until just now. I have almost gone through my entire “schooling” career, and that is pretty scary. That also gets me thinking, why isn’t there a spring break/winter break/summer break in the real world? I mean really, we are primed for the first 21 to 22 years of our life to take a break, and unwind after a few hard months of school. And after school, it all goes away. Why is that?
I have pondered on this questions for a while and here is what I am coming up with. First and foremost, I really don’t think our society could function if everyone just went on summer break for three months. Nothing would get done. But is that at a societal level that we expect things to be done all the time? Should we expect less? To that I say, yes. Studies have shown that shorter work weeks and shorter works days actually lead to more productivity. Who would have thought it? If people work too long they simply get burnt out, and honestly that is why all these breaks are actually kind of helpful. Intellectually, physically, and mentally you get to take some time to yourself. I feel like it is a great destressing tool as well as getting you focused to get more done, down the line.
The next thing that popped into my brain was the idea of the transition. As I mentioned before for 21-22 years of a kid’s life they are used to having a summer break come May. Granted some people go back to school so they have their normal break, however for a majority of people we go right into the work force. There are some exceptions, such as you can’t find a job, or you are looking to move, on why you would still have your break but they are few and far between. How does one make that transition? I honestly could not tell you because I have not done it yet and I am scared to do so.
What is next for me is the unknown, and this kid does not like the unknown. But I have no choice other than to make the best of out of it. In a way, I would love to find a way to keep my breaks, other than being a teacher, but we’ll see where the yellow brick road takes me.
