I noticed that there was an article going around saying that you shouldn't stress in college unless you have a job. While I do agree that people who work while getting their degree are experiencing a lot of stress, believing that people without jobs are "spoiled" is just plain ignorant.
On a personal level, I worked my first two years of college and while I did get stressed out then trying to figure out times to get homework in and still have a social life, I believe I am equally as stressed now even though I do NOT have a job. So, without further ado, here are a few reasons why I will NOT stop complaining about stress even though I don't have a job.
1. A lot of my stress comes from being worried about money, too.
Even though I'm a college student without a job, it doesn't mean I have "unlimited access" to my parent's money 24/7. I have to learn how to budget buying groceries and essentials in order to make my money last.
2. Yes, all I have to do is go to class and do homework.
While it sounds like a peaceful life, once you get into your specific major, doing homework outside of the classroom can prevent people from getting jobs.
3. I love to shop, but know when not spend money.
Just because I don't have a job at the moment doesn't mean I can't go out and buy the stuff I need. If anything, I envy those with jobs who can buy anything they want at any time.
4. Students without jobs are the best at money management.
Yes, we don't have jobs, but that doesn't mean we go out spending all of our money every second of the day. We have to figure out a way to make $30 last a couple months. Stating that people who don't work don't know how to handle their own time and money is absurd. ALL college students have to learn how to manage their time efficiently to be successful; it doesn't matter if you have a job or not.
5. No, I don't have unlimited time to be social.
I spend most of my time in class or in the library trying to earn my degree just like every other college student. Although I don't have a job, I am very involved in different organizations around campus. Or in other words, I do not have a lot of free time to just hang out and do nothing all day like you think.
6. I hate when people say "your major isn't that hard."
No matter what, no major is "easy." A lot of people think that education majors have it easy because our classes are the "hardest." Well, I have a secret for you: we spend over 60 hours in the class room per semester just to get the experience we need to get our teacher certificate. Teaching is not an "easy" job because, even when you aren't in class, you are constantly creating 10-page lesson plans.
7. No, I do not go out to eat whenever I want.
Surprise surprise! I don't have the funds to be able to go out to eat with my friends. Most of the time I just have to say, "Not today. Maybe next time," and eat ramen noodles alone in my room.
8. I won't feel bad for complaining about stress.
I have every right just like you to complain about my stress during this time of year. Taking over 15 credits is hard... job or no job.
9. I'm not just another "spoiled" kid.
Yes, I am very fortunate that my family will help me out, but that doesn't give you the right to call every college student without a job spoiled. You have no idea what is going on in peoples lives. Stop judging people.
Let's get this straight: just because someone has a job does not mean they are the only ones allowed to complain about stress.
The bottom line is, ALL college students deal with stress.
