Everyone is broke in college. That's why we have Top Ramen and jobs. Juggling classes, homework, and a work schedule is overwhelming at times, but hey, at least we get a check, and eventually, a degree out of it.
For all of the student workers out there, this one is for you.
1. The messed up sleeping schedule
Between pulling double shifts and all-nighters, it's like sleep does not even exist anywhere near your world. But when the golden hour arrives, it is gone almost as fast as it went by. Treasure those 8 hours of sleep, my friend.
2. Having homework due the same night you have the closing shift
Procrastination is the root of evil. Sure, that was a good nap and that movie you watched on Netflix is now on your Top 10 list. But now you KNOW that you are not getting any sleep tonight. You also know exactly who's fault that is.
3. Getting called in on the day you don't have class
4. When your friends plan something and you know you can't go
Missing out on Cards Against Humanity night or a friend's birthday dinner at Texas Roadhouse is already dampening your mood at work. But really, seeing all of the Snapchat stories on your 15 minute break is probably the worst. Those cinnamon butter rolls sure look better than they ever have.
5. Trying to do homework during a shift just never works
By the time you finally get the chance to, at least, try to work on some of your assignments, the odds never seem to be in your favor. You (suddenly) get busy, your boss swings by to make sure you're doing your job, and by then you already forgot what class you even had homework for.
6. Mixing up/forgetting shifts
You stayed up all night studying for that math exam that would either make or break your grade. Once you've aced it, you make plans to go out and all is well, right? Then you get that "Hey, why aren't you at work?' text and realize you're an hour and a half late. But you thought you closed tomorrow...
7. Never knowing the right time to use the "I have to study" excuse to call out of work
Most managers and supervisors understand the responsibilities and obligations that a student worker has to their classes and assignments. They all say that if you ever need to work on your homework, it is acceptable to call out. But, there never really seems to be a right time to use this as an excuse to miss work. It's been almost two years and you still haven't used it, but there will come a time.
8. Forgetting everything you learned in class after you get back from work
For once, you feel like you actually understand some of the most challenging concepts in your stats class. Unfortunately, after going to work an hour after you are out of class, everything you thought you once knew is gone when you sit down to work on that homework.
9. Cherishing every free second you have
It's Saturday night, you didn't get scheduled, and you finally have time to unwind. You don't want to go anywhere except your bed and the fridge. Yet, you always mentally complain when you can't go out with your friends during your normally scheduled weekend shifts. It's okay, there's always next time. Maybe.
10. Spending money too fast
You almost never want to cover anyone's shift. That's just another day you could have had to yourself! Although, deep down, you know you need those extra hours because half of your checks go straight to those late night Postmates orders. I mean, maybe if you didn't spend twenty bucks on each order, it wouldn't be so bad.
But it's well worth it, considering the fact that they come straight to your form and you don't have to gather your last scraps of energy to drive to Taco Bell after your shift. Curse you, quesadilla cravings.