Full-time student, part-time employee, or vice versa? Some students can't tell. I just recently watched a Today Show interview with Presidential candidate Donald Trump. In said video, Trump says, "It has not been easy for me. I started off in Brooklyn, my father gave me a small loan of a million dollars" . . . . I sh*t you not.
Like oh yeah, Trump, same. My daddy gave me a teensy loan of 1 million and that's why I'm struggling to get that jumpstart on adulting, you know?
What anyone fails to give you when making the investment in higher education is a reality check. You're paying room & board, or the travel expenses to commute. If you live in an apartment, you're buying groceries and just about everything else including breathing. Textbooks, supplemental materials, some school spirit wear, gas money (or maybe you need to buy a car or pay fares to get to and from an internship), it adds up to a substantial amount. And no, we can't pay just 10,000 easy payments of $19.99 (I've tried).
Students who work fall into 3 categories:
*Please note, spending and Chipotle money are two different categories of funds. Please respect.
Those Who Need Spending Money
Groceries, weekend adventures, gas cash, occasional shopping, train fare, birthday gifts. Work a shift or two each week and you're set. A minimum wage work-study on campus can go a long way for spending (coupons and deals are still key though). Babysitting, cutting lawns, or anything found on one of those odd job sites will do the trick, and nothing is too small or insignificant. Cash is cash. Get workin' and stop asking mom and dad for 20 bucks. (Dear Mom, still grateful for the occasional $7 because.. Chipotle).
Those Who Gotta Make Ends Meet
Pitbull said it best: "I knew my rent was gon' be late about a week ago, I work my a** off, I still can't pay it though" but he still got enough to go to the club. This is Gospel. You need spending money, to make car payments, rent, pay for your classes, help your parents out... And bruh, ya girl needs Chipotle once in awhile. I stand with y'all: 2 work-study jobs, field hockey coaching, and a nanny when I can (hire me por favor). Friends might not understand you can't eat out all the time or go clubbing every weekend, because you need to save, do homework before your shift, or lay in bed and consider becoming an extreme couponer (idea: new Olympic event??) Don't give up OR don't give in to toooo many Chipotle trips.
Those Who Pay Their Way Through Everything
You are not the 1%, don't feel alone. Someone has to make the moollah, and just remember: you won't be serving tables or stocking shelves once you finish (NOT that these jobs are anything to be ashamed of. CEOs deserve the same respect as maintenance, and if you don't support that, get out). YOU are the student by day, employee by night. You might wear a uniform to class and pay for everything with your tips (you known damn well it's allllll singles). You countdown to payday and cash in ASAP. You also watch your accounts like a hawk... or bald eagle.. America! The best part: camaraderie with your coworkers or classmates who feel you. And, knowing you will be stronger because of your resilience and time management you're forced to develop.
There is a certain pride that comes with working while getting a higher education. You don't wear a mask or cape, but as a student by day and employee by night, you, my friend, will be quite a success story.
