You come home from a long school year filled with assignments and hard work, and now what? Summer. The time to go to the beach and sleep in all day. No responsibilities or due dates to stress about for at least a few months. But how am I going to pay bills, buy food and fill those hours where I could be doing something productive?
Although you may feel hesitant to sacrifice your whole summer to a part time job, sometimes it's just what you have to do. Having a job is beneficial whether it be able to pay monthly rent, extra funds for fun activities, or even so that you can buy ice cream whenever you want. The main question: Why should I work when I want to travel and do everything I can't do during the school year?
1. Your parents won’t pay for everything.
The unfortunate truth is that EVERYTHING costs money, to a point. Throughout your time in college, you are responsible for paying rent, room and board, as well as buying whatever books and supplies necessary for required courses. Some students are fortunate enough to have financial assistance from parents and scholarships throughout their college experience. However, this can only pay so much and extra money can be helpful if you want to splurge on a mini vacation, or something as small as special treats at the grocery store.
2. Having a job gives you experience and responsibility in a professional environment.
If you have never held a job before leaving home, it is quite a different experience than doing chores at home. Working with others who want to succeed in life and achieve their life goals can give you that inspiration to pursue greatness. I don't know about you, but having responsibility and doing everything I can to help myself grow is what keeps me motivated and wanting to pursue my dreams.
3. A job can help build your resume and special skills.
In whatever area you choose to work for a few hours a week, anything and everything can help you with your resume. Many jobs offer basic skills that can be added to your resume, such as customer service, cash-handling or even organizational planning. If you ever have the opportunity to work and grow a new or developing skill, do not pass it up!
4. You have the opportunity to network and grow.
At any work environment, you meet people that you wouldn't have met before getting hired. Making connections and talking to others about your goals and aspirations can help immensely in the pursuit of your future dream job. Mentioning your passion for journalism, or knack for numbers, can assist your employer in who to refer you to for a potential job in your interest – don't be afraid to reach out to those in higher leadership positions!
As a whole, having a job gives you an experience like no other. Whether it be good or bad, a job allows you to learn and grow in a multitude of areas. The feeling of making your own money, and being able to go out on a whim because you have that extra money, feels good and always will.
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