I’m convinced one of the best decisions I’ve ever made in college was to get a job off campus. My town is very small, but I wouldn’t necessarily call it a college town. We have a couple bars, a few restaurants and a few chains. It takes approximately five minutes with traffic to get from one place to another, maximum. There are three stoplights and a handful of locally owned shops.
I work at a locally owned family business, a bagel shop to be exact and a damn good one at that. Working there makes me appreciate my college experience so much more. My bosses are the owners; they’ve become almost like my parents away from home. They come to my games, they donate to different organizations I raise money for and always support my fundraisers. It is extremely nice to have them there and to talk to when my parents are hours away. They’ve become a huge part of my college career, and I am so thankful for that.
On top of my bosses becoming a huge part of my life and supporting me outside of work, they also hook me up with a paycheck (obviously). I can also say that I love my job and that’s awesome to be able to say, especially in college when most people are just trying to get by doing whatever pays.
Working at a family owned business is usually a more fun environment. I’ve never worked at any chain or corporation, but from stories I’ve heard from my friends I’m glad I can say that. Working at a family-owned store makes for a better experience. As long as you do what is expected and needs to get done there is plenty of time for fun. Whether it be decorating for the holidays or going through old Facebook pictures while telling old jokes.
Working at a family business in a small town has led me to meet so many more people I never would have the opportunity to know if I spent all my time on campus. It’s led me to meet people who have turned out to be my neighbors, my friends’ parents and professors I’ll never have, in addition to becoming familiar with people I see out in the community. It has allowed me to build relationships with regulars and learn more about people in the town I’ve been calling home. It has also introduced me to many new friends. I can’t begin to tell you how many times I’ve been out at a party or at the bar and had someone come up to me and say, “Hey don’t you work at the bagel shop?” It’s a funny, but common occurrence.
It has also helped me build relationships with my co-workers who I probably wouldn’t have known if I didn’t get a job. Work relationships are special and unique. Your work friends can become your best friends or people you dread spending shifts with, but luckily in my case I enjoy everyone. Your work friends always support you and give you a break from the normal conversations that consume you ever day. It’s a refreshing change of pace.
Getting a job in my college town is really one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. The amount of relationships I’ve built in the community and the new friends it has led me to is amazing. I am thankful every day for my bosses, co-workers and relationships I’ve built from having the best job ever.
