I started my first official job last Monday. Throughout high school and my freshman year of college, I just did little things like babysit, do assignments for people, etc. Now that I’m a sophomore in college and am moving into an apartment, my best option was for me to start working. It's not just for payment benefit but to get some work experience under my belt.

I’m not going to lie. Since I’ve never had a real job, the thought of actually working scared me. I would put in applications reluctantly, and it seemed like no one would hire me. It was kind of partial relief, but I knew that I was going to have to get a job. I finally got an opportunity to be a waitress/cashier at a restaurant on the lake.

I was so excited because everyone knows how much I love the lake. But my nerves kept getting the best of me. I was so worried about how I was going to manage, and even though I’m working and getting used to everything, I still have moments where I don’t know if I’m going to manage. However, I feel like the more I work, the more I learn about myself.

For one, I’ve learned that I don’t like people, which is fortunate because I’m working with dead people. (I’m partially joking). I have figured out that one of my weakness is taking criticism, which is something I try to get better with every day. I have found things that I’m really good at, and I have found things that I’m not so good at. I have found a somewhat decent sleeping schedule (probably because I’m pooped by the end of the day).

Working can be overwhelming. It can be fun, stressful, exciting, and every emotion dipped into it. I wish I had started working sooner. If you’re reluctant to get a job, just remember that not only are you getting paid, but you’re obtaining work experience, and you kinda get to know yourself better. Maybe that’s just how I look at it. You never realize how much knowledge there is out in the world that you have yet to gain.