In college, you want to be able to have "fun money" for going out with friends, food and other entertainment purposes. Little did anyone tell me that working, being in college and having a social life would be a heavy load!
1. Long shifts and sleepless nights
I love my job, don't get me wrong! But, sometimes when you're in school from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. you really don't look forward to working from 4-1 a.m. I work at Illegal Pete's and it is an amazing college job. I have the perks of being able to get to know so many amazing people that will always be my friends as well as some FANTASTIC deals on food and alcohol. But along with an amazing job come some hardships, which are the long shifts. A usual shift at Pete's is ten hours. I ask myself every day how I do it, but it isn't so bad when you have the support and amazing co-workers y your side. I've recently taken more classes this semester so I can graduate so I had to knock my shifts down to two days a week. If I didn't do that I would have lost my sanity!
2. Losing my marbles
Sometimes it's hard for me to go into a shift at work after I've been at school all day learning new information. You have to go from being a scholar to a friendly person who serves customers food. Most days its hard for me to be cheerful and upbeat because of the long day I have had up until work. But, I try to not let it get the best of me and leave all of my stress outside the door before I walk into work! Some days I feel like I'm going to have a mental breakdown, sometimes I do, but I have to give myself a pep talk saying, "You are working and going to school to better your life... you CAN and you WILL get through this day!". You just have to take it one day at a time reminding yourself that you are doing this to better your future (and to not be broke).
3. Adulting and responsibilities
Adulting... wow do I despise this word! I have to understand and take responsibility for my life, even though I don't want to some days. I am a very independent person - I pay for a lot of things myself, like my phone bill and car insurance. I have to remind myself that if I wasn't working I wouldn't be able to pay for these things that I need. It is a privilege to have a car and a phone but it is also a huge responsibility. I have learned that many things come with a car... like gas, insurance, oil changes, and frequent maintenance. Illegal Pete's helps me pay for all of these things and this is why you should appreciate your job even though it can be tough.
4. Understanding why
My mom once gave me some wise words when I was feeling unmotivated and down in the dumps. She said, "You have to think of the whys." You need to think of why you are doing this and how it is going to help you and build your confidence. I understood that I am working ten hours shifts a day to support myself, to understand the value of a dollar, and to be proud that I am a college kid who can handle a heavy load of schoolwork while still working 20 to 25 hours a week! Most people may not think that it is a big deal, but to me, it has shown that I can do anything I put my mind to; even if that includes all-nighters working on homework or busting my ass in the workplace... OR BOTH!
So, let it be known that working a part-time job AND going to school can be done. It will be hard and you will be exhausted 24/7 but you can get through this one day at a time; it's totally worth it! You just need to put in some hard work, show some effort and shoot for the stars.
