Five jobs is nothing less than stressful, don't get me wrong. But it's such a deserving feeling to get a paycheck and know that I worked for it... to know that I can spend it on whatever I want to...

A lot of people (especially my parents) love to tell me how I'm "doing too much," how I need to "watch my grades," and how "money isn't everything." Apparently being in school is my job (for the time being).

But it's so rewarding to have a job to go to once my classes conclude for the day. And sure, there are some nights when I really wish I could learn how to tell people "no," but all in all, getting a paycheck that I know I worked my butt off for is pretty similar to getting an "A" in a class that I had to study for every night for weeks on end.

However, with a job, hopefully you're getting paid pretty frequently, and you're feeling good about yourself at least on a bi-weekly basis. You don't have to wait for the end of the semester to get that

When I waltz through TJ Maxx and see a cute dress, I can buy it because I make my own money, so I get to decide what I do with it. I don't have to call my mom and ask for permission. (But sometimes daddy's credit card is just too tempting to resist.)

My advice to you, no matter how "busy" you think you are, no matter how "hard" you try to tell your parents your classes are, get a part-time job. Don't put all of your eggs in one basket and focus on school 24/7. Your brain needs a break, and you need a little instant gratification with that weekly paycheck.

Take it from me. Working five jobs is one of the hardest, but greatest things I do these days.