"Know your limits."
"You can't do it all!"
"There aren't enough hours in the day for all of that."
"Make sure you leave time to enjoy yourself."
Whether it's one of these or a variation of some sort, each of us has heard this at least once in our lives. Particularly in college, there is a lot of pressure on students to get involved, hold an internship, find a leadership position, make the Dean's List, be good at a sport... the list could go on and on. In all of this, we are also receiving messages from parents, friends, family, mentors, coaches or anyone with an impact on our lives to slow down. We can't do it all! Nobody can expect you to be able to do it all and more, and maintain your sanity at the same time.
Or can they? College seniors and those who are applying for internships may feel like this belief is unfounded when it comes to the real world. Entry-level positions have "3-5 years of experience" listed in their requirements. Why is it entry-level if you need years of experience? The lists of preferred qualifications are so daunting that many, though they may be qualified for the position of their choice, decide not to apply. Because it appears as though no matter how much we hustle and push ourselves to be better and do more, there is still a disconnect between what we can do and what employers are looking for in a candidate.
Someone who has achieved academically and in extracurricular activities should feel prepared for the job market, internship field, or graduate program of choice. The same goes for students applying for undergraduate college now! It is impossible to do it all, yet there is so much pressure to continue to do more. When will it end?
Are we doomed to continuously feel behind the curve, or that there is yet another thing we can do to get ahead? Whatever happened to participating in activities that you enjoyed and brought out your passion for life, instead of what will enhance a resume?
While it is important to strive to be better, society sometimes needs a reality check that everything does not have to be a competition, and it is OK to know your limits. You can't do it all. You don't have enough hours in the day for that and leave time to enjoy yourself. Strike the balance, and if you notice one side or the other taking too much dominance over the other, bring yourself back to center. And remember that it really is OK not to do it all, no matter what sort of pressure you might be feeling. The best things in life are those we enjoy with people we love, and if you never leave time for that, the time may just pass you by. So, relax for a minute - the jobs will still be there, moving forward will happen. Just take it at your own pace!
