Top Five Things You Learn From Having a Job While in School

Ana Santana
Sep 6, 2018 · 3 min read

Whether your parents made you, or you just wanted to feel the freedom of having your own money, those of us who managed to have a job while being a student deserve a nice pat on the back for doing so. It’s not easy. Especially if you started at a younger age as did I in high school. Through the stress, struggles, and realization of government taxes, there are many common learning experiences to be valued. Here are a few of my personal favorites.

  1. “I can't go, I have to work.”

FOMO, otherwise referred to as ‘fear of missing out’ will become a common factor of your everyday working life unfortunately. When all of your friends are making plans to have a fun night out, you somehow have to be the responsible one by reminding yourself that what you’re doing will be worth it in the end. Eventually saying no to going out will get easier. There will always be another party, another bar, or a different day with the same people who go out to do the same thing every week. Trust me, you’re not missing out on much.

2. “Your parents give you grocery money?”

Just because you’ve already begun on your path to adulthood doesn't necessarily mean everyone else is quite there yet. Lucky enough for some people, their parents never insisted they get a job or maybe they just don’t need one yet? Some people will milk their parents for as long as they will let them, so good for them. However, I revoke my comment from earlier. I wouldn't exactly call them “lucky.” While you’re learning to be self-reliable, these other kids will be totally lost when mom & dad finally decide to cut them off. You on the otherhand dont even feel comfortable asking your parents for gas money because you’ve got a consistent income of your own! Stick with it. You’re the lucky one here, pal.

3. “Do I pick up another shift, study, or take the day off to relax???”

Ahh the sweet life lesson of time management. It takes some time to master but being a full-time student with a part-time job means that you learn a thing or two about time management. Sometimes it feels like theres not enough time in the day. If you’re not in class, you’re working. And when you’re done with work, you have schoolwork! It becomes increasingly important to devise a schedule and acquire a planner to avoid as many mental breakdowns as possible. However, one of the most important things to remember is to take time for yourself to relaxxxxx. Everything is going to be okay. Your physical and mental well-being is more important than any working opportunity out there so remember to put yourself first. Here are a few techniques to use if you ever need to relieve some stress: https://www.webmd.com/balance/guide/blissing-out-10-relaxation-techniques-reduce-stress-spot#1

4. “It’s payday!!!”

Finally! This is the moment when all of your hard work pays off. I dont know about you guys but my day always feels so much brighter when I know it’s payday because it’s just such a stress reliever. Now you can go out there, buy your groceries, get a drink, & celebrate a little! …But not too much because you’re gonna have to do it all over again next week but hey, that’s life right? The fact is, this is your hard earned money and although I recommend handling it responsibly, its yours to do what you wish with it. That’s always a good feeling.

5. “It could always be worse”

Although some days you might want to rip your hair out and quit your job, remember that everything you’re doing is so beneficial to you and your future. The stress you’re going through is something that everyone has, or will eventually experience soon enough. You’re not alone in this scary world of adulthood. So if someone hasen’t already told you today, you’re doing great! Keep making that money, study hard, and remember to RELAX. A great future comes with great struggles. You’ll get there.

Ana Santana

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