The Online Reflector

Attending college is neither an easy nor a cheap task. Students feel a strain on their sanity, time and wallets. While there are many options to help ease the financial burden, most result in prodigious amounts of debt later in life. Other choices to save money, such as living at home, just aren’t as attractive as the independence of living alone is for a college student. Also, students who wish to attend a school further from home have no choice but to spend the extra money to live in the residence halls or an off-campus apartment.

I lived in the residence halls my freshman and sophomore year before deciding to get an apartment with a few friends this year. I felt ready for the independence brought by my own space and the added responsibilities that would come with it. While I do deeply enjoy and value my independence and free time, I knew that I would need supplementary income to make this living arrangment possible.

Solution: the part-time job.

After going through the unique hell that is the job interview process, I eventually landed a part-time job at Best Buy. I looked forward to the additional spending money and financial flexibility that being employed would bring. I thought I could handle the additional time commitment and stresses of a part-time job. I was wrong.

At first, I had everything under control. It was a tight schedule, but I managed my time well; Class, work, exercise, errands and sleep all had their allotted times and I managed to enjoy a modicum of free time as well. But all of a sudden, something changed.

I don’t know if my focus shifted or if classes just picked up the pace. All of a sudden, I was getting behind in my classes. I had no idea how it happened, but I was suddenly overwhelmed. My stress levels were through the roof and I wasn’t getting enough sleep. I was terrified.

I worked hard to get my job, and I liked it, but I knew I couldn’t handle this schedule for the entire semester. I didn’t know what to do or who to turn to. My parents, professors and friends all gave the same, essential nugget of advice: Do what you have to do.

So I made the tough decision and called my manager. I explained my situation and voiced my concerns. When I was done, I let out a sigh and waited for the worst.

I had expected a tirade or disappointment in response. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised.

Luckily for me, my manager is an understanding man. We took the time and discussed several different solutions. After a few minutes, we reached a mutual decision to remove me from the schedule for a few weeks so that I may figure things out. My academics come first; always have, always will. That will never change. If I think I can handle the complicated dual nature of student and worker I shall return, and if not, well…

I think Tom Petty sums it up best:
“You have four years to be irresponsible here. Relax. Work is for people with jobs. You’ll never remember class time, but you’ll remember time you wasted hanging out with your friends. So, stay out late. Go out on a Tuesday with your friends when you have a paper due Wednesday. Spend money you don’t have. Drink ‘til sunrise. The work never ends, but college does…”

Take Petty’s words to heart, as I am struggling to. There’s much more to enjoy about being a poor college student than people realize. Enjoy it while you can.