Since I started my first job two years ago, I haven’t let myself go without a job mainly because it is nice to have my own hard-earned money. I’m not sure how I survived without a job before because I didn’t have an allowance as a teen, so having an income is definitely better for me.
I guess you can say I’ve become a bit anxious about money, seeing as I’ve forced myself to work two part-time jobs every summer just so I can have an extra something-something.
Unfortunately, these second summer jobs never stayed for just the summer, which meant I had to learn how to balance two different work shifts, classes, studying, extra curricular activities and of course, having a social life.
Here are a few tips on mastering the art of working multiple part-time jobs.
You can do anything, but you can’t do everything.
You can discover the cure to cancer, you can make flying cars a thing in the future, you can win an Oscar, you can win the next Nobel Peace Prize, you can become Beyonce’s back-up dancer—no matter what it is, you can do it, but the reality is that we can’t do it all. The first step to being able to juggle so many things at once is knowing your limit. If you’re working multiple jobs as a full-time student and you notice your head hurts more than usual, your body is exhausted all of the time and you can’t muster up the energy to think—let alone do homework—maybe it’s time to take a step back and cut your hours or let a job go.
Communication is key.
If you find yourself in a sticky situation—your shifts conflict with each other, you need more time for studying, you’re starting to feel sick—talk to your supervisors at work about it. Don’t try to spread yourself out too thin to make everyone else happy at the sake of your mental and physical health. Your supervisors would rather have you healthy and happy than slaving away at work and doing a horrible job at it.
Sleep. A lot.
It’s a no brainer, really—we all love it, but don’t underestimate the power of sleep. A lot of my friends like to tell me, “You can sleep when you’re dead” when I use my need for rest as an excuse to stay home, but that’s silly; I won’t be sleeping when I’m dead—I’ll be dead, which is also something I’ll be if I don’t sleep and continue to work 24/7. Get at least eight hours each night, Broncos! Your body will thank you during your next shift.
Know your priorities.
Knowing what is of most importance to you is going to help a lot with your time management. As a college student, my main priority during the year is my schoolwork, though I can’t say it’s the same for everyone else. At one point, I found myself putting work higher on my list because I had bills to pay, and sometimes, that’s just how life works. Whatever your priorities are, make sure you have them straight, and remember to communicate them to your supervisors so they understand your situation as well.
“Stop the glorification of busy.”
I don’t know what it is about glorifying how busy you are, but I’m definitely guilty of bragging about how busy I am from time to time . Maybe it’s seeming like you really have your life together. Maybe it’s showing people how productive you are. Whatever it is, being busy isn’t always something to be proud of. It’s important to remember that the lulls in life are just important as the chaotic moments. Don’t let amazing memories with your friends go to waste because you’re a busy body. Remember to enjoy the slower times too!
What are some tips you have for anyone working multiple jobs? Let us know using the hashtag, #CampusCropChat on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and don’t forget to follow us on Snapchat @asicpp.
Are you looking for a job that will work around your studies? Remember to check out the many awesome employment opportunities here at Associated Students, Inc. (ASI)!
