There comes a time when you want to move off campus, pay for your dues alone, or just become an adult while in college, which consists of getting a job. Some people swear against it, some people are all for it, and others have no choice. I fall in the middle range.
Personally I have been working since I was 14, so life without my own money hasn’t been ideal. At first I was strictly working during school breaks, and for work-study. But once I moved out of the dorms, I started working 4 jobs, to pay bills, to pay for dues, and to buy furs of course. But it hasn’t been easy, and I don’t think it ever will get easy.
But the fulfillment, the joy, and the independence you get from it, it’s like non other. Junior Journalism Major Ashanti Smith from Balitimore, MD says, “It definitely takes a lot of time management, but you have to stay prayed up, that’s the best advice because in the midst of working and trying to maintain your grades it gets stressful but you can’t give up.”
It will get stressful, at times you will envy those who seem like everything is just handed to them and they don’t have to work for anything, but the best reward is being self-sufficient so no matter what may take place you know you can hustle and take care of yourself.
There has been many sleepless nights, nights I’ve pulled a double, and nights I just contemplated not even finishing school because it’s so much, and at times you work so hard for other people’s dreams that you don’t even take time to push your own, so it’s very important that you keep a balance.
Junior Criminal Justice Major, Kori Gainz from Hampton, VA says, “It’s stressful as hell! That’s why I have dark circles around my eyes at 20. But it makes you manage your time better, Plus you get that bag. I suggest that you don’t do it unless you’re 100% grounded and know for a fact you can do it. Know how to balance work and your education”.
Personally I would say don’t lose yourself, or your end goal. Yes you might have to work to meet personal needs, but don’t let that derail you from investing in yourself and your future. I commend anyone who is bussing their ass in college working and studying just to make a better life for themselves and those who can’t.
Your work doesn’t go unnoticed baby, one day it will pay off. Just stay focused, stay grounded, remember your purpose, and remember if it doesn’t make you any money it don’t make any sense.