A part-time job in college is almost never supposed to be where you end up for the rest of your life. Though we know this, it can be easy to feel stuck in a sucky job. Most of us have been there or some of us are there right now, so here are some tips to get you through it!
1. Remember that there’s strength in numbers.
If you have any good work friends that you can rant with, go for it. There’s just something about being able to complain about your boss or your job to someone who also understands. Sure, talking to people outside of work is good sometimes too, but you and your work friends understand through mutual experiences. Having an ally always makes a bad situation a little better.
2. Talk to your boss.
Identify what exactly is making the work environment so hard to handle. It can be scary to confront authority figures, but saying “I am unhappy here, this is why, what can we do to change this?” is sometimes worth it. Maybe you can work together to change what is making work so awful, or maybe the two of you will be able to come to a different compromise that makes everyone a little happier. Talking to your boss won’t guarantee a positive change, but nothing will change if you don’t try to change it.
3. Look for new jobs.
Job searches are never fun. They can be time-consuming and disheartening, but it’s important to know that no matter how stuck at the job you feel, there are other employment opportunities out there. Fill out applications for jobs near you, and remember that college campuses often have job posting sites that get updated frequently. Don’t be afraid to check those out!
4. Remember this doesn’t have to be a forever job.
Life changes, circumstances change, and so will you. Nothing has to be forever, so keep your head up and get back to the grind. Even when it feels so bad that poop might as well be raining from the ceiling.
Keep your head up, collegiettes!