Being in college has enough challenges on its own. Putting a job on top of that creates a constant juggling of all your commitments and assignments at once. These are a few things I have learned from cutting my losses while trying to maintain the ideal of a girl boss.
Don’t let your GPA drop because you haven’t figured out how to balance school and work yet! Ask coworkers if anyone can pick up a shift for you if it all becomes too much, and if they can’t don’t be scared to ask your boss or manager to cut back your hours a little during midterms or finals week.
A lot of major commitments at once will teach you very quickly to get stuff done while you can. When I have free time or a day off, I hit the books and do homework. I figured out that even though I want to be out with my friends, sometimes your social life has to take a back seat.
Whether it’s new friends from work or the ones who have been holding you down since first semester, having someone to help you calm down when you get wound up can be a lifesaver. Having someone by your side to joke with during those late-night shifts can be the thing to keep you awake till closing.
Like I said before, though it is a privilege to say it, class comes first. After that, there’s work, of course, then it can feel like a free-for-all. Sometimes your room will get super messy. You might have to text other members of any clubs you are in and say you can’t make the meeting. If you get stretched too thin, take a break. Listen to your body, and cut yourself some slack where you need it.
I’m not saying you should never show up to anything else and let your room become a petri dish for undiscovered mold. What I mean is, things are less likely to fall apart, when you feel like you are still in one piece. Have you noticed that knocking something over feels like no big deal when you’re in a good mood and the end of the world when you’re upset? Take little precautions to step back before you accidentally push yourself over the edge.
A little part of me dies inside when I get off a ten-hour shift and immediately have to start homework. Just let it out. Don’t force yourself to be okay all of the time. You haven’t bitten off more than you can chew, but maybe one day feels more difficult to stay motivated than the rest. Express how you feel, before you accidentally take it out on someone else.
I hope these help you get through your workweek while studying for a test seem a little more manageable. You can have it all and so much more if you trust yourself to get it done! Doubt is a thought a strong sense of determination can steamroll. You got this!