Dear Abby

Dear Abby,
          I have so much going on on campus. Im involved in numerous organizations and feel like I’m overwhelmed. I love everything I’m doing, but sometimes feel like maybe I should drop one of my organizations. I’m so caught up in my work that sometimes I forget to complete tasks, and I feel like I am dropping the ball. But I don’t know what to choose to let go of! Am I just feeling the pressure before Spring Break?

Thanks,
From: Confused and Overworked
 
Dear Confused and Overworked,
            First of all, being involved on campus is very important especially if you are in more than one organization. It is a great way to make many connections on campus and build your resume.

You need to think about your future. Which organizations on campus are most related to what you want to pursue career wise? It sounds like you are involved in so much that is ok to drop at least one so that you can focus more on your school work and other organizations. I love the saying “ quality vs. quantity.” In your case, it is better to have quality work in a couple of organizations than to have poor work in many.

Forgetting to complete tasks is something you need to start working on.  You may get by with it at college, but when you enter the “real world” you need to make deadlines.  One thing that might help you with this is to write out your tasks, projects, goals, and meetings for each week. Sometimes I find myself feeling overwhelmed just because I am in a lot of organizations, but then I look at my agenda and I only have a couple of tasks each week.  Choose the organizations that will benefit you in the long run. If that means all of them then pick the two that you really love doing.  Your organizations will understand the pressure you have. 

Don’t rush into making a decision before Spring Break. Take the relaxation time that you have to make the best decision possible. When you get back from Spring Break email the leader of the organization you want to drop and just explain to him or her the position you’re in.  Your stress will only get worse after Spring Break because school will be at it’s most challenging. 

Have a great spring break!