My alarm goes off at 7:30 a.m., the radar sound haunting my dream of staying in bed all day. I throw on my clothes with little effort, grab a quick breakfast, and head out before most of campus is even awake. After a few hours at my admin job, I rush straight to class, switching my mind’s gears back to law instead of scheduling. Then it’s club meetings, homework, and — if I’m lucky — a few hours of sleep before doing it all again.
Being a college student today means more than just studying. For many of us, it’s a constant balancing act between work, school, and everything in between. The side hustle isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a reality. Whether it’s a part-time job, an internship, or a gig you got through your parents’ facebook page, working while studying has become the new normal. We aren’t just students anymore; we’re multitaskers trying to stay afloat, build experience, and still find time to enjoy being young.
Work Comes First
Before my first class even begins, I’m already clocked in. Whether I’m answering emails from students, rescheduling appointments, or sitting in meetings, those early hours matter because they fund everything, from take-out to my car. It’s not just about earning money, it’s about feeling self-sufficient. There’s something satisfying about knowing I can cover my own expenses, even if it means losing some sleep.
But the pressure is real. Many of us don’t just choose to work, we have to. Between tuition, rent, and rising prices, the “broke college student” stereotype isn’t just a joke anymore; it’s a reality. Still, we’ve learned to make it work. We’re hustling not just to survive, but to prepare for what’s next: the internships, the career opportunities and the independence we all want to build.
Class Marathon
Once work ends, there’s no break; it’s straight into lectures, labs, and note-taking. Between group projects, midterms, and lengthy readings, the academic side of college can feel endless. Switching from employee mode to student mode in minutes takes real focus.
Still, there’s something grounding about the rhythm of it all. Even when I’m tired, I find purpose in learning new things. College teaches theory, but working teaches discipline. Balancing both has made me more organized, adaptable, and aware of how I spend my time.
On most days, I’m studying between classes, squeezing in assignments at lunch, or reviewing my notes during other classes (be honest, we all do it). It’s not glamorous, but it’s efficient. When your day starts before sunrise and ends long after sunset, you learn that success is often about time management and not perfection.
Staying Involved
After classes end, my day shifts again. Meetings, events, or student organization responsibilities usually fill up my evenings. It might sound like a lot, but these activities give structure to the chaos. Being involved keeps me connected to campus, to friends, and to my own interests outside of academics and work.
Clubs are also a reminder that college isn’t just about grades or paychecks. They’re a way to express creativity, meet new people, and make the week feel a little less like a routine. Even when my schedule is packed, I rarely regret showing up. The energy of being part of something collaborative, whether it’s writing for a publication, volunteering, or attending an event, makes the long days a little easier to handle.
Of course, it’s a balancing act. Some nights, I’m running from a shift straight to a meeting with no dinner. But I’ve realized that being busy doesn’t mean being disconnected from my community.
Finding meaning in the hustle
College life today looks a lot like a juggling act, and while it’s not always graceful, it’s teaching us something important: how to handle everything life throws our way. Between early mornings, late nights, and endless commitments, we’re building resilience, independence, and a serious work ethic.
There’s beauty in that chaos. The side hustle generation isn’t just surviving, it’s growing, learning, and redefining what balance really means. We’ve mastered the art of doing it all, not because we want to be overworked, but because we’re chasing something bigger: opportunity, confidence, and purpose.
So even on the mornings when my alarm feels like my worst enemy, I remind myself: every early shift, every late-night study session, every busy day is part of the process. It’s not just about keeping up, it’s about learning who I am through it all.
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