Managing school and a part time job has become a normal experience for me. When I was fifteen years old, I got my first (extremely) part time job and I started to learn what it meant to earn my own dollar, as well as maintain time for school and homework. Now, during my third year in college, I juggled two jobs and full time class every week with ease. School, work and homework Monday through Friday isn't a routine that is necessarily preferable, however it is a routine that i have become familiar with. I have always wished to take a break from school and work altogether and spend my days however I wanted. I've always fantasized about waking up whenever I wanted and decided to spend the rest of the hours on my own plans and ideas. For the past two months, I have finally gotten to experience exactly what that life is like and it isn't what I expected.

After quitting one of my jobs for the holiday season and deciding to participate in a study abroad program that wouldn't begin until a month after the new year, I quickly realized that I would have a lot of the free time that I have always dreamed of. At first, I loved it. I began to feel relaxed and carefree. I had no responsibilities and expectations for the first time in weeks. When I was reunited with friends after Christmas, I the promise of the potential that all of my free time held was overwhelming. I stayed up late with friends and happily slept in late, comforted by the concept of not having any obligations to follow through with the next day.

Nearly two months in to this extended vacation, however, I can honestly say I have experienced too much of a good thing. I have realized I need purpose in my day. Though having an open day is appreciated and amazing, I find myself now desiring some sort of source of motivation to get me to wake up and feel prepared and energized for the day.

Work and school can sometimes feel like its taking over my life. I'll always allow myself to take well-deserved break to remind myself to relax and enjoy the day. With that being said, however, I now understand that work and school give my life meaning and set goals for me to work toward. My two month break supplied me with a lot freedom, good food and good drinks, but I am ready to jump into a new adventure with new responsibilities.