Every summer, for as long as I can remember (well, at least since I turned 16), I have worked. From landscaping to house cleaning to waitressing to ranching to random miscellaneous chores the neighbors needed done, I have worked every single summer. And that was my plan for this summer too. So, when I never got a call back for an internship and all other jobs I had applied for were full, I panicked. When I found myself unemployed for the summer, I immediately thought the worst.

How the hell will I be able to afford anything?

Where will I live?

Will people think I'm really lazy?

As a college student, finances are super important to me. The only reason I can afford an education is because of my scholarships and summer income.

My goal is to graduate debt free, and so far that plan is working really well! I work my butt off for good grades and hold a job during the academic year to pay my own car insurance and other bills as well. I am by no means broke, but I am definitely not rich either, so being employed is important for my financial stability. I got really anxious when my only option this summer was to work sporadically for my mom's house cleaning business.

However, before I had a complete breakdown, I decided to think of the positives.

Not working this summer will give me an opportunity to go hiking, camping, and spend time with family. I really missed out on these things over the last school year, so I am excited to have more time to relax and chill. I am also in huge need of a mental health break, so not having a job five days a week has been really helpful for reflection and reevaluating my goals and values. I also get to do a lot of traveling, which is one of my favorite things to do and something I really neglected. I spent more time this past year worrying about having enough money and getting stressed about finances, and I think it's time to chill out and remember that money ISN'T the most important thing in the world. It's definitely necessary and I would recommend having some stability, but like the saying goes, money doesn't make you happy. At least it never has for me.

So if you find yourself unemployed this summer, or working sporadically, or even just helping your parents out with their business like I am, don't be hard on yourself. Maybe it's a sign that you need a break, some time to relax, or just a summer for yourself. If you're like me and have enough money to support yourself and your endeavors, go for it! You don't need to be rich to have fun this summer! You aren't lazy for taking quality time to enjoy the world and the people around you. Spending time doing things you love and taking a few months to enjoy nature and this beautiful world isn't something to be ashamed of.