I’ve had a job since I was 10 years old. Every Wednesday, my brother and I would split the neighborhood paper route. We made a massive $30 a month between the two of us. From there, I got a "real" job, working at my local library, putting books away, as well as working at the Sunday School that I attended as a kid.

Coming from an affluent community, not many of my friends had jobs or understood why my parents made me work. It didn’t frustrate me that they didn’t have jobs, but I was angry that they couldn’t understand how having a job is a priority, and not just a fun after-school activity.

While working two jobs, as well as volunteering, my junior year of high school I was offered a job at a local jewelry store. I wanted nothing less than another job, but my mom made me take an application (because “why not?”) and well, I’ve loved the job ever since.

Although I’ve quit my library job, as well as stopped attending the Sunday school classes, I’ve continued to work at the jewelry store through college and am now facing similar problems that I did when I first started working. Many of my friends don’t understand that work is a priority, and something I have to do in order to help support myself while in school. Working through school has been a blessing and a curse but here are some things I’ve learned from working while being a student.

1. You can and you should set an alarm for a 19 minute nap.

With school, work, and your social life, there never seems to be enough time in the day. Naps are important to regenerate some energy and I find myself sneaking them into my day as often as possible.

2. You’re learning real world skills.

I truly believe my social skills are better because of my work at the jewelry store. I also have learned to be more professional, which comes in handy in multiple aspects in my life.

3. Your friends who don’t work, may not understand. After working an eight hour shift, you might not want to go out.

That’s okay! Just do what you need to do and they’ll come around!

4. Only take on what you can handle.

I’m not big on the word NO and I’m still searching for the perfect balance between school and work and everything else in between.

5. If you don’t love what you do, fix that! I am so lucky to have a job that is so great for me and work with people who are nothing but fun to be around.

I never dread having to go to work, and you know what they say: if you love what you do, you’ll never truly work a day in your life.

6. Enjoy your paycheck!!

Not all your friends work, so they might not know the rewarding feeling of receiving a check with their name on it. Treat yourself, but also put some of it in the bank (because that’s what your grandmother says you should do with it, and when was the last time your grandmother was wrong?).

Working while being in school isn’t easy, but it has been so good for me. Having a job is part of who I am and I know that it is making me a more well-rounded individual. I have no idea what I want to do when I’m older, but for now, I am having so fun at my job at the jewelry store. Working has turned me into a more professional, social version of myself It’s been a crazy transition from being afraid to answering the phone at work, to handling three customers at once with ease! Working and going to school has showed me that the real world isn’t THAT scary, and that a job is so much more than the paycheck that comes of it.