It's technically just the beginning of summer but for many of us college students, we've been working away at summer jobs for almost two months now. When you apply for a job that is going to look impressive on a resume and is potentially a stepping stone for your future career, you start to feel excited, like you are finally growing up. However, what you don't realize is everything you will learn and experience throughout this summer job. This article isn't to complain about real jobs but it's a reminder to enjoy your time in college and not rush growing up too quickly.
1. A taste of real life. Finally having a real job, you can be so excited about the salary you're going to be making and the experiences you're going to be having but you forget about the daily grind that will come along with it. Working around 40 hours a week, constantly having work to do, dressing up everyday, and all the responsibilities that come along with a job.
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2. Your schedule is no longer your own. In college, for the most part you control your schedule. You pick your class times, you sign up for what you want to be involved in, you can even take a daily nap if that's what your heart desires. Once you start working at a typical 9-5 job, all of that freedom is gone. There are definitely trade offs and it is worth the experience but don't take for granted the freedom that a college schedule allows. Other areas you might be interested in like working out, traveling, etc. might have to be put on hold for a little while because work can take over your schedule.
3. Taxes. We've all paid a few dollars in taxes from high school jobs and lower paying jobs but once you start earning a consistent salary, it's amazing how much more money you end up having to pay in taxes. As exciting as it can be to receive your pay check, once you realize how much of that you have to give to the government, it puts a slight damper on things.
4. Social life. Summer is supposed to be about staying out late with friends, making memories that will last forever, and doing whatever it is your heart desires, whenever you want right? Reality check. Once you start working long hours everyday, you may find yourself ready for bed by 6 p.m. and having a social life? Who has time or energy for that? Not to say you can't learn to balance both work and a social life but it is definitely different than balancing the two during the school year when you aren't as exhausted and you have more flexibility in your schedule.
5. Bosses and coworkers. Bosses and coworkers can be great, don't get me wrong but it can definitely be a wake up call realizing that you most likely don't have a clue what you're doing relative to the people you work with. You have to work your way up from the bottom of the food chain and do the grunt work. Everyone has to go through this but it's easy to get caught up dreaming about the future career you're going to have and then find yourself spilling everyone's coffee orders instead.
Having a summer job or internship is an invaluable experience and something everyone should try. It can help give you a better idea of what you might want to do in the future and exposes you to so many experiences that will help you in the long run. Just make sure you are mentally prepared for the exhausting hours and daily grind of starting at the bottom of the pyramid. I guess my parents were right when they told me to enjoy every stage of life and never try to grow up too quickly. Growing up is exciting but it also comes with a lot of responsibility that might be unexpected at first. Summer jobs or internships can be a big adjustment but it will usually be worth it in the end.
