I have had a job ever since I was 16. These jobs covered a variety of aspects from the food industry, to student affairs, to creating and working events. In all my jobs, I had to work long hours, weekends and sometimes holidays. However, I would not change it for a second because all of my jobs taught me more than what could have been taught in a classroom, and have made me who I am today.
This summer, in particular, I have three jobs and most of the time this requires working anywhere between 45-60 hours a week. Even though by the end of the week I may be exhausted, I love every second of it and would not change it for the world. These jobs have, first and foremost, taught me about work ethic. My bosses and other people would not have trusted me with responsibilities if they had not thought I could create a cohesive work ethic to make it all work. Also, they taught me about time management and compromise. Sometimes, I have to give up a fun night out with friends to work or only stay at a dinner party for an hour before coming back to come up with new ideas for my project I am currently working on for one of my jobs.
I have never understood the people who say “no” so early on in their careers. They say no to opportunity because they only want to have one thing to worry about. Or they choose to turn down their dream job offer to stay at their current job because it would be too challenging to pick up and leave where they have been their whole life. Often I hear people say how they are completely open to new opportunities and adventures, but are you? We are all so young. So young. We can do anything we put our minds to regardless of what others say. Go out there and get the experience you need now because you might never get the chance later. We have to jump on opportunity now!
So, yes I have three jobs this summer and though I may be worn out by week’s end, I look at it in a different sense. I choose to seize opportunity and experience before doubting I could ever do it. Opportunity is among all of us. It may be at your fingertips now. My advice to you is if you can manage it, you should do it. Most people think I am crazy for taking on this work this summer, but in the end I love every second of it and all of it is shaping how I view my future career outlook.
