Working while going to school, whether it’s high school or college, is very difficult to balance. Then comes the issue of attempting to add a social life into the whole scheme of things as well as getting a good night sleep for your next day. Although I’ve found it very challenging to work, go to school, and keep up with the other aspects of my life I can positively say that I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Here is why:

1. Experience

Throughout my life, I have gone to school for almost 15 years and yet I am still not done. When I was younger and naptime was still a thing, school was much more enjoyable, which meant I didn’t question why I had to go every day. Sadly, present day, I don’t get a naptime and enjoyable is not the word I would use to describe my five classes. These struggles lead me to one thing: questioning why I’m still doing it.

Putting in thousands of dollars in order to get an education is challenging to get past. Imagine putting in those thousands of dollars, getting an education, and then not being able to do anything with that education due to lack of experience. It would suck, right? It’s a struggle that recent graduates face all of the time. Working while in school can be horrible, I get it. Less time to hang out with friends and less time to do what you want to isn’t very appealing to many people these days but it is definitely something that will one day pay off.

2. Freedom

You know that feeling when you really want something but it’s not close to Christmas time or your birthday? Having a job while in school has given me so much extra freedom. While that freedom from my paychecks has led to some pretty ridiculous purchases, I’ll be the first to admit, but it has also led to some pretty amazing trips that I wouldn’t trade for anything.

Being able to work for the things that I want and need has made a huge impact on my college career. The travels and adventures that I have been a part of would not have been possible without the countless hours I put in at work and the paychecks that I count down to (literally).

3. Responsibility

Being responsible is not always fun or the easiest thing to do. I quickly learned through having a job that it is a lot more fun to spend your parents’ money rather than your own, trust me. Having a job while going to school has also led to me being much more responsible with time management and has allowed me to value my time so much more.

At the start of my college career, my free time was spent going out a little too much and focusing more on those around me rather than myself. My down time now is cherished and used for things that better me or catching up on every hour of sleep I can.

It’s absolutely exhausting to work and go to school when taking multiple classes - I’ll be the first to admit it. But it has opened my eyes to multiple life opportunities and life lessons that have made me a better person. I’ve met some amazing contacts through working in college and have been able to make some amazing memories. Though it is very challenging, I highly recommend it to all those who have the chance.