Full Time with Time to Spare

This is a guest post by Adam Jorgensen for Student Stories. 

I have successfully managed to survive working multiple jobs, full-time class loads and on top of that, mainlining an active social life.

Some may call me crazy, bionic, or talented. I simply prefer Adam. I have done so through sacrifices and compromises in many forms. I have sacrificed opportunities to have the average teenage life and immersed myself early into adulthood. I overcame my party stage very quickly. Not saying I did not partake in occasional parties and social gatherings, it is important to release and decompress every now and then. How you do that is up to you entirely.

I say I successfully managed to accomplish all of this in that I am happy with where I currently stand. I am holding two jobs that are relevant to my major and can be potential outlets for a career. I also hold the title “Volunteer Coordinator” at a local LGBT non-profit that has always been a dream of mine. Growing up in a small, Midwestern town truly was discouraging for a young gay man. I knew I was gay when I was seven years old and since then, I have desired to empower those to believe in whom they are and what they stand for.
Managing work, education and relationships is a very interesting and delicate endeavor. It is crucial to have moments to oneself, even if this moment means waiting five minutes to start your car between your first job and the second. I have been there, numerous times. These five minutes will help you collect, breathe and evaluate. Keep positive, there is a light at the end of this seemingly never ending tunnel. Despite already balancing two full time jobs, school and other aspects of life it is wise to set limits. I will drop everything I am doing if I am becoming burnt out. Sloppy work is not reflective of your potential. Take a nap, eat a snack or take a drink; do what you have to do to recuperate.

Despite a meager appearance of your personal life, you still can manage to interact, with humans, yes real humans. Friends and family will understand, and respect your drive to be successful. I have come to the harsh realization that the ones that are not present while you work hard, and dedicate your time to something productive are not the ones you need in your life to help preserve and revel in your eventual success. Keep in mind that managing jobs can be easier depending on the occupation you choose. Try to pick a job that will allow you to do homework and study during slow times. Jobs that are constantly go, go, go are not conducive for students. The constant motion, paired with lack of sleep and brain strain will burn ultimately burn you out faster than you can say, well anything.

When choosing a future career that is specific to your major know that you are not likely to immediately get your dream job. You may not be ready for your dream job quite yet. If you do land an entry level position that you highly prize, don’t be afraid to ask questions and push the barrier. Don’t blend in and just be “the intern” be you, and they will remember you and keep you in mind when full time and upper level positions open up.

In the end, I hope this little story will be a sign of motivation for those who need to work full time, or more while in school. It can be done effectively, you just need to map out your priorities, set aside alone time and learn to accept your mistakes and learn from them.

About the Author:

Adam Dale Jorgensen enjoys writing witty copy and is highly focused on learning and gaining skills to be successful in the field of marketing and account services. He loves multitasking and managing several projects at a time. Adam also enjoys seeing diversity in advertisements. Currently Adam is working as a Direct Support Professional for South Dakota Achieve. He is a Sales Associate for Pier1 Imports and a Volunteer Coordinator for The Center for Equality. Adam spends most of his time planning, volunteering, and listening to music.