<p>Working hours that are basically full time and doing school full time is a recipe for trouble. Plus you have those other commitments, the club and conference. Honestly, this is just insane. I think you need someone to say that.</p>
<p>If you are working that much, then I think you should take one or two classes at a time the way most working adults do.</p>
<p>I have no idea why you have to work this much: perhaps your parents are unable to help you financially. You mention helping your: that is a burden most students don’t have.</p>
<p>But I think that short term money is going to interfere with your long term earnings by affecting your grades,transcript and possibly your prospects.</p>
<p>The most important thing, aside, obviously from your mental and physical health, is to avoid wrecking your academic record (and your actual learning) because of this overload. If that means dropping classes, getting out of the club, or even withdrawing or taking a leave, so be it. </p>
<p>To me, the best solution would be to stop working, if at all possible, but it seems not.</p>
<p>You work an extraordinary number of hours for a full time college student. I don’t know your full situation, but with the off campus job, ask about reducing the hours for a temporary period so you can catch up on this heavy load at school, so that you don’t completely lose that job as you said it is also your summer job. But perhaps you can reduce it. For the on campus job in the writing center, it sounds like the money from that position is not as essential but that you love the job and it is related to one of your majors. That is all very good, but I would drop that job and put your coursework first. You had the experience of working in the writing center and you could possibly have it again next semester. For now, it is too much to handle, and is less important than the schoolwork. Same with the club. You could return to the club once you are over this schoolwork hurdle. More time freed up should help you get the schoolwork done. </p>
<p>Yes, you were also stressed this summer. Before that, weren’t you stressed about the original plans for a double major, how hard it would be to accommodate both, plus your travel plans? I thought some of us suggested you reconsider what the priorities really are and how challenging it would be to accomplish everything on your list in four years. Are you still living at home? </p>
<p>We’re worried for you. It’s ok to revisit goals sometimes, ok to come up with a Plan B and realize not everything has to be done right now when it’s such a high cost. You have time ahead of you. You can take a great writing class at another point or in another venue, after the college requirements are done. You can cut back some of the work hours. When something has to give, it’s ok. It’s often the wiser choice. We’re suggesting you rethink because we’ve been there. The college years are an experience, not the last chance. Please think about how high you have set your expectations of yourself. As ever, best wishes</p>
<p>I had to quit my job Freshman year in order to keep up with school. It was a difficult decision, but looking back, I had no other viable choice. </p>
<p>Your #1 job is to do well in school. EVERYTHING else is secondary. Get rid of the job. Get rid of the clubs. Spend your time on the 16 credit hours. Get your As. Otherwise you are just wasting your time and someones money. </p>
<p>Cut back on work today! 30 day notice is nice but not at the expense of your course work. Unless you NEED that money to stay in school, call them as soon as they open and tell them you cannot work there any longer. Then, you will have the time you need for all of the other obligations. Good Luck! You will succeed no matter what.</p>
<p>Don’t have any answers for you, except to say that there are lots of people who care about how you’re doing. I would cut out the work or at least cut back your hours. There are times when it is not possible. I thought that I would be able to work in medical school - ha, that unreasonable idea didn’t last very long! Best of luck to you. Let us know how you’re doing and what solutions you come up with.</p>
<p>First off, I’d like to thank you all for your support and help (now and in the past). It truly means a lot to me!! </p>
<p>You all have very valid points, and I am definitely considering everything. Today I called my off-campus job and explained the severity of the situation and they agreed to cut my hours before I take my leave. I also talked to my boss at the writing center and told her pretty much everything that was going on. Since my conference work relates to my job at the center, she’s actually giving me an hour a shift to use the resources at the center to work on it, which totally kills two birds with one stone. </p>
<p>This adjusted plan will leave me with around 20 hours a week, which i know is still questionable but which is definitely better than 35.</p>
<p>As far as dropping classes and dropping majors, I’m determined not to do that. I’ve done very well with the two thus far and this is the only time I’ve truly stumbled, so I have faith that I can stick it out. </p>
<p>However, I will consider dropping and readjusting if need be. I just took a couple major French tests and am turning in the first paper in my writing class later in the week, so after the grades come in and I know where I stand, I’ll definitely weigh all my options. </p>
<p>Also, once things calm down, I really do think I should see a professional about anxiety. As you all have pointed out, I’ve stressed out in the past just as ardently, so it clearly isn’t getting better. I legitimately don’t have time right now, but once I do, I’m going to get serious about handling all of my anxieties. </p>
<p>Thanks for the update. It’s great to see that your employers responded well and hopefully you are feeling less stressed. Try to take care of yourself as you work toward your conference deadline. Sleep, good food, exercise, fresh air, conversation with friends, spiritual life (if that applies to you). Even a 5 minute break to clear your head can be productive.</p>
<p>What will you be doing in France in the Fall? If you are at a university, can’t you drop your writing class right now and take it (in French!) at your host university; or perhaps take an on-line course during that time (or over the summer)? Why check-off boxes rather than thoroughly explore them? Preparing thoroughly for the conference would be a real learning moment, as would taking a writing class (in French) in France.</p>
<p>Are you actually presenting at the conference? The first time is a learning experience- the expectations on you are not as high as for, say, a thesis presentation and defense. These are usually much more casual, a chance for people to share and learn a little from each other. Many of the talks are reviews of one’s work to-date, (sometimes, just a snapshot,) and an opening for conversation. It’s good to know your stuff but you have some leeway. </p>
<p>First, I am happy to hear that you are cutting your work hours back to 20. I hope you will cut them again, to no more that 12-15. 35 hours for a full-time student is just nuts.</p>
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<p>A wise friend of mine once told me, “Don’t compare your insides to someone else’s outsides.”</p>