<p>Hi I am a Junior in high school. I have recently come upon a dilemma. I have applied for a job at the U.S. Department of Agriculture as a laboratory assistant at one of the plant research labs and had the great fortune of getting the job. However, I do not have enough time to both hold a job and make all the practices for my school swim team. I have been swimming since freshman year and I have a shot at making varsity this year. It seems that all my swimming freshman and sophomore year will have been in vain if I quit this year. Nonetheless, I will have to drop either the job or the team. Is it wiser for me to keep the job or stay on the team?</p>
<p>Do whichever one you would enjoy more, not the one that will look "better" on your application.</p>
<p>None has a very good point. If enjoyment is equal, take the job. The US Dept. of Ag. job is more unique, and it pays. A win-win.</p>
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I have been swimming since freshman year and I have a shot at making varsity this year. It seems that all my swimming freshman and sophomore year will have been in vain if I quit this year.
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<p>it will not have been in vain because you did something that you enjoy and I am quite sure you have learned some transferrable skills that have and will continue to serve you will. That said, the big question is </p>
<p>Are you looking to be recruited for swimming? If yes, then you will potenitally give up a lot if you give up swimming. If you are not looking to be recruited, then you have an EC that you participated in over a period of time.</p>
<p>Are you interested in agriculture or reseach? If yes, then having this job is an amazing opportunity especially when it comes to demonstrating interest in this field. If this is not what you are interested in doing long term, having a job is still a good thing especially if you are using the monies, to help defray your college cost or helping your family.</p>
<p>follow your passion because you seem to have a win-win situation.</p>
<p>In terms of admissions, the job is the "wiser" choice. But that's not necessarily the way you should look at it. You will have to make a compromise either way, so pick the one you feel the best about.</p>
<p>my d was involved in a LOT of extracurricular things (including a job) that made her miss many swimming practices. she has had several different coaches over 4 years, all of whom said practices were mandatory at the start of each season.. but when she talked to them one-on-one though she found that there was a lot more flexibility than they give lip service too. Especially if you are missing practice not because you are lazy, but are doing something important...I'd say if it's at all possible to stay on the team, even if it means you dont get to swim many events in the meets because of missed practices, etc. then stay on it. it really helps in college admissions to be a great student, working AND a varsity athlete. Try explaining to your coach how important it is to you to stay on the team and see if there is some kind of compromise that could be struck..Just another option to consider...</p>
<p>Another thought... even if a coach will allow you to miss practice for your job, how stressed out will you be with two large time commitments? If you're going to feel guilty for missing practice then you won't enjoy the job anyway.</p>
<p>If the coach is understanding and you really think you can balance it all, then do it. Otherwise, pick whichever one you enjoy most. </p>
<p>(Another thought - is the job year-round? How long does swim team last? Is it possible to take the job and get reduced hours during swim season?)</p>
<p>go for the lab one</p>
<p>If you had been swimming since 2nd grade, then I would stick with swimming. HoweverG two years is nothing. go for the U.S. Department of Agriculture job.</p>