I’m a 19 year old full time student at community college taking 4 classes. I work as a cashier at a supermarket since I was 17. Why I type this is that I feel stressed out then ever before. I was able to balance high school and work at the same time before graduation because I had more energy back then. Since I’m in college now I feel physically and mentally exhausted. My life right now is go to school Monday-Thursday and work Friday-Sunday. I make $11 an hour which is above than CT’s minimum wage ($9.60), which is great but I feel like moving on. I applied 14 places job. One of them rejected me after the interview and I’m still waiting if I got the job at another store. Anyway, I don’t have time to relax anymore, or even go out at all. All I do is wake up, go to school or work, and come home. The most annoying part is waking up in the morning and having to start my routine all over again no matter what day it is. I’m ready to quit my current job but no one seems interested in hiring me. Like I said 2 out of 14 places called me for interview but the rest didn’t bother and I got tired of asking for the store manger. I have a feeling I’m not doing well because in college you don’t get to see your grades until the end of the semester. I really don’t want to drop/fail a class and repeat it next semester. As much as I hate community college (I went there to save money and I also live with my parents), the amount of schoolwork is so long, and each class gives homework everyday. Tomorrow, I’m planning to tell my manager a two week notice but I don’t have another job lined up. I can’t do this anymore. Help!
Do you need the job to finance your education or living expenses? How many hours do you work Friday-Sunday?
Typically in this situation, you either cut your hours at work or you take a lighter course load. If you can’t do without a serious work commitment (20+ hours) then perhaps you should drop below full time and maybe take a lighter (9 credit/3-class) semester. Either way, something’s gotta give. The constant exhaustion is going to catch up with you.
I work 18 hours
Living expenses. I have a lot of money in my bank account right now. Also I was rewarded with financial aid for this semester.
What??
If you have “homework everyday” are they not returning it after grading it? Are you not getting your midterms or other tests back with a score after you take them?
Quit! Life is too short.
What I meant was final grade
If you can hack it financially, quit your job and focus on school. You want to get the best grades you can so you can transfer to a 4 year college.
I am not so sure about not seeing your grades…First of all, you shoudl know what you got on all assignments/tests. Secondly, most schools have an online system where you can see your grades or submit homework or look at the syllabus. If you are not sure, ask your advisor or one of your professors.
Welcome to real life.
How will you live? Can you afford school without the job? You should be able to figure out your grade based on your graded materials.
I have a lot of money in my bank account. I also have financial aid right now
Hello @spacedude123 . I was in the same boat while I was in school. I commuted to the LAC. It was a 4 year and not a CC. I also worked at a supermarket thru most of it until junior year in college when I started interns. I started in high school and worked a couple days during the week and all weekend just like you. I routinely worked over 30 hours a week. It was not too difficult as I was only in school for about 3 hours a day. I spread my classes out during the week. I would get my studies done during the day and then head to work. I had Monday’s and Wednesday’s off. I worked the 3-9 shift on Tues. and Thursday. Friday was 3-11pm so I could let the night crew in to stock shelves. Saturday was 7am to 4pm. and Sunday was 11am to 7pm. I would open the store up for employees on Sat and Sun. I closed on Sunday. Saturday was the only night I could go out and date. It worked out well and I was able to pay for my college while doing it. Today it is not possible to pay for college while working. Very sad.
Basically you work and study. But that is what college life is. You need to prepare yourself for the working world. Best to get the stamina up when you can. Commuting was a great primer for work when I graduated. I was so used to a 45 min commute that when I started working, nothing changed. I was already in the mode.
I graduated with no debt and was able to buy a house within 3 years of graduating. It definitely helped me get a jump on creating wealth by working.
Stick with your supermarket job. Those were the best years of my life. You get to meet all the townsfolk and a steady stream of dating partners.
Good luck.
The main question is: how much money do you need to make it?
If you don’t have someone supporting you financially and you don’t have enough to pay rent, food, electricity, phone, cable, and have some savings in case of ememergency, you need to work.
Like others have said, welcome to the real world.
It sounds like you really need just one day a week to rest a little. Any chance you can take off Friday, or Sunday, and keep your current job?
Don’t quit. You’ll need that job during summers.
ask to only work 2 days a week.
You’re likely going to need money for your last 2 years of college. Aid probably won’t cover all of your schooling.
If your boss refuses to let you only work 2 days a week, then NEXT semester, arrange your classes so that you only go to school MWF…or MTWF
Do not quit your job - can perhaps ask for reduced hours.
As others have said - welcome to real life. And if some of your aid is student loans, your asset sheet is not money in the bank, it is money in the bank less what you owe up to date on student loans.
“A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush”. Don’t give up a job until you have another confirmed job.
You have to think of your long term goals - and having the college degree is part of that. You may be having to make more sacrifices than others to get to your goals, but the determination to work through hard times will make the achievements sweeter.