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Stick with me: I'm 18 years old-obviously a freshman in college-and I've only had one job...it lasted two months. I'm a person who gets easily stressed out over nothing, and I need at least one day a week to sleep in or just relax. I understand that soon I will never have days off, but for now, I need to go slow with this. Well, I got an interview at an Office Depot and I went to it yesterday. When I told them that I may have to decrease my weekday hours because I didn't realize how much homework I was going to get in school, the manager laughed and said, "Well then say goodbye to your social life on the weekends!" I immediately felt horrible, went home and talked to my mom about it, and she told me to call and turn down the job. My mom knows that I simply can't handle a job right now and says I will just have to get summer jobs. I feel horrible about the kind of person I am and that it was stupid to turn down a job like that. Was that a dumb choice?

2006-09-01 01:45:57 · 26 answers · asked by kid_at_heart 3 in Business & Finance Careers & Employment

Thank you guys, most of your answers made me realize that school is top priority...without insulting me. As for the three people who decided to call me immature, spoiled, or pampered, you were reported. You can report people for insulting other participants.

2006-09-01 05:11:33 · update #1

26 answers

First term freshmen should never gets jobs unless they absolutely must have them. The transition between high school and college has enough stress for anyone, and you shouldn't add to it.

By the end of this term you will have a much better sense of the homework demands you are going to face in the future, as well as a much more secure grasp on the realities of being at a university.

My advice would be to stop hitting yourself over the head about this, accept the transition time as a grace period, and allow yourself to get into the "groove" of college life. You can always get another job after the start of classes in January if you feel up to it. Don't add to the stress right now. Relax, and know that there are plenty more jobs to follow once you've got your bearings. Try to enjoy yourself.

2006-09-01 01:53:36 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

It was not a bad decision. First off, school should be your priority right now. If work cuts into school time, then work is what should go.

That being said, you do need to start learning some self-discipline. I don't mean that to sound critical or anything; it's just that as you prepare to move into the work world after you graduate, it would be less of a shock if you're prepared for dealing with it. If you're unprepared then you could end up with some adjustment problems that will have a much more negative impact.

You could look into another part time job at a more laid back store, maybe. Something like a video store might be good. Gradually work your way into more professional-type positions. Also, learn alternate ways of dealing with stress. I used to do like you and sleep in to cope, and when I got into the work world I couldn't do that. It left me with some problems when it came to dealing with work stress. Since then I've learned to cope with stress by exercising or taking walks (luckily I live and work near nice parks). I've also found that yoga helps. Some days I get frustrated and go do some simple yoga moves in the stairwell or shut my door and relax with some stretches. But try and find other ways of dealing with stress, focus on school, and try to find a more casual part time job. Besides, the guy at Office Depot sounds like kind of a jerk.

2006-09-01 02:58:05 · answer #2 · answered by Rose D 7 · 0 0

I wouldn't call it "dumb." You just pretty lucky that you don't have to be responsible yet. When I was your age and starting college, I had NO CHOICE other than to get a job. I worked full time, went to school full time, and I still had a social life. I just budgeted my time. One semester, I couldn't find any other job, so I had to work from 11 at night until 7 in the morning, then I had to go to a class at 8 a.m. But I did it, and I'm so glad now. I can't believe you turned down a job for the reason that you did ... I said it wasn't dumb, and it wasn't, but I would call it immature. In college, you're not supposed to have your dream job or a job you're "passionate" about, like some other person on here said. What will you do when you HAVE to have a job and go to school? Or will that ever happen? Are your parents gonna support you throughout college?? Holy crap, you are spoiled. Right now, I teach three classes at a local University. I am a Senator for the Graduate School. I am a Program Assistant in another department. And I'm taking two classes toward my PhD. And I'm married, so I have to give some attention and time to my husband. You need to grow up.

2006-09-01 01:56:19 · answer #3 · answered by danika1066 4 · 0 2

NO!! Right now you have more important things to worry about, like getting through college. College students need a lot of time to study. Study not Party!! If turning down the job was in-fact due to homework then I think it was a good decision. You need to find a job that works around your schedule. There are plenty. You might also want to try to work for the college. I know colleges hire students.

Oh and about stress, join a fitness club or walk on your own. Exercise is the best thing for stress. Depending on what you are studying to become, you might get a Mon-Fri job and you will have two days a week to rest, vacation, paid holidays and all sorts of leave.

Just stick to college; you'll be OK!

2006-09-01 01:55:01 · answer #4 · answered by Me 2 · 0 0

Let's break this down: Dealing with the immediate issue, which is the Office Depot job, working at Office Depot really isn't going to help you much in the future, but getting a college education will. So for now, don't worry so much about working on the side; just go to class, do your homework, get good grades, and enjoy yourself while you're going to college. Now for the issue of you getting stressed out easily and needing at least one day a week to chill out: You have from now until you get that college degree to grow out of that. People who live in the real world don't get one day a week to sleep in and relax -- there's always something that needs to be done. More importantly, if you get stressed out over trivial things, you won't be a valuable asset to any employer. You need to learn how to function under pressure -- people who do that well are in big demand when it comes to high-paying jobs. Just remember that attitude is everything. If you believe your world is crazy then it will be, but if you believe that you can handle whatever comes along, you will.

2006-09-01 01:57:58 · answer #5 · answered by sarge927 7 · 0 1

That wasn't a dumb choice. It was a smart one. Your school and grades are much more important & they will help you get a much better job & possibly in the field that you really like.

You need the time to study and the time to relax & rest. Your social life is secondary no matter if you are working or in college, but you still need time for that too. Once you've graduated and gotten into a solid job that suits you, then you can concentrate more fully on social interaction because you'll have more time for it.

Don't feel bad for turning down a job. There are many jobs out there, but not all of them are going to be the one for you.

2006-09-01 01:54:41 · answer #6 · answered by Shadow 7 · 0 0

Sounds like you have moderate anxiety. Use relaxation techniques, do a web search for autogenics. You're only 18, and in college, so right there is a good decision, you are obviously not going to make a career out of Office Depot sales. Don't let a job destroy your quality of life. I am still trying to not let work stress get to me, it isn't easy. The rewards of a college degree will be abundant, make that your #1 priority.

2006-09-01 01:54:33 · answer #7 · answered by JONES99679 3 · 0 0

I think you made a wise choice.If you can afford your college without the need of the job throughout the semester then go for it.
If you are to stressed out you will do poorly in your college studies and it will be a waste of time attending.
Many people have to work in order to pay for their tuition or they do it to help pay.
This works for some people but may not for others.you must look at the stress level.
you do what feels right to you,no one knows you better than you do yourself.
sounds like your mom is very supportive of you,and that will go a long ways mentally.
Good luck and i hope this helps with your choice.
Remember in to days world your education at your age is your financial future.grab it and run. GOOD LUCK

2006-09-01 02:05:46 · answer #8 · answered by scotth 1 · 0 0

You need to challenge yourself. You aren't getting much encouragement from your mom and your attitude is pretty negative. Try it and if it doesn't work then quit. Also, if you are getting easily stressed, talk to your doctor about it. Maybe the stress comes from a lack of self-confidence because you have only had one job for two months. Life after college is alot more challenging than what you are experiencing although it may not seem like it now.

2006-09-01 01:51:49 · answer #9 · answered by porkchop 5 · 0 0

No, not a dumb choice at all. Sounds to me like the manager is a bit of a putz, but that's his problem. As a student, your first priority has to be your studies, so you can't do anything to jepordize that. You may find that the normal college workload is to heavy for you. OK, you can take an extra semester or two to finish the degree, that's allowed. Good Luck.

2006-09-01 01:51:14 · answer #10 · answered by darthclown 4 · 0 0

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