NORMAL, Ill. ””mdash; The last thing most of us want to do is get a job on top of all our homework, projects and clubs. But when it comes down to it, a part-time job is crucial for our survival.
While it might be hard to stop going out to eat as much and spending money at the bars, it might be worth trying. Now is our chance to change that, by getting jobs and becoming responsible adults.
First step to finding a job is don’t wait for it to come to you. Jobs will not walk up to our door and knock asking if we’d like to apply. We must search online or in person at different places around town.
Second, don’t apply at only one place. The more places you apply the higher your chances of someone calling you. Even if you have to apply at places you are really not interested in, I say go for it. That happened to me and I now have a great job with people I never would have met otherwise.
Don’t judge a job based on its description. Just because the duties listed are minimal or sound boring, chances are you will get to do a lot more than what is listed there.
Nowhere in the description for my cashier job did it say I would have a chance to work with awesome people, meet new people every day, or win trips.
A job is a job, but it will only be meaningful and worthwhile to you if you like what you are doing.
There is a saying that goes something like, “It’s not work if you love what you are doing,” or something along those lines. I totally believe that.
While having a part-time job may sound like a real downer, to some it can be quite fun. Think of all the great people you will meet and the experience you’ll be getting, not to mention the money.
Remember though, it’s not easy finding a job, especially when a good portion of your peers are after the same things you are. You never know ““ you might make some of your best friends at your new job.
St. John is a columnist with the Daily Vidette at Illinois State University.