If someone previously asked me if it’s possible to manage 2 jobs, successfully complete last year of your bachelor degree in the university, and have time for family and friends I would’ve definitely said “No”.
Now, I’m living it.
Imagine you had a 3-hour lecture at the university in the morning, then you went to your first job and then in the evening you went to your second job.
Around 10 p.m. your friend calls you notifying you there is an assignment which is due at 11 p.m. You assume it is due in 1 hour, rush home from work, finish it in 15 minutes, hand it in and realize it was due at 11 a.m. next morning.
So you fall asleep after eating five cookies, ready for a better day ahead.
To be honest, I don’t think I could live any other way. There is always something happening, and I am always running somewhere but in the end, when everything falls in its place and you successfully come home for an 8-hour sleep (once a week)- you know life is good.
Organization And Setting Your Priorities
The key to living this way is of course organizing your schedule. I started off with having many things overlapping and being late to places I had to be. However, it all taught me how to organize myself in an efficient way.
Firstly, I have picked out my priorities. University is my first priority, meaning I am not available during the lectures so I can only work during the remaining time.
Next goes Agile Search where I do digital recruiting, marketing and event organizing. It is not only a job that is in the field of my studies and desired future career but something I love to do.
Only after that, if I have free time, I can work at my second job.
Saying “No” is OK
This one was the hardest.
The countless times of having chances of doing things- taking extra shifts at work, participating in meetings and events.
One can’t possibly do everything with this kind of schedule and it’s so hard to say “No”.
I always felt like I was disappointing people and not living up to their expectations.
After realizing I have to learn how to say “No” to people and started doing it, it is actually OK.
Everyone understands your situation and you don’t lose your value just because you can’t do an extra shift at work. Someone else will do and it doesn’t mean you will never get the chance again. Even better, your decisions are respected and your time is valued more.
There Will Be Time For Everything Else
“There will always be time for friends and family” – I like to tell myself.
This made me learn one very important lesson, those who are in your life to stay-will stay.
Even if I see my friends once every 2 months, they are there.
Others stop messaging after hearing 3 times in a row from me: ” I am working”.
The meetings with friends and family have become so much more valuable and cherished. There is so much to talk about, so many things to share and do! Everything becomes so much more exciting and interesting.
I always manage to find at least one day a week to meet with friends and/or family at least for a few hours. After all, it’s necessary to relax as well.
In my opinion, if you love what you do and you know the purpose of it, nothing will be a burden. I’m happy to be where I am now and that there is so much more to come!