Third Job’s the Charm by Anne Wrobetz

In the employment world, all does not go necessarily as planned. In fact, it rarely does. One of the keys to being employed, as well as to being a college student, is to remain flexible. Take, for example, the three jobs I recently landed.

Three jobs does, in name alone, sound excessive. However, none of these jobs is particularly time-consuming. I’m fairly ecstatic about my current situation! I’m getting a regular income, lots of knowledge, and plenty of work experience to put on my resume.

The first is a housekeeping job. For six hours a week, I help a couple around the house and yard. The best thing about this job is that I don’t need any special training–I already do all of this around my own place. I feel like I’m getting a weekly allowance all over again! I found this one by searching through my campus’ website. On most college websites, there is a page dedicated to job listings, both on- and off-campus–very useful for the working (or gainfully unemployed) student.

I found the second job through the same website, though this one is on campus. I’m working in the campus museum, helping run a summer program for kids. This is probably the most rewarding of my jobs and, once again, requires no additional training. Thank you, years of babysitting! My childhood comes rushing back every time I open the art supplies cabinet and am greeted with stacks of construction paper.

As you can probably tell, these two jobs do not take up much of my time. What’s a traditional working student to do? Land a traditional summer job. After about 70 applications and many interviews, I seem to finally have had some success. Surprising though it may be halfway through the summer, I was able to get a part-time job at TJ Maxx. This job will require commuting, but with a trusty book in tow I am set for any bus ride!

So, if you’re not having luck getting that 40-hour-a-week internship, consider working a lot of small jobs. The pay really adds up, and the variety keeps any one of the jobs from becoming overwhelming. Also consider commuting, especially if your school offers a bus pass program. The best thing about working three jobs? I can use it as an excuse to watch Saturday morning cartoons in my pajamas, knowing I’ve taken care of three very different, valuable tasks. The dishes can wait.