When I started college all I heard was advice about how to make friends. Eventually I found my people, but this was a major stressor for me. It’s good to have a low stress way to feel like you have a place. For me this was my job. Here’s three reasons having a job alleviated the stress of freshman year by giving me belonging.
- Meet people you never would have Getting a job was the most natural way I found to meet people. It’s literally a place where people from different places are forced to talk to you for hours. Besides your guaranteed to see these people more than once and you avoid the awkward “oh what’s your snapchat” conversation with someone you just met five minutes ago at a campus event.
- Have a schedule While you put yourself out their it can feel lonely as you struggle to connect. A job helps get you up and out of your room while giving you a purpose at the same time.
- Keep it low stress In college everyone is talking about who you want to be and what you want to become. Which is overwhelming when you’re still trying to find a place to belong. Pick a fun non career job as a freshman. It’s okay to work in a coffee shop or dining hall because you enjoy it.
Remember you place will come in time. Your good friends may not find you till a year or two into college. Don’t let the pressure and stress get to you. It’s okay to take your time. Find jobs here: https://studentjobs.wisc.edu/