What is this chapter of your life called?

I would like to introduce you to what it means to be a student employee.

Don’t know what that is? Worry not, as a free lesson lies ahead.

Being all grown up and handling your own seems to be it.

When we are young we simply cannot wait to blossom straight into adulthood, go about our lives the way we want to, make our own decisions, answer to no one, and most importantly, get our money so we can do and buy whatever our little hearts desire.

Independence and freedom at this stage is all we dream of.

Also read: Let children be children

I have been a student employee for four months now.

Okay, a student employee is basically a person who is a scholar and an employee.

For me it means that weekdays I answer to my employer (boss lady) and weekends to my lecturer, depending on which class I have for that particular Saturday.

My life has turned into sources, deadlines, submissions, attendance and study.

I spent most of my life wondering how people manage work and academics.

And you would think it would be more manageable when you are an intern, right? Well, let’s just say expectations exceed reality.

I wish someone had told me sooner that being a procrastinator won’t cut it.

Having to deal with sources, endless deadlines, while school submissions are forever hanging over your head, is not fun.

I am sure it doesn’t sound fun as well.

Also read: Should Capital punishment be reintroduced in South Africa?

I think the worse part of it is not having enough time to blow the little money that you have however you want.

I mean, how can I do that while I am on weekend duty?

Don’t get me wrong, I love my job just not that part of it.

If you want to get anything done it means sacrificing your social life and mastering the art of managing your schedule.

By that I mean your time management skills must be top notch.

Keeping in mind that delaying things will eventually lead to you running around like a headless chicken, a pile of work and more stress.

All right, we are done with the dullness side of it. Here are the positives: being a student employee is all about discipline and balance.

I am learning that.

This position holds awesome life experiences and an educational exposure you would never find in the classroom.

You gain valuable hands-on experience, expand your knowledge and grow your network.

You meet some really funny and fine-tuned characters.

And I would say this is a defining moment in your chosen field. This is the only period you can literally decide whether the career path you have chosen for yourself is really something you would want to do forever or not.

You get to learn and discover things about yourself you never knew you were capable of.

Being a student employee gives you the edge with potential employers.

With all of that being said, I keep in mind failure is not an option. We continue to thrive.