The Summer Grind

How ya’ doin’, U of T? My name is Ondiek, and I’m a third year student here at U of T, double majoring in Social-Cultural Anthropology and Book & Media Studies with a minor in Women & Gender Studies. I know; I’m sorry.  It’s come to my attention recently that it’s pretty exhausting to say that out loud, so I’ll try to make business cards instead.

Anyway – I’ll be one of the Life @ U of T bloggers throughout the year! Going into third year, I’ve been here for a while and have gained knowledge through all the experiences I’ve made here. Such experiences include the realization that listening to “Jesus Take the Wheel” on loop will not miraculously fill that empty Microsoft Word document with 2,500 words on how the McLuhan Thesis interacts with third-wave feminism. No, there is a lot of magic in the world, but nothing like that. Yes, I’ve experienced a lot, but up until this summer I hadn’t actually experienced working on a nearly full-time basis – I hadn’t experienced “the grind.” I am used to spending my summers loafing around, and now I have 2 jobs (that’s 2 more than I had last year). It’s a really unique experience, being financially independent and all that jazz, but it also forced me to learn a really frightening life lesson. You guys – work is hard.

Everyone knows that, but not everyone knows that – you know? The realization of that fact for me was similar to my realization of the Tooth Fairy, or how I felt after Destiny’s Child officially broke up. It was a devastating betrayal – but it was completely necessary. I developed proper time management, which I consider one of the most important skills to not just have in university, but life as well.

In my experience, it’s been pretty easy to find myself slacking off in classes, to go be social (especially at a small college like Trin). However, when you’re getting paid (with CASH MONEY, BABY!) you quickly learn how to balance your time accordingly. I’ve learned that it’s okay to be busy. You don’t have to be with your friends at every moment. They will still be there at the end of the week. When you do get a chance to hang out with them, it’ll be more fun than ever. Together, you’ll sip your red wine, and listen to questionable Ashlee Simpson music, all while knowing that you’ve had a truly productive week. That feeling is priceless.

No, really it is – you sadly do not get paid $11 and hour to hang out with your friends. And speaking of that, in earning my own money, I’ve developed fiscal responsibility. When you have the experience of working 10-hour shifts, you quickly learn that maybe it’s not a good idea to buy that cute, but heavy $100 bird-print sweater you just saw on clearance. Maybe it’s summer, and you won’t be wearing that when it’s 30 degrees outside. You learn to rationalize your purchases when you experience the struggle of earning that money on your own. That is skill that is unquestionably integral to your life in university – especially if you do decide not to have a job during the school year. All in all, I’m glad that I’m getting experiencing employment; however, I do find my life mirroring a ‘Girls’ episode every so often (and I’m always Hannah). I still don’t know if that’s a positive thing or not.

Tell me about your summer jobs, U of T! What have you learned being an adult?