[Candeka]

I am a full time university student who has to work to support myself. This is my second year, but the first year that I am taking 5-6 classes each semester. Last year I only did 4 and I find myself already somewhat struggling to keep up with the full course load. Currently, I do admin work and babysit during the week which is enough to support myself and it gives me both Saturday and Sunday to relax and study.

However, last month I applied for a position in the field that I am hoping to get into and was offered the job today. There were 2 shifts available, one for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays, and then the other shift is Friday, Saturday Sunday. The first one would be perfect since I would still have weekends for relaxation/homework, but one of my classes overlaps the shift by 20 minutes one day, so I would have to take the Friday, Saturday, Sunday shift. I am worried because this would cause me to have somewhere to be 7 days a week. I have classes Monday - Friday this semester so I would get NO day off.

Next semester would be the same thing, however on two of the school days, I'd be done and out by 11am. So I would have most of the day free, but still have to get up early (not a morning person) and not be able to spend the day in my pjs or something so it wont feel like a true day off.

If this was any other job, I wouldn't even consider doing it, but this is such a rare opportunity. For the past 3 years I have volunteered with a dog rescue and processed adoption applications but have had to cut down on it since I have been so busy. The job is with a cat rescue and I'd be doing the same thing but I'd actually be getting paid (and almost all rescues are pure volunteer so this is why its so rare!). Its a very well known rescue in our city and the fact I'd be working with animals (dream job!) is just to good to pass up. But at the same time I'm afraid I am nuts for even thinking someone can do something 7 days a week and not want to pass out. Add in the exercise thing (it's still not routine for me and I am not a fan of it) and I am worried that its not all possible. Thoughts?

[aniela26]

How long are the shifts at the new job? If it was me, I'd take it. The semester is only so long and it sounds like you'll have a bit more free time once the next semester rolls around. It will be hard for a little while but at least you'll know that an easier time is coming...and you'll have a job you love, talk about rare!!

I volunteer in cat rescue, I can only imagine how few paid positions there are out there! Good luck!

[Zeitgeist]

I agree with the previous poster...go for it! Going to work at a job that you love may invigorate you more than sleeping late. Plus, knowing the craziness will eventually end may help get you through those days where you miss just being able to hang around the house.

[Candeka]

The Friday shift is 3:30-8:30pm. Saturday and Sunday are 12:00-5:00pm. It would definitely look good on my resume! I'm hoping that my love for the job will make it less "job" like.

[LaceyCen]

I have a lot of those same problems, I'm in my third year (undergrad chemistry major) and have been working fulltime all along.

I may be the only one who suggests this, but I say take whatever shift you need to in order to fit everything in. I know you may not have much lounging time, but that's sorta the price we pay when we have to manage work and education at the same time.

I know how it feels to try to figure a crazy schedule, this semester is insane and next will be even worse, tons of classes with four labs piled on top of those. The "no day off" is normal, even if it gets stressful. But I say we're worth a few years of insane work in order to make something of ourselves.

Goodluck, whichever way you choose.