|
In the run-up to my post-A-levels summer, I always planned to work full time. I knew I had to do it since I’d put aside no money for university and I’m notoriously bad with spending. I had no idea what I was going to do or where I was going to do it, and when I actually finished my exams I was slightly stumped. This was it. Time to swap out the revision cards for the world of work. There were a few problems at first - I couldn’t go full time at my current job at Primark, I had no way of getting there and perhaps the most prominent issue: I had absolutely no motivation to do it.
Why would I? I’d spent the last two years tirelessly working for my exams, finding a balance between writing, my part-time job and all of the other problems life was pummelling at me. Summer was meant to me my time to relax and finally take a breath. I handed in my notice at Primark with the promise to myself that I would find a full-time job, made a few half-arsed applications on Indeed and kicked my feet up, indulging in Netflix and doing absolutely nothing. However, when I did, I had a nagging voice in the back of my head. You’re not doing enough. You should be doing more. I felt guilty. I posted a message in a Facebook group for employees of the coffee chain I’d worked to prior to Primark, simply asking if anyone needed a new member. I already had contacts within the company as I’d worked in several stores for them and it wasn’t long before I’d signed a 30-hour contract at a local store. I was excited to be back at first, but after a few shifts that wore off. Rude customers, lunch rushes and running out of stock was not something I had missed. However, I knew I had to do it. I needed the money and I needed something to do over the summer. I passed my driving test by that point but a car was useless if I couldn’t afford the petrol or insurance. Again, I felt guilty for not working; I knew this was a better chance than any to earn some money and it would benefit me in the long run.
Jazz
1 Comment
With results day creeping up emotions will be running high. You may be feeling excited, nauseated, scared, worried or you might be in denial. However, whatever you are feeling is justified. These results might be important, but they aren’t the end of the world. If you tried your best in the exam everything will be okay.
If you are like me you have completely disregarded your post-exam feelings which made you feel happy about the exam you have just taken and are now feeling like you have failed all your exams, failed life and contemplating marrying rich. However, just remember you are your own worse critic. My mum once told me to try and not envision stressful or scary events. This is because it makes you live through it twice. In addition, you always envision it worse than it really is. You might be wondering; how do I deal with these feelings? Well, there are many coping mechanisms that can help you. One way which I am sure many of you do is relax and watch Netflix. Watching Netflix or tv can help you switch off your brain. Another way is reading a book. Personally, when I am stressed, I read Harry Potter as I love envisioning myself learning spells at Hogwarts or playing Quidditch alongside Harry. Things like movies and books help you escape your reality and envision yourself elsewhere. However, sometimes trying to escape doesn’t work or becomes an unhealthy habit. Ways to deal with your feelings are keeping a journal specifically for emotion and mental health. I have personally filled many journals over the years with my feelings as a way for me to get them out without verbally speaking them. However, some people prefer talking to people. You might want to talk to a family member, friend or someone who specialises in talking about mental health. In conclusion, you should try to enjoy your summer. You have earned it! You will feel so much better creating memories with friends or admiring the sunsets. Results day is inevitable, there is no way to prevent so you should try your hardest not to obsess about it. I know it is hard but no matter what your results are you will feel happy that you didn’t waste most of your summer fretting about something you had no longer any control over. Erika Having a job alongside your studies is a pretty tough task. As a teenager, it's really important to have a social life and have some quality time to spare with friends and family. However, in the race of today's world, we often fail to keep up with either the relationships we have or our careers. Sometimes our job keeps us so busy that we forget to have a normal life. Moreover, if the employer turns out to be bad then things get worse than you can ever imagine. I've been the victim of this type of situation. In fact, at one moment the pressure led me into mental depression.
A few months back I was working at an advertising agency. I was appointed as an SEO Executive. However, my work was way more than an SEO executive will ever do. First, I had to write web contents for an in-house entertainment portal. With time, my work extended to a various range of stuff. I have to design (which is the task of a Graphic Designer) pamphlets, banner, hoardings and other graphics as per the client requirements. I have to manage a few clients as well. I've always tried to give my best in whatever I work with. Most of the time, my work hours used to extend than normal. However, my salary didn't increase, not even a little bit. If the work is good & your job satisfies your soul, then the salary wouldn't matter much. But in my case, nothing was satisfying. Neither the job & environment nor the salary. Sometimes my salary was paid late for 2 months and while living on my own it was not affordable. At one moment, my overwork dragged me into a mental depression. I have no real friends who I can talk to if a problem arises. I can neither talk to my parents as it only makes them worry more. So, I started realizing my own worth. What am I capable of & if the job and the people are worth my dedication. As soon as I realized that the fault was not with me, rather with them, I decided to quit. As I have worked in various professions, I knew the market and cthe areer options I have. I decided to choose the path in which I'd like to see me in the future. I decided to become a writer. As I made my decision, I started looking for a new job. After two failed interviews I got the job of a Web-content writer at an educational portal. While leaving the last company, I was happy in my heart. I didn't get all my due salary but how can we expect honesty from those who have no idea about humanity. On the first day of my new job, I felt like coming back home. I didn't expect that level of comfort at such an unknown place. The environment was professional and fun enough to make you realize the power of responsibility and happiness at the same time. Now when I look back at my decision of leaving that job ,I can't be more satisfied. At last, I'd like to say that no matter what is the place (be it your college, studies or be it a relationship or be it a job) always give your best. But also remember to know what is your worth. You should not be treated less than you deserve. If you're going through these type of mental harassment find someone in your circle with whom you can share everything. If you feel that there is no one talk to, feel free to talk with us. We are there for you always. Som |
Guest WritersThe articles here are written by guest writers or previous TWE members. Categories
All
|
|
Teenagers With Experience is an online organisation created to provide teenagers worldwide with an online platform to share their own experiences to be able to help, inform and educate others on a variety of different topics. We aim to provide a safe space to all young people. You can contact us via email, social media or our contact form.
Please note that the content on this website is created by teenagers. While we strive to provide accurate and helpful information, it is important to remember that we are not professional experts. If you are experiencing a crisis or need professional advice, please reach out to a qualified mental health professional or a helpline. |