Real World: Job Search #19

Summer Sun

I remember at some point in my last semester, I wrangled with a decision about what to do during the summer. My assistantship had graciously offered to keep me on until I started my job in July. I would have been able to stay in my apartment. I would have been making money, which would probably have been nice—a few extra dollars to help me settle into the new job and the new home. But I wouldn’t have had any time to myself.

There are two different camps with opinions on this subject. One side says that you should work, save the money, stay mentally in shape, keep busy. The other side says to take a break, go travel somewhere, spend time with people. I’ve always believed that I was in the first camp. I had absolutely no intention of taking a break between graduation and starting my job.

But when I sat down and thought about it, I started to change my mind. See, I’ve been working nonstop for the last five years. Since I went straight from undergrad to grad school, I never had the opportunity to have some “me” time. I’ve been a student for as long as I can remember. I had a job in undergrad that sometimes prevented me from coming home over breaks. So between that job, summer internships, and other opportunities I’ve been afforded over summer and holiday breaks, well—I haven’t had a chance to breathe in almost five years.

So, instead of staying up at school and working, instead of saying yes for once, I said no. I made the decision mostly for my sanity. I didn’t want to start a new job and then be burnt out in the first few months because I haven’t had a break. So, I took a break. I’m home for the summer. I’m not working. Since I have graduated, there’s no schoolwork to keep me tied to my computer.

About a month into this break, I’m glad I took it. I have spent time with my family. I’ve slept in late. I’ve spent time at the beach. I’ve visited friends. I’ve gotten to read for pleasure! I have a little less than a month to go of my summer break, but I couldn’t have asked for a better “vacation.”