Working at a University is much more than just working any old 9 to 5. Sometimes I encounter some really interesting students. Sometimes I get "Thank You" cards from students and wonder what the heck I did to deserve such a nice gesture.
If you aren't familiar with the University system, or how colleges operate in general. Stick around!
1. Sometimes students or parents just want to talk. Good thing I have a Counseling degree. Sometimes it really does come in handy more than you'd think. From illness to death to just the normal struggles of a college student, I hear it all. Sometimes I hear more than I bargained for. Gotta love the non-filtered college kid or parent!
2. If you eat at your desk, you are not at lunch or on "break". You are just eating at your desk. I will get the occasional break or lunch time walk-in, but most of the time, it's just a 1 minute conversation. For the quick question and answer, I have no problem. But, if a college student wants to get in depth about their account and I am elbows deep in a salad (or a cheeseburger), it may be best to come back once I have digested.
3. It's not really a 9 to 5. Working at a college can be some long hours both at nights or on weekends (or both). If you want the typical 9 to 5, go home, and leave work at work, you need to find another occupation!
4. People in the community love you. When we moved to the small town we now inhabit, people were thrilled. We are in a rural part of Georgia/Alabama, so it was kind of like sounding an alarm when we got here. I nearly had my cheeks pinched by some grandmas over this.
5. Graduation makes it worth it. Let's be real, not every student will be my favorite. For those I love, graduation is sad, but I am happy they've accomplished their goal. For those that aren't my favorite (or have given me a hard time), graduation makes it worth it. Even then I am proud for them!
6. You get some sweet discounts. I get the teacher/education discount at Apple, and I also have an 18% discount with Verizon. Sometimes being in education pays off.
7. I learned how dumb I was in college. I have to admit, a lot of my college experience for my undergrad was a blur. Now, looking back, I realize how I did a lot of things on my own, but I am a rarity. A lot of kids these days have no clue what they are doing. I just have to be patient and helpful!
8. Millennials are always on their phones. If there's not headphones in their ear, they're are usually buried in their phones. I have had to snap at a student to get them to actually make eye-contact.
9. You get asked what classes you're in. A lot. I always get asked if I go here, if I went here, or when I graduate. My 30 year old self thanks all of you.
10. (Along with #9), I regularly get asked if someone who knows that they're talking about can talk to them. Uh, I've worked here almost 7 years. I know what I am talking about.
I hope you enjoyed a little glimpse into my work life.
#WERKFLOW
OMG, I could have written this post! I actually just hung up with a parent who just wanted to vent. Because of good ol' FERPA, I cannot discuss your child's issue with you - but I'll listen. I did, she felt better and hung up. I didn't know about the discount from Verizon, may have to check that one out!
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