Students aren’t immune to life’s trials. When life gets financially tough, sometimes they’re left with no choice but to become working student in order to stay in school.

Sometimes, the struggle doesn’t stop even after entering college. You see working college students take a job or two trying to keep their hopes and dreams of completing their education alive.

Working student life is no cakewalk, which involves plenty of stress and little to no sleep. Imagine having to juggle with the pressures of keeping up with your studies and maintaining a job at the same time.

Having dabbled in summer jobs as a young boy, I can definitely relate to the struggles of a working student. Allow me to take a trip down memory lane and share my summer work experiences with you.

I had my first brush with employment when I was thirteen years old. One summer, I decided to look for a job that could support my stamp-collecting hobby, a hobby of which my parents were not supportive. Luckily, I was able to find one as a delivery boy for Mr. Weissberg, a Neptune Avenue butcher who was looking for someone to help him with deliveries for his live chicken market. My job was to deliver chickens to female customers residing in apartment buildings. Apart from deliveries, I also helped doing menial tasks around the butcher shop. As compensation for my work, I received a small salary and a customary fifty-cent tip.

My employment life didn’t stop there. In fact, I looked for another summer job at fourteen. This time, it was at Dunkel’s Grocery Store. There, I was assigned to assist customers in looking for products. I also had to stock shelves, sweep the floor, and deliver packages. However, things took a turn for the worse just two weeks into the job—the owner shortchanged my salary by a few days. He then fired me after I complained about the situation.

At the advice of my father, I went to the New York State Office of Labor Affairs. Although I was not old enough to acquire working papers, I went in and told my story anyway. Fortunately, my concern got addressed. I was able to get the money the owner owed me and never frequented his store again ever since.

My third summer work experience was at a small concession on West Twelfth Street on the boardwalk. I was assigned to make pizza and cook hot dogs, hamburgers, and French fries. On top of that, I also had to sell food and drinks. Although my boss was willing to hire me back for the following summer, I did not come back.

A year later, I worked at Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Stand on Coney Island. I enjoyed my job so much, I ended up working there for five summers. I was fortunate to be working under employers who treated me well.

Having to work hard to earn at a young age taught me the value of hard work and helped me become the man that I am today. I salute hardworking students who are able to balance their academic and work responsibilities.

Do you have any experiences as a working student? Leave a comment below and you can find me on Facebook, Twitter, or Goodreads. Grab a copy of From Brooklyn New York To Brookline Massachusetts now!

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