How to Balance a Job While Interning

Most internships are unpaid, so it is not uncommon to work another job while interning to support your needs (*read: that Starbucks habit*).  Doing one job is hard enough, so we are here to share some advice on juggling two!

BE HONEST AND COMMUNICATE.  

Being responsible for two different jobs requires a lot of good communication.  Let both jobs know you work two jobs and need to either set up regular days for working each job or get schedules as far in advance as possible to better coordinate the two jobs.  It is better to be upfront and honest, so if problems do arise you can address them together head on.

TIME MANAGEMENT IS KEY.

Nothing is worse than overbooking yourself and either running into a breakdown and/or having to explain to one of your bosses that you can’t make it because of a scheduling error.  To seamlessly flow between working two different jobs, it is easiest to keep a regular schedule as much as possible.

KNOW YOUR PRIORITIES.  

With so much going on, you are going to come across challenges, and decisions that may put one job in front of the other.  Know your values, your needs, and your goals, and be prepared to put them to the test.

YOU CAN SAY NO!  

If you have an irregular interning schedule and they ask you to work at the last minute, you have every right to say no.  While you want to show up and do your best, you are not expected to be at an internships beck and call every second of every day.  It is okay to say no.

Don’t forget to make time for yourself!  Working two jobs is not easy, so remember to take care of yourself whether that be running a bath or a spending a night out on the town with friends.  Enjoy yourself, relax, stay positive, and know you are working towards your dream job!