![From left to right a lamp, laptop, and a stack of books are next to each other on desk](/sites/default/files/styles/blog_lead_image/public/2021-01/imageedit_15_2252810762.jpg?itok=zWqIQ9QU)
As someone who has had countless jobs in the past, the opportunity to work as a Marketing Sales Coordinator in a classic 9-5 office job was exciting for me. Not only would this give me a consistent schedule, which I’ve always envied, but I could actually say all those things you hear on TV and in movies from happy or disgruntled office employees. I was now the “TGIF!” and “Mondays, am I right?” kind of guy.
Aside from the little things like that, I learned a few things along this 12-week journey that I found helpful in adjusting to adulthood that I’m sure others would appreciate.
Early on in my Co-op, once the clock struck 5:00 PM, I perceived that to be the end of my day. Why I thought that I couldn’t tell you, because there is still so much quality time left in the day. I wouldn’t make plans on weekdays because I always viewed them as “workdays”, so I wasted many days in the first two weeks. Once I realized that the earth is still spinning after 5:00 PM and that you CAN still do things after you punch out, I was much happier and valued my days more.
![Two hands holding an old-fashioned analog clock in the air](/sites/default/files/2021-01/imageedit_4_7207189350.jpg)
Having a Starbucks in the same building as my office proved to be extremely dangerous, and I’m not even a coffee guy! From the multiple ham and cheddar sandwiches, Vanilla Cold Brews, and buttered croissants, my bank account was taking a HIT. Once I started to grocery shop more, meal prep, and make my coffee at home and put it in a travel mug, my bank account and I started to be friends again. It’s a little bit of extra work the night before to meal prep, but it will save you fortunes down the road (and it’s much healthier).
![Row of four different food bowls containing (from left to right), pasta, salad, and two fruit salads](/sites/default/files/2021-01/imageedit_6_9617420533.jpg)
Go to bed… oh my goodness, go to bed. I know that it’s tempting not to value sleep because you’re a student who is used to all-nighters and surviving your 8:30 AM lecture on Red Bulls and shots of espresso, but an 8-hour sleep just hits different. It made a world of difference when I began to cut my nights short to get myself a nice, long sleep. Get those zzz’s.
![A woman sleeping](/sites/default/files/2021-01/imageedit_8_7754198051.jpg)
Something that made me enjoy my work, and my day in general, more, was not rushing out the door in the morning. This meant that I had to cut my nights even more so that I could get up nice and early, enjoy a big breakfast, and not worry about catching my bus. So just relax, read a book, or in my case, watch those sports highlights you missed yesterday. That being said, that’s just what I enjoyed, you might be someone who likes to enjoy their nights.
![An open book and mug side by side](/sites/default/files/2021-01/imageedit_10_2175216919.jpg)
This was something that I recommend to everyone. I kept a nice little running word document where I kept track of the tasks assigned to me with little thoughts I had along the way so that I could remember: a) what I did during my co-op so that I can put in my resume, and b) my opinions on different types of work that I did, so that I know in the future if it’s something I like. 10/10 would journal again.
![Closed journal with the words, "write ideas" on the front, beside a number 2 pencil](/sites/default/files/2021-01/imageedit_12_8354092162.jpg)
Regardless of whether this is your first work term or your final work term, the fact that you are out there and trying to get a job or are already working, shows you are a freaking all-star in your own right and are already adulting every day that passes. Congrats, and keep hustling!
Beyond the Blog
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For more opportunities like Grifyn's, visit the Communications co-op page!