Working Whilst in Uni...

As previously mentioned, I'm currently working part time at Tk Maxx. I wanted to keep a job as I had become so used to having a regular income, the pay is stupidly good for a retail job, assumed I'd make some good work friends, and I thought I'd have a lot of spare time throughout the course of my first year.

Wellll.. I was wrong indeed.

For the most of my first term I resented the place. My shifts were always getting messed up by new management and I struggled to make any real friends as the job isn't very sociable since there are so many associates. It's practically impossible to even get to know half of them when I'm only on a 12 hour contract. Additionally, around the start of November I was informed I wouldn't be able to transfer to my old store in Chester over Christmas. This in itself caused such stress and upset for me because I had only been home once since beginning uni, and I'm very close with my mum - meaning I'd been so excited to be back home for a month at least. I was also really struggling mentally at this point because of multiple situations, and this was like the final nail in the coffin...

Come the end of November and the store were almost begging for staff for Christmas temps. Christy had been searching for a job for months and so I referred her and of course she got the job! This actually gave me a lot more hope, after debating quitting for so long, as I knew it would be so much better just having one familiar face around me. From there on I did begin feeling much better in myself and actually wasn't dreading every shift anymore. Although I knew I'd have to work over Christmas, it wasn't as bad knowing Christy would be here too, and my managers actually became (slightly) sympathetic and ensured our shifts would be together on consecutive days.

The biggest surprise for me was the work Christmas party. In fact I was flabbergasted (yes, I've really just brought that word back into existence) because it was actually so fun??? We went to Revolution and had a three course meal with three free drinks and a disco to ourselves, for free! I mean it was supposed to be £5 but I was never asked to cough up any money so... 🤫. After this we ended up in the club 'Lacehouse' which is one of my favourite places in Notts as it's actually dressy and plays my favourite music, RnB/rap/hip hop. It was such a good night, possibly one of my favourites in Nottingham so far. It completely broke the awkwardness with my managers, and made me so much closer to some of my colleagues.

It was a nightmare going back and forth between home and my job as it meant I had to spend £30 for a return each time, and commute for 3 hours with two different changes. So long. It became very draining as it meant I had barely any time whatsoever at home - never mind having any time to catch up and complete work which was looming over me. For example, Christy and I didn't get home until 9pm Christmas Eve, and at that point we vowed not to work away over Christmas again as it just wasn't worth missing out on all the family/friends time.

On reflection, although I haven't struggled with money at all and have been able to pay off my New York trip as well as save for it, I'd reccomend to anyone to leave getting a job in first year until second term at least. This is because it caused me so much unnecessary stress at times I really didn't need it. I mean, the bottom line is I had moved to a brand new city, quite away from home without knowing anyone. It was inevitable I would end up upset and homesick at one point, as my whole lifestyle had changed so much. Also I definitely have missed out on so much quality time with my flat which certainly reflects my current relationship with the girls I live with - almost non existent (although they are lovely and are always there for me when I am down). This is because I tend to work 3/4 nights a week, and then the evenings where I'm actually free I'll usually be going out with my friends from the FCP course. This term I'm hoping to spend more time with my flatmates but I'm just always busy!!

I guess I shall see if my opinion has differed by the end of this term...

Mia

xo