Expert: Levya Braman - 1/21/2011

Question
Hi,

I’m only in college but I have been wondering lately about life after college. I love hanging out with friends, but after my friends and I all start working and have jobs, how often will we still have time to go on road trips, and vacations to places? I really want to plan a trip to Mexico with some friends ( something like this) after college. I just want to know how time consuming jobs are from your perspective. I do not really know where to ask this question because there is no relevant category but thanks anyways. I appreciate your help.

Michael

Answer
Hi Michael -
I think it's great that you are looking ahead. Here are some of my thoughts:

You will be the one, regardless of your job, who decides how much time you devote to it. I can tell you that some fields are more demanding and stressful than others (e.g.-law, medicine, ... are super stressful).

Most people work at least 40 hrs/week because they need money to pay their bills (like rent, food, car, ...). Most full-time jobs require you work a minimum of 40 hrs/wk and in return you earn 1 week (sometimes 2)of vacation your first year working for a company. It is a lot different from the college life. So, other than an occassional long weekend (MLK day, Pres. Day, ...) the only time you'll have for trips with friends will be during your 1 week of vacation. Not real encouraging is it!

If you have an opportunity to go with your friends to Mexico before you graduate (like on spring or summer break) you might want to. It can be a challenge to coordinate vacations with friends, especially if some end up taking jobs in other cities. However, keeping friends in your life is very important. It will help you stay grounded, provide support during difficult times, and also give you people to share your victories with. Spending time with friends is a wise investment of your time.

Someone has to step up and be the planner or the get-togethers will happen less and less frequently. If it's important to you to keep these friendships, then you might want to be the one to make sure it happens.

Work doesn't need to control your life, but it will be a big part of it. So I hope that you are pursuing a degree that is in an area that you enjoy. Work can be quite meaningful and rewarding if you're doing something you love.

Best,
Levya Braman
www.WatersEdgeLifeCoaching.com