She Strengthens

Monday Morning Madness: Preparing for a Busy Week Ahead

As I sit here sipping my morning coffee, I’m already feeling the weight of the week ahead. With a nasty cold lingering, I’m facing a jam-packed schedule of work and school commitments. The looming tasks ahead include creating my schedule for next semester, planning an advising meeting, and getting my for-credit internship process started. The latter is causing me the most stress, as I’m struggling to come to terms with the fact that my current internship, despite being paid, won’t count towards my college credit.

The Internship Dilemma

I’ve been fortunate to have had a paid internship experience, and it’s made me realize the importance of fair compensation for work done. The idea of taking on an unpaid internship, especially when students are paying tuition for an “internship” class, feels unfair. At my school, that means shelling out $1,200 for a three-credit class, where the only requirement is to work for free. It’s a tough pill to swallow, especially when I believe that all work should be compensated in some way.

What Matters Most in a Job?

As I pondered my own non-negotiables, I wondered what others consider essential in their careers. Do they prioritize flexibility, respect, or creative freedom? I asked seven people to share their must-haves, and here’s what they said:

Flexibility and Freedom

Laura, 23, emphasized the need for flexibility in her career. She wants to travel, enjoy life, and not feel tied down to a traditional 9-to-5 job. “I want to live life on my own terms,” she said.

Respect and Compensation

Brendan, on the other hand, prioritizes respect and a moderate salary. “I want to make above-average and feel comfortable,” he explained.

Dignity and Autonomy

Rebecca values dignity and autonomy in her job. She wants to feel like herself every day and be an indispensable team member. “I don’t want to feel like a part of a machine,” she said.

Knowing Your Worth

Taylor is serious about her worth and isn’t afraid to negotiate pay. “I know my worth, and I’ll fight for it every time,” she said. However, she’s also willing to settle if the circumstances are right.

Work-Life Balance

Cara, a mother, needs a job that respects her family commitments. She wants to be able to prioritize her child’s needs without feeling disrespected in the workplace.

Consistency and Planning

Mark requires consistent work hours to plan his life outside of work. He wants to know his schedule in advance to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Creative Freedom

Julia, a writer, needs creative freedom to produce work that sounds like her. She wants to maintain her unique voice without excessive editing.

As I reflect on these responses, it’s clear that everyone has different non-negotiables. While some prioritize flexibility and autonomy, others value respect, compensation, and creative freedom. What’s essential is recognizing what matters most to you and being willing to advocate for it in your career.