Since I was 12 years old (I’m now 22) I have worked a plethora of jobs, including babysitting, dogsitting, lifeguarding at numerous facilities, and most recently Sales Associate at Club Pilates, among many other things. If I listed all of the jobs I’ve worked (20+), I’d give you a headache, so let’s get to the good stuff!

You might be wondering how one person has done 20+ jobs at 21 and to be honest, sometimes I wonder how I do it. During the school year, I work an average of three part-time jobs and over the summer I’ve worked as many as six part-time jobs. It sounds absolutely insane, but let me tell you how I manage that: spending time with friends and family and taking time off to prevent burnout. This pattern started my senior year of high school and after graduating college a semester early, I’ve learned a lot. 

My top three recommendations when it comes to time management are: 

1.  Keep a clear schedule

I am a firm believer in keeping a calendar. Personally, I prefer a physical planner, but your phone /iPad / whatever device totally works too! Without writing things down, I know I will either forget something or drive myself crazy by trying to remember everything I have going on. 

By keeping a schedule it is THAT much easier to become more productive and organized because you can literally see what time you have booked and what time you have free. When I see I have a three-hour break between class and work, I know I can use that time to chill, take a nap, watch TV, or get anything I need to do, done.

2. To-Do lists are your friend

I LOVE writing a to-do list and checking things off as I go. I switch between my laptop, phone, and handwritten to-do lists depending on the type of list, but anything works! Let’s say I have 10 things to do one day. If I don’t write a to-do list, it is VERY likely that I will forget to do at least two of those things, which can create bad habits. By keeping lists, categorically organized, I don’t feel as overwhelmed by the little things adulting consists of. 

3. Variety in your schedule

When it comes to food, I can’t stand eating the same things for every meal. Why should your life be like eating the same bland oatmeal every day?! By having a plethora of diverse responsibilities and activities, you are keeping your day-to-day unique and interesting, which will keep you inspired! 

One thing I have always loved doing is having a few part-time jobs at once so that I don’t get bored with doing the same thing all the time. This way, not only do I have numerous sources of income, but I’m keeping myself busy in a positive and entertaining way. 

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Another way I change my day-to-day is by using Pangea.app, which has endless opportunities for freelance work, both short and long-term. Best of all, it is totally COVID friendly with completely remote opportunities! With life changing so much recently and the future being more so of an unknown, I think it is incredibly important to have numerous streams of income. If you have any talent or side interest, you will thrive with Pangea! I took an hour of free time I had to write this article through Pangea and I guarantee that you’ll find the perfect job for you too!