Part Time Purpose
November 27, 2024
Writer: Scott Tran
Editor: Olivia Schubert
“Damn, I don’t want to come to work today!”—a frequent thought whenever a Google Calendar reminder pops up. It reflects the reality of college life: stressed, exhausted, and constantly juggling competing demands. We’re like gymnasts, performing gracefully under the spotlight of our peers and family, all while testing our own limits. Yet, despite the challenges, I’ve come to appreciate that work can be more than just a means to an end—it can be a path to personal growth and unexpected fulfillment.
Before arriving at the University of Michigan, I worked as an assembly line worker at a workspace design manufacturer. Initially, I resisted the job, hoping for a break before college. However, with my parents encouragement and mounting school expenses, I felt pressured to accept the job. They viewed it as an opportunity for me to experience life as a blue-collar worker, just like my dad. Everything was new to me as I welded and shaped steel to form cabinets: the loud hums of machinery, the blinding fluorescent lights, and the thick personal protective equipment (PPE). All these new stimuli stressed me out, generating heat outside my body and inside my mind. Soaked in sweat, all I could think about was the opportunity cost.
As the summer progressed, I connected with colleagues from diverse backgrounds. A boomer planning an early retirement to prioritize his health reminded me of workers like my dad, who are at risk of injury. Then, there was an aspiring pilot navigating his future without college, whose determination inspired me to appreciate the uniqueness of everyone’s journey. Lastly, a middle-aged woman dreaming of a Dodge Hellcat underscored the importance of enjoying our labor’s rewards. These interactions cultivated empathy and helped me recognize the varied paths people travel in life.
Strapped for cash again, I took a job in the university dining halls during my sophomore year. This work became essential for supporting myself and planning for future expenses. My parents, immigrants from Vietnam, had invested so much in my growth and education, sacrificing to ensure I had opportunities they hadn’t had themselves. I didn’t want to be a burden, so I felt a strong responsibility to become financially independent.
However, this added workload intensified my already packed schedule of classes, workouts, and meetings. Each time I spotted a friend in the dining hall, I felt a pang of anxiety, quickly looking away and focusing on plating meals neatly, hoping they wouldn’t notice the strain I was under. The steady flow of waiting students only amplified the pressure, making every misstep feel magnified. After clocking out, I’d often sit on the apartment floor, staring into space, drained from the day.
My friends often asked how I managed everything. “This is just how my life is,” I’d reply, “and I’m used to it.” Looking back, I’ve learned that people admire hard work more than you might realize. This experience humbled me while strengthening my resilience. Consistently showing up, even in tough circumstances, earns respect that goes beyond appearances.
To broaden my work experience, my mom suggested I find a role where customer service and marketing were essential to the business's success. Following her advice, I took a management position at a Korean fried chicken restaurant. I made the most of this role by connecting with everyone I encountered, asking about their days to build rapport. One memorable person was a delivery driver who always greeted me with a smile. I was initially puzzled by his upbeat demeanor in a job few aspire to. Curious, I asked, “What do you like about being a delivery driver?” He replied, “Thanks for asking! I love it because I get to talk to people like you.”
I never expected our brief conversations about his daily earnings, delivery strategies, and future purchases to be significant. However, by reciprocating his smile and showing genuine interest, I understood that my small gestures transformed our exchanges into moments of connection. This experience revealed the power of kindness and presence, especially in the routines of everyday life.
Life is a constant give-and-take; sometimes, we focus too much on what we’re giving and overlook what we’re gaining. Reflecting on my journey, I now see how each job, shift, and moment contributed to something greater than part-time work—it brought me closer to full-time fulfillment. These roles equipped me with resilience, empathy, and the ability to find purpose in unexpected places, shaping me into someone who seeks meaning in work and life.
