Staying motivated
As I close all the tabs on my computer after turning in my last final, I am met with an overwhelming feeling of dissatisfaction. My 20 credit course load was supposed to be rigorous, full of discussion, and difficult. And while those 20 credits were difficult, I still feel totally and completely underwhelmed as the semester fades out.
In the midst of today’s climate, I often feel myself paralyzed with the overbearing weight of existentialism. With all this time I now have, I should have written my first novel by now and learned a new coding language. However, I haven’t done any of that, so while sitting myself down to work, I am overcome with the amount I have tasked myself to do, and as a result do none of it.
I know I am not alone in this- the job market and overall mental health of women trying to break into the job market have both taken a substantial hit. Much of the work done this summer will be paid in experience, which can be difficult to plan around and stay motivated for. For the moment, here’s a few ways you can help yourself to stay motivated:
Use a planner
Writing out what you need to get done for the day will help you allocate time to work and play, while also holding yourself accountable. Being able to cross off tasks as you complete them is gratifying and can help you feel accomplished.
Teach yourself something new
HTML is incredibly useful for website building, as are C++, Java, and Python, and mastering any one of them would give you an incredible leg up in applying for future jobs. Harvard is even offering online courses in programming, history, and philosophy. See the link!
Build your brand
Blogging platforms are free and easy to use. Take this time to write down and archive your thoughts on a website that can also help you build your portfolio.
Set rewards for yourself
We all feel this incredible pressure to be constantly working and aren’t taking time for ourselves. Set aside rewards for yourself. Say, after one blog post, you can go sunbathe, call your mom, and finally bake that NYT banana bread you’ve been craving.
Get involved!
Hiring managers understand the current economic climate and that formal, paid internships are just not attainable for even qualified students this summer. Volunteer and get involved remotely to help build your resumé, and WE@T always could use a helping hand.