student job and FIRST?

[Jverdon]

I myself have a job and First but i have talked to my boss at work and told them that its a once in alife time chance and they understand infact they are very supportive of it. I have had nobody on the team to loose respect for me over this. Some actually respect me for being able to hold a Job and do First.

[Kyle]

I had a job but i had to leave it to so I could give what i wanted to my team, altho I have missed some days due to my g/f having medical problems I have tried to make it to the meetings as much as possible. I commend you people for being able to work and do FIRST at the same time, its something i could not be able to do. Also remember that FIRST is a once in a life time experience, but so is adding to your resume real work experience.

[Anchi]

Thanks for the replies guys. The reason I took the job is because it is basically an apprenticeship at a computer repair company. This will mean a different life for me... FIRST was/is my life, it even kept me alive so to speak. I was having an "interesting" time in my life and one of the main reasons I held the will to live was the thought and memories of FIRST.

[Katie Reynolds]

When I was in high school, my priorities (not including friends/family) went like this:

1. FIRST
2. School
3. Work
4. Orchestra

When I was a sophomore, I got my first job working at a grocery store. I was available 6 days a week, Moday-Friday 3-10 pm and all day Saturday and Sunday - except during the build season. Then, my availability dropped (significantly) to Saturday 6 am-12 pm & Sunday 1 pm-9 pm. That's it.

When I was a junior I got a new job working at Sears. The schedule was pretty much the same, though I offered to be available from 5-10 Tuesday and Thursday, 8-1 on Saturday (before FIRST) and all day Sunday (we didn't meet on Sundays) during the build. Again, pre- and post-build I was available pretty much anytime.

Perhaps you can work around your meeting times, and still make it to FIRST?

[Eugenia Gabrielov]

I think the most important thing about taking this change of commitments is that you are doing it with a respectable and mature attitude. It sounds like this was a well-thought out decision, made out of concern for both your own well-being and your team's. You definitly earned my respect, though I don't know you

Keep in mind that FIRST is supposed to prepare you for a focused career in your subject of interst, and help you manage your time and resources effectively. You need this cash, you're earning it. You may want to talk to your team leader just to clarify your schedule, but like Jake said, you can commit to two activities without giving up on either.

I wish you the best of luck with managing both robotics and your apprenticeship!

- Genia