My current work situation is not unlike many other people’s around my around age: I have two jobs– one in retail and an internship in the city.

Basically, I’ve been working so much I hardly have time to think about anything else.

Now, this isn’t something I dreamed of doing post-grad. In an ideal world, we would all go to college, study for four years, and then get entry-level positions in our fields upon graduation….but this is just our normal, unideal world.

In this world, I’m happy I even have an internship that’s sort of in the same vein of what I really want to do. I readily accepted and embraced a six-day work week. And for the most part, it’s fine. Sure, I only have one day off a week, but it could be worse. I mean I could be working every day…

When people ask why I’m still in retail, I’m like, isn’t it obvious? I need the retail job to pay for my underpaid internship.

Sometimes I think to myself, “I’m in my 20s, I should be out having fun.” But I’m not. I don’t see my friends all that much. When I get the chance to, I’m usually thinking about how I need to get home before 11 p.m. so I can go to sleep. Because what I really want to do is go to bed early.

In fact, what I really, really want to do (instead of spending time with people I love) is play Animal Crossing and not think about my life. At least my relationship with my animal townsfolk is thriving.

While having two part-time jobs is a norm for many so-called lazy millennials that I know, doesn’t it seem a bit wrong? 

I don’t know who decided internships should be exempt from normal labor laws, but I do know this has been taken advantage of by many companies. Especially by companies where the internships aren’t really internships, rather internships that should be considered entry-level jobs.

…But whatever, I don’t make the rules.
If I ever decide to start having fun again, I’ll let you all know. But for now I’m going to finish writing this, turn on my 3ds, and then go to bed. 

Arlie Johansen graduated with a BA in English from SUNY New Paltz, which has lead to her current career: working in retail. On a normal day you can find her lurking around on job posting sites, re-watching The Office, and trying to make a good cup of coffee. Check out her  website, www.arliejohansen.com, to see more of her writing.