Getting to work on time

By: Brian Rivera

As the summer continues to unfold many students have begun their internships, and for those of us with unpaid internships a second summer job as well. Unfortunately juggling two work schedules can be hectic, and when you throw in traffic, construction detours, and unexpected surprises at work, you might be finding yourself racing from one place to another to get there on time. Being late to anything reflects poorly on you, but being late to work is definitely something you don’t want to do. I found that by following these tips I not only make it to work on time, but I better prepare myself for anything life throws at me.

Plan ahead:

I know this sounds simple but I think that a lot of people don’t truly take this advice to heart. Lay out your clothes for work the night before. Make sure that they are clean, ironed or pressed, and all together. Nothing is worse than trying to change quickly, and having to waste precise minutes trying to find your tie! This goes for your shoes as well. If you don’t have time to eat lunch make it the night before so that it is ready to eat on the go. Basically if you can get it done the day before just save yourself some time and get it done then.

Be prepared for anything:

Make sure you have an arsenal of things ready to combat any surprises that might lurk around the corner throughout the day. Carry a tide to go pen so you can clean up any stains you may have picked up from lunch. Keep a charger in your car in case your phone didn’t charge properly the night before. Have a small sewing kit at hand to sew back any loose buttons on your shirt. Though these are just a few examples, there are plenty of things you can have at hand to help keep life’s “surprises” at bay.

Communicate:

Scenario: You have just finished at your last job and are about to head home to prepare for your next one when your boss says they need help with a crisis right now. You don’t want to simply be rude and say you have to leave, so make sure your employers know your schedule as soon as possible. That way they can try to find someone else to help them, and you can leave on time. They might also be flexible and help you change your hours so that you have plenty of time to get your things done on time. Most employers are extremely terrific to work with and will want to help you succeed.

Following these few tips may not help you in every scenario, but they will definitely help you time manage and hopefully get you where you need to go on time.