TRANSCRIPT

I've been getting a lot of  support since my first episode was published. I didn't really expect that and I am so happy.  That’s really a great motivation to keep going with this podcast. After last Tuesday, I started to think about naming this season. Finally, I’ve made up my mind to call it “Season 1. The Lockdown Chat" based on the current situation right now. Talking about the lockdown, it hasn't been lifted yet. I'm going to get swabbed in the next few days and maybe get vaccinated soon! So everyone, please stay at home and stay safe. Do whatever the Ministry of Health tells you to do.

But anyway, let's get right to today's episode which is all about whether you should get a part-time job while at uni or not. I know the national university entrance exam is coming soon. And you, high school seniors are so worried and yet, excited at the same time because you think you are going to have more freedom. Some of you may move out. Some may go to other cities to study. Some may study abroad and live far away from your family. And the most exciting part y’all waiting for is that you’re officially able to get a part-time job. You can earn your own money and afford whatever you want without asking your parents. But hey, having a part-time job means more than money. I'll tell you why. But first let me tell you my own experience with part time jobs.

I started to get a part time job very soon right after I finished my high school. The reason was simply because I wanted to have income and at the same time I also had that thought  “Why not go out, see people and do something new to see what's cut out for me”? So I jumped around a little bit and tried a lot of different jobs.

The first part-time job I got was a leaflet distributor. But I quitted it just after one day. Because I couldn't stand staying out the whole day, waiting for people to pass by and hand them a leaflet just to see them throw it away. Later, I joined a band and we played music in a local cafe every Saturday night. After around two months, the band broke up. And I was broke because I didn't get any  jobs until the middle of my first semester at university.  I got another part-time job as a waitress in a cafe right and in an eatery later. But I also quitted just after 2 or 3 months. I had to work long hours and the money I got was little and I didn't have any interest in doing the jobs at all. However, I didn't regret it because I think I've understood and learnt a lot of things. I understand how hard it is to earn money. I learnt how to be calm when getting complaints from customers. I learnt how to be punctual and responsible for what I'm doing. So yeah, I have never regretted it. But that's not it.

By the beginning of the second semester, a friend told me about her job, which is a teacher's assistant at an English Center. For those who are curious, it's VUS - Vietnam USA Societies.  She told me the environment was good and the salary was okay. But I didn't think that much because up to that point, I had quite many jobs and I knew what it was like to have a part-time job while you are inexperienced, so I didn't expect much. But you know what. Somehow, I've been working part-time here for around 3 years.

P.S: Hey guys, I'm so sorry for not putting up the whole transcript here because there is word limit. I'll try to find some ways to solve this. Thank you for your support!! Love ya!