When I was a new member, my organization was completely understanding of work schedules, as most of the sisters not only work, but also are involved with internships, sports teams, family obligations, etc. As a new member you will know about everything in advance and it will be understood that you are not always going to be able to do sorority-stuff. In fact, you are encouraged to be involved in outside activities such as work and other college clubs. Back in the day, things we were involved in counted towards our service, social, education, etc. responsibilities as a new member. I think the program has changed but back then they were called "our pearls". As a member of a sorority financial responsibility is important so I encourage you to get a p/t job if you can. You will want to have cash for your dues and any fun events you would like to go on with your new sisters
Also I was never ever "forced" or made to feel like I HAD to attend something. Often things come up like in the real world where you just can't go to something. That is fine. I remember numerous times at the end of new member periods, new members had to go away for something, or a sister or new member had to miss something fun. It's inevitable and you can't control it. The concern comes up when people make an obligation to be a member of a sorority and then NEVER come to anything. I would question why they would want to join a sorority in the first place then. I also remember when I was in undergrad we were allowed semesters where we could go semi-active if we had a lot going on outside of the sorority, and I believe one semester we were offered a chance to go inactive, most girls do this if they have an internship or student teaching and really cannot devote the time they need to sorority. When I was a new member, I had a new member educator who we met with all of the time, and called all of the time. We let her know and vice versa what our schedule was so new member events could be planned. Remember that your first semester as a new member is a very important time as you are learning about your new organization, getting to know the sisters and the other members of your class. It can be time consuming like any other "club" but is completely worth it and very manageable if this is something you are truly interested in doing. The awesome thing about sorority life is it teaches you time management, something very important for when you get out into "the real world". Just think, if you can balance work, classes and sorority, when you graduate you will have no problem balancing work, social activities and perhaps grad school or even a sorority alumnae association
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