Deciding whether or not to rush

JABGBBB · #1 06-25-2008, 09:09 PM

I've been working through issues over whether or not to try rushing as a transfer junior, etc, and I've decided I do still want to try for it. However, I do know that I'll be strapped for cash if I do this and will need a job. I understand that greek life is very time consuming-- is it doable to maintain a job, full time student status, and a sorority?

Probably seems like a dumb question, but I'm still pretty new to the greek concept. And I know that I WILL need a job, so I want to make sure I look at all the factors before making the decision to rush.

KSUViolet06 · #2 06-25-2008, 09:15 PM

Keep in mind that at the end of the day, this is a decision that only you can make.

At my school there were girls who maintained jobs and still managed to be active and get good grades. They couldn't always come to every little social or optional event, but they made it work. It's very doable but it really depends on your own personal time management skills and whether you are capable of balancing it all.

bevinpiphi · #3 06-25-2008, 09:26 PM

A few of my other exec board members maintain a job, full time student status (one girl had 21 hours last semester!), being a sister, and holding a position with a lot of responsibility in the chapter. It's doable, it just depends on the person.

Buttonz · #4 06-26-2008, 08:35 AM

As long as you can mange the time and make sure that you take off in advance for anything sorority wise that you can't miss, and find out what your able to miss if you have to work, it's doable.

You might want to choose not to work certain times though, like midterm week or right around your initiation.

WinniBug · #5 06-26-2008, 12:12 PM

Also, know that just because you decide to go through formal recruitment doesn't mean you have to choose to actually join a sorority. I know some who just wanted to meet people, and have that experience.

But it's defiantly possible to do all 3...be active in your organization, hold down a job and be a full-time student. But remember - you're a student first!

ETA: I was a senior when I joined ASA. I don't regret it!

LouisaMay · #6 06-26-2008, 12:21 PM

Also, keep in mind that there are different kinds of jobs with many different levels of time commitment. The jobs that are typical among the college students that I work with are pretty low key, and the students are often able to study while on the job. (Of course, you want to make sure studying on the clock is okay with the boss

Make the most of your time, and periodically evaluate if you are meeting your most important responsibilities.

twinkle555 · #7 06-26-2008, 12:29 PM

It is doable. Many of my sisters, including myself,have jobs, hold positions, have internships and have classes and do fine. I suggest being a server, its the most money you can earn in the least amount of time. I have found that Greek life has kept me sane over the years. Its my happy place

Being in a sorority teaches you excellent time management skills that you will need later in life. Also, if you ever find yourself slipping, you would have at least 50-100 girls by your side waiting to catch you.

I say since youre a JR that you go for it and see what happens. You might regret it if you dont, and by that time you would be a senior and the chances at receiving bids that late in the game is rough, no matter what school your at. And even if you did receive a bid that late, you would only have a year with your sorority before you graduate. Good luck with your decision!

JABGBBB · #8 06-30-2008, 03:56 PM

Thanks! If it can be done, I can find a way to accomplish it.

The school I am planning on going to told me that 80% of the women who go through are freshmen, that only about a dozen juniors rush, and that they allow 1 junior outside the house's quota so that they don't take a space from a first or second year student. I'm not 100% sure how to interpret that but if they allow 1 outside of the quota then it must be at least semi-possible.

And there's always the chance I'll end up going someplace else, so no reason to worry yet I guess.

basket96 · #9 07-14-2008, 11:14 PM

I am an adviser to a chapter of 70 where about 75% of the members have jobs in addition to sorority and academics. It can definitely be done if you have the right mindset. Time management skills are key!

Also, I am glad you are rushing as an upperclassman! We have a lot of sophomores and juniors go through recruitment at our school!

Good luck! (*please post your story so we can follow your success*)!