9 answers
Shaina
Student
Bacolod, Western Visayas, Philippines
46
Questions
Updated
1447 views
Career or Friends/Memories?
I am a senior in uni...with an average skillset.... In a very tight position where I had to choose friends or career. I like the idea of staying ahead like getting experience, doing more projects while I'm in the uni because when in uni, you are not yet being thrown out to the unemployment zone. I still have the allowance, repeat/learn from mistakes. I am not saying you can't make mistakes once you've graduated,, but the idea of being "freely" to do so. I also have my peers...Lately, I have been focusing so much on my career that the second I knew it,,,I was missing out on uni events my college is having...Everyone was so jolly about performances and... Here I am in my laptop doing my best to lookout for opportunities to gain exposure for my career. I already had this trauma before that I wish I should've spend more time with my friends in highschool before we parted ways because who knows.....but I am also afraid of unemployment or grad w/o offers. I don't have a safety net afterall. :( I can't do both because I'm mentally/socially exhausted of all interactions then, at night,, do the projects so I have to choose one. :(
9 answers
Pareen Daya
Data Analyst
6
Answers
Perth, Western Australia, Australia
Updated
Pareen’s Answer
It’s completely valid to feel torn between building your career and making the most of your university years with friends. The truth is, both matter—but not always equally at the same time.
What’s helped me (and many others) is learning to prioritise rather than trying to “balance” everything perfectly. If your current focus is on gaining experience and building a safety net, that’s a powerful and responsible choice—especially if you don’t have one to fall back on. But it’s also okay to acknowledge that you’re missing out on moments that matter to you emotionally.
Instead of choosing one over the other entirely, try carving out small, meaningful moments with friends—maybe a quick coffee, a shared meal, or even just showing up for one event. These don’t have to be big or frequent to be memorable. And remember: your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Burnout won’t help you get ahead. So give yourself permission to rest, to laugh, and to be present—even briefly. You’re not falling behind by being human. You’re building a life, not just a résumé.
What’s helped me (and many others) is learning to prioritise rather than trying to “balance” everything perfectly. If your current focus is on gaining experience and building a safety net, that’s a powerful and responsible choice—especially if you don’t have one to fall back on. But it’s also okay to acknowledge that you’re missing out on moments that matter to you emotionally.
Instead of choosing one over the other entirely, try carving out small, meaningful moments with friends—maybe a quick coffee, a shared meal, or even just showing up for one event. These don’t have to be big or frequent to be memorable. And remember: your career is a marathon, not a sprint. Burnout won’t help you get ahead. So give yourself permission to rest, to laugh, and to be present—even briefly. You’re not falling behind by being human. You’re building a life, not just a résumé.
Adriana Avelar
Recruitment/Talent
1
Answer
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Updated
Adriana’s Answer
That's a great question! At university, it's important to find a balance between studying and enjoying your social life. It might seem hard to take time away from studying for other activities, but both are important. Academics are why you're there, but joining in activities helps you make friends, network, and have fun.
The key is good time management. Try making a schedule to organize your day and see where your time goes. List your study priorities and know where you feel confident. This way, you can decide where to focus more and where you can relax a bit.
You don't have to join every event or hangout. Choose activities you really enjoy or are passionate about. Remember to check in with yourself and keep up with your studies. Balancing both is personal for everyone, and they should support each other, not compete.
The key is good time management. Try making a schedule to organize your day and see where your time goes. List your study priorities and know where you feel confident. This way, you can decide where to focus more and where you can relax a bit.
You don't have to join every event or hangout. Choose activities you really enjoy or are passionate about. Remember to check in with yourself and keep up with your studies. Balancing both is personal for everyone, and they should support each other, not compete.
Carla Praga
Ecommerce Business Management
3
Answers
Madrid, Community of Madrid, Spain
Updated
Carla’s Answer
Hi Shaina,
I can totally relate to what you're going through—because I went through something very similar when I was in university. I started an internship while still studying, which meant working during the day and attending classes in the evening. It left me with very little time for a social life, while most of my friends were enjoying campus events and hanging out. It wasn’t easy, and I often felt like I was missing out.
But that experience shaped my professional life in the most positive way. After my first year of internship, I was offered a full-time role, which gave me a head start in my career even before graduation. What I learned early on is that it doesn’t always have to be a choice between career or friends, it’s about finding a balance that works for you.
You’re already doing something powerful by reflecting on your choices. Trust yourself. Your career will grow, and your memories will come too, just in different ways. Keep showing up for yourself, and you’ll find the balance that works for you. You’ve got this.
I can totally relate to what you're going through—because I went through something very similar when I was in university. I started an internship while still studying, which meant working during the day and attending classes in the evening. It left me with very little time for a social life, while most of my friends were enjoying campus events and hanging out. It wasn’t easy, and I often felt like I was missing out.
But that experience shaped my professional life in the most positive way. After my first year of internship, I was offered a full-time role, which gave me a head start in my career even before graduation. What I learned early on is that it doesn’t always have to be a choice between career or friends, it’s about finding a balance that works for you.
You’re already doing something powerful by reflecting on your choices. Trust yourself. Your career will grow, and your memories will come too, just in different ways. Keep showing up for yourself, and you’ll find the balance that works for you. You’ve got this.
Mario Ramirez
Leader, Customer Delivery
44
Answers
Mexico City, Mexico
Updated
Mario’s Answer
Hi Shaina, it is completely normal to feel uncertain when you are nearing graduation; please do not panic.
The job journey is a significant decision, and it is certain that you will have the opportunity to connect with new friends and, more importantly, develop yourself. I strongly recommend that you invest time in research tailored to your profile and your true interests. Based on your comments, it is clear that you enjoy social connections and relationship development; therefore, areas such as sales and entertainment could be promising fields for you to explore.
Wishing all the best!!!
The job journey is a significant decision, and it is certain that you will have the opportunity to connect with new friends and, more importantly, develop yourself. I strongly recommend that you invest time in research tailored to your profile and your true interests. Based on your comments, it is clear that you enjoy social connections and relationship development; therefore, areas such as sales and entertainment could be promising fields for you to explore.
Wishing all the best!!!
Gabrielle Rosa
Billing
3
Answers
Grambling, Louisiana
Updated
Gabrielle’s Answer
Hi Shaina,
It seems like you're feeling torn between your career and friendships, but both are important. Your career matters a lot, especially if you don't have a backup plan. At the same time, your personal life and relationships are crucial for your mental health and happiness.
If you focus only on your career, you might burn out. If you focus only on your social life, you might not be ready for the future. The key is to find a balance. You don't have to do everything. Allow yourself to relax and enjoy moments with friends while still working on your career goals. Balance doesn’t always mean splitting time evenly; it means choosing what’s most important at the moment and being present.
The memories you make now will last, just like your career experiences. One doesn't have to completely replace the other. Take care of yourself first, and you'll be better positioned to succeed in both your career and personal life.
I hope this helps you feel less pressured to choose just one. You can find a balance that works for you, even if it looks different from others.
Gabrielle Rosa
It seems like you're feeling torn between your career and friendships, but both are important. Your career matters a lot, especially if you don't have a backup plan. At the same time, your personal life and relationships are crucial for your mental health and happiness.
If you focus only on your career, you might burn out. If you focus only on your social life, you might not be ready for the future. The key is to find a balance. You don't have to do everything. Allow yourself to relax and enjoy moments with friends while still working on your career goals. Balance doesn’t always mean splitting time evenly; it means choosing what’s most important at the moment and being present.
The memories you make now will last, just like your career experiences. One doesn't have to completely replace the other. Take care of yourself first, and you'll be better positioned to succeed in both your career and personal life.
I hope this helps you feel less pressured to choose just one. You can find a balance that works for you, even if it looks different from others.
Gabrielle Rosa
Rebecca Tang
Banking
2437
Answers
Hong Kong
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question. This question is more on your time management. Firstly, you need to find a time management tool to help, e.g. MS Outlook, Google Calendar, Phone Calendar, etc.
Below are my suggestions :
1. Put down the time you need to attend lectures & tutorials
2. Allocate some time everyday on your projects, assignment, etc. Review the material covered in the lecture everyday. If you have any question, ask the tutor in the next tutorial
3. Make sure you have enough time to sleep and do some exercise
4. Assign some time to explore any intern opportunities. You do not need to do this everyday, 1-2 times every week should be enough.
5. You can then assign remaining time for your friends & family gathering and events.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
Below are my suggestions :
1. Put down the time you need to attend lectures & tutorials
2. Allocate some time everyday on your projects, assignment, etc. Review the material covered in the lecture everyday. If you have any question, ask the tutor in the next tutorial
3. Make sure you have enough time to sleep and do some exercise
4. Assign some time to explore any intern opportunities. You do not need to do this everyday, 1-2 times every week should be enough.
5. You can then assign remaining time for your friends & family gathering and events.
Hope this helps! Good Luck!
May Almighty God bless you!
DRON BHOSALE
I AM A 12TH GRADE STUDENT
3
Answers
Titwala, Maharashtra, India
Updated
DRON’s Answer
Hello, i am not of your age tho, however i thinks you are a facing a universal problem that every students goes from this phase even me.
So, the best opinion from a junior is make friends bcz , that will help you or encourage your self to grow more and more, u will find your rival and good frnd with whom you can share your all thoughts. and basically career is most imp but if you stayed stress it wont work like that right. And you can increase your knowledge by meeting new people by intellectual with them, than you will get to know new things , ideas and similarities.
thats it, and idk whats your ambition and motive is but still all the best for your future journey. 😃
So, the best opinion from a junior is make friends bcz , that will help you or encourage your self to grow more and more, u will find your rival and good frnd with whom you can share your all thoughts. and basically career is most imp but if you stayed stress it wont work like that right. And you can increase your knowledge by meeting new people by intellectual with them, than you will get to know new things , ideas and similarities.
thats it, and idk whats your ambition and motive is but still all the best for your future journey. 😃
Thao Pham
Marketing/ Recruitment
19
Answers
Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
Updated
Thao’s Answer
Hi Shaina, Your high level of self-awareness and self-acceptance are commendable. How about creating a rewarding system like one event per month after 4 weekends doing projects? I am not going through the basic theory most self-help books or internet sources may give you but rather some practical way to approach the time management, resources management and FOMO (Fear of Missing Out) feeling.
Negotiation skill with others and with ourselves will help you sustain in life long career and life generally. Making decision is time consuming but putting a metric to each decision that helps score the outcomes might help you visualise better. For example, you were thinking that missing out events would make an impact on your friendship and you had the parallel concern for being unemployment. Both channels of feeling secured are important (friend and job). Can you go to the party and talk with your friends about your situation or maybe get inspired by friends's idea? Instead of having friendship over parties, can you have friendship over group work projects?
Think about the solution in more interconnectedness way... To have something, must you give up the other? Hope it helps your thinking flow. Most of all, do things that you feel secured. Happiness comes from within which means you should have feeling of comfort, not being pushed by external.
Wishing you all the best!
Thao
Negotiation skill with others and with ourselves will help you sustain in life long career and life generally. Making decision is time consuming but putting a metric to each decision that helps score the outcomes might help you visualise better. For example, you were thinking that missing out events would make an impact on your friendship and you had the parallel concern for being unemployment. Both channels of feeling secured are important (friend and job). Can you go to the party and talk with your friends about your situation or maybe get inspired by friends's idea? Instead of having friendship over parties, can you have friendship over group work projects?
Think about the solution in more interconnectedness way... To have something, must you give up the other? Hope it helps your thinking flow. Most of all, do things that you feel secured. Happiness comes from within which means you should have feeling of comfort, not being pushed by external.
Wishing you all the best!
Thao
Ye Sol Lee
1
Answer
San Jose, California
Updated
Ye Sol’s Answer
I relate to how you feel about having regrets of wishing you spent more time with your friends, I know it's very hard to do everything. I think trying to do small tasks together such as doing errands together or grabbing a quick coffee will help so you can also spend time developing your career. Also I think there are seasons to life, so sometimes some things will take higher priority over others. Even if you are more focused on advancing your career, I would suggest taking breaks to go to the event or the hangout so you don't feel too burned out. Good luck!
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