Let's see, I'm a full-time graduate student. I have a full assistantship, which means I have to teach four classes, each of which meets twice a week. I also play the organ at a 1200 member church, where I'm responsible for playing two services on Sundays in addition to accompanying a chancel choir, a senior choir, a youth choir, and two children's choirs.
This week is my spring break and I have rehearsals on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday nights. On Sunday night I have to play for the Easter cantata. Next week I have to play at 12 o clock services Monday through Friday for Holy Week, in addition to playing the evening services for Maundy Thursday, and Good Friday. The chancel choir is giving a concert on the night of Easter, for which I will be accompanying them.
In addition to all of this, I have to find time to practice and to do school work, so that I can keep my grades up. I'm always very busy, but nobody is forcing me to do anything. I do it because I want to. I can honestly say that I enjoy each activity--that doesn't mean it's easy for me, but I do enjoy it.
I've learned to manage my time efficiently so that I can take care of what I need to do, and still have time to relax and enjoy the company of friends.
It'd be easier if my parents could help me pay for school and provide me with financial support, but they really can't since my dad only has a HS diploma and my mom never finished HS.
So I have to make a living doing something, right?