Sleep Deprivation Makes You Crazy

Working at a 6-week summer camp isn't quite the piece of cake that I thought it would be. Though I get to hang around with kids all day and other employees my age, I have little time to myself. Basically, we work from 7am to at least 11pm every day. So, at the most I get 8 hours of sleep, but usually I don't get to bed until at least midnight. I was pretty used to sleeping until at least 10am when in college, so this is a bit of a change. However, I should get used to it since I will have to be at work at about 8am every day starting in September.

A lack of sleep makes you do crazy things. At my summer camp, we like to call it "crazy talk". Usually when we are about three nights behind on sleep, counselors start not making sense and saying crazy things that no one really understands. You stop talking mid-sentence or just mumble because you are too tired to form words. Though it is accepted and pretty much expected late at night during my summer job, I'm not sure the professional services firm you are working for will be quite as entertained.

If you aren't used to working long days, you should get used to it! During my internships I would go to bed around 10:30pm on weeknights to ensure that I get enough sleep to be at my best at work the next day. I plan on doing the same thing when I start work. It is important that you are not falling asleep at your desk or dragging your feet on work that needs to be done. Firms want productive employees so partying all night before a big meeting or even a regular work day is not the best idea. Being alert and attentive to detail will help you in the long run in getting promoted and leaving the best impression.