During the weekdays, she’s focused on her lectures and late-night study sessions. On the weekends, she shifts to being a receptionist at a nursing home. Then, on top of her busy schedule, she finds time to bake cookies for extra income.
Abby De Sagun is a full-time student at St. Mary’s University, who turned her hobby and passion for baking into a marketable product.
“It’s given me a chance to take a breather from my job and from school when days get heavy. It has become my stress reliever,” De Sagun said.
De Sagun’s case isn’t uncommon.
Sarah Imran, Director of Career Services at Mount Royal University, says some students find it risky to take on a co-op program or internship for a few months because they’ll have to leave their part-time job that pays their bills. And with unemployment rates slowly rising, students fear they won’t be able to return to their employers.
“A lot of stress, I think, comes from just making these decisions not knowing what the future holds, but also not letting go of highly valuable employment opportunities. So that alone keeps students awake at night,” says Imran.
With the cost of living on the rise, De Sagun’ says her small business brings financial relief and mental clarity.
“I discovered that I really like staying busy. If I don’t do something, I feel like I’m not doing enough.”