Am I Taking on Too Much?
A little background: I recently began an internship at a small firm as I pursue my articles. I’m incredibly thankful for the opportunity since I have no prior corporate experience (coming from a service industry background) and I’m still studying. I honestly didn’t think anyone would hire me without some credentials.
In just under two months, I’ve accomplished quite a bit:
- Processed bank statements for five companies from March 2024 to January 2025.
- Handled bank statements for eight companies from October to December.
- Created general journal entries for two companies to rectify errors from previous years’ trial balances.
- Submitted tax type reports for two companies.
- Captured invoices for VAT purposes and processed journal entries for cash transactions for one company over four months.
- Completed bank reconciliations and corrected errors in previously processed transactions for four companies.
- Managed payroll for two months for one company.
- Made journal entries to rectify misallocated transactions.
I’m still in my probation period, and I can’t help but wonder: Do you think all this hard work will pay off, or is this workload typical for someone in my position? Am I overreacting?
One response
It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed, especially in a new role and during your probation period. From what you’ve shared, it sounds like you are doing an impressive amount of work for someone who is still starting out. The tasks you’ve taken on—bank statements processing, journal entries, tax reports, payroll, and corrections—demonstrate a strong commitment to your internship and a willingness to learn.
It’s important to remember that every workplace has its own expectations and pace, especially in smaller firms where team members often wear multiple hats. The fact that you’re contributing significantly this early on is commendable. Your hard work and dedication are likely to be recognized, and you’ll gain invaluable experience along the way.
That said, it’s also important to take care of yourself and ensure you’re not pushing yourself too hard. If you feel the workload is becoming unmanageable, don’t hesitate to communicate with your supervisor. Balance is key, especially while still balancing your studies.
In the end, dedication and effort often lead to great opportunities, so keep up the good work! Just make sure to check in with yourself regularly to ensure you’re maintaining a healthy work-study-life balance. Good luck with your internship!