Interning as a therapist is an essential step in building a career in mental health, but it comes with its fair share of challenges. Add two part-time jobs to the mix, and life becomes a delicate balancing act. While the journey is undoubtedly exhausting, it also offers invaluable lessons, resilience, and personal growth. Let’s take a deep dive into the struggles and upsides of working as a therapy intern while also holding down two part-time jobs.
The Struggles: A Constant Race Against Time
Overwhelming Workload
 One of the biggest struggles of this lifestyle is the sheer volume of work. A therapy internship often requires a significant number of clinical hours, supervision meetings, and administrative tasks. When combined with the responsibilities of two part-time jobs, the workload can feel insurmountable.
Emotional Exhaustion
 Providing mental health support to clients as an intern requires deep emotional engagement. Listening to others’ struggles and helping them navigate their emotions is fulfilling, but it can also be draining. When you’re already running low on energy from working extra hours at your other jobs, it can become difficult to remain fully present in therapy sessions.
Lack of Personal Time
 With an internship and two jobs, free time becomes a luxury. The limited downtime you do get is often spent catching up on sleep, studying, or preparing for client sessions. Maintaining a social life, engaging in hobbies, or simply relaxing becomes a challenge.
Financial Struggles
 Most therapy internships are unpaid or offer minimal stipends, which is why many interns take on multiple jobs. However, working additional jobs to make ends meet can be stressful, leaving little room for rest and self-care. The constant pressure of financial insecurity can make it difficult to focus on professional development.
Burnout and Self-Doubt
 Balancing so many responsibilities can lead to burnout. There may be days when you question whether you can keep going or whether this path is even worth it. Impostor syndrome can creep in, making you feel as though you’re not doing enough, even when you’re stretched to your limits.
The Upsides: Silver Linings in the Chaos
While the challenges are undeniable, there are also plenty of rewards that come with juggling an internship and multiple jobs.
Resilience and Time Management Skills
 One of the most valuable skills you develop is resilience. Working long hours while fulfilling your internship requirements forces you to prioritize tasks, manage time effectively, and become more efficient in everything you do. These skills are transferable and will serve you well throughout your career.
Deep Sense of Purpose
 Even on the hardest days, knowing that you’re working toward becoming a therapist gives your work meaning. Every client session, every study hour, and every late-night shift at your part-time jobs is a step toward your dream. That sense of purpose helps keep you motivated even when exhaustion kicks in.
Stronger Empathy for Clients
 Juggling multiple responsibilities gives you a unique perspective and a deeper understanding of what it means to struggle. Many therapy clients face stress, financial hardship, and burnout in their own lives. Your personal experience with these challenges allows you to connect with clients on a more authentic level, making you a more compassionate and understanding therapist.
Financial Independence
 Even though working multiple jobs is tough, it does provide financial stability that many interns don’t have. While others may be struggling to cover basic expenses, your additional income helps keep you afloat. This independence can reduce some stress and make the journey to becoming a licensed therapist a bit more manageable.
Building Stronger Professional Relationships
 Because you’re exposed to different work environments, you get the chance to network and build connections with a wide range of professionals. Whether it’s supervisors at your internship or colleagues at your part-time jobs, these relationships can open doors to future job opportunities and collaborations.
Tips for Managing It All
If you’re currently balancing an internship and multiple jobs, here are a few tips to help you navigate the chaos:
- Prioritize Self-Care – Even if you only have 15 minutes a day, use that time to do something that relaxes or rejuvenates you.
- Set Boundaries – Know your limits and don’t be afraid to say no when you need
- Stay Organized – Keep a planner or use apps to track your schedule, deadlines, and important meetings.
- Lean on Your Support System – Reach out to friends, family, or mentors when things get overwhelming.
- Remember Your ‘Why’ – Keep reminding yourself why you started this journey in the first place. Your dedication will pay off in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Interning as a therapist while working two part-time jobs is not easy—it’s exhausting, emotionally challenging, and often frustrating. However, it’s also an opportunity to grow in ways you never imagined. The resilience, empathy, and strength you build along the way will shape you into a dedicated and compassionate therapist. While the road is tough now, it’s leading to a fulfilling and meaningful career where you can truly make a difference in people’s lives. Keep going, because every struggle you overcome brings you one step closer to your dream.