Financing your education can be hard. Many students (like me) work throughout the school year to pay for everything from textbooks, to rent, to going out. Looking for tips to help balance your school and work? Read on for some suggestions from someone that has done it both well and not-so-well.
Build a Schedule
The key to balancing your school and work is time management. One of the best ways to keep track of your time is by building a schedule you can follow every day – including on weekends.
A schedule helps you stay organized, and routine is great for the brain. It may be hard to stick to at first, and you’ll definitely have some mornings you just aren’t feeling it, but stick with it! It’ll really help in the long run.
Talk to Your Manager
Most managers will completely understand that school is a crucial part of your life and will do their best to accommodate you. Talk to them about your class schedule, reasonable expectations for your hours, and what will help you be successful both in your school and work life.
Don’t be afraid to speak up if something isn’t working for you! It’s better to say something than burn out because your school and work life isn’t balancing out.
Study On the Go
While you may not be able to get into the same zone as you would at your study space, making the best use of your time is key to success. This includes making productive use of your commute.
At my last job, I had a 30–50-minute commute each way. It may not be your favourite part of the day, but it’s a great time to get in some short study sessions. Maybe you can’t lug your physical textbooks around, but consider using flash cards or checking if there are digital copies of your textbooks available. Your midterm grades will thank you for the extra prep time.
Make Time for Yourself
Don’t forget about you. Taking good care of your physical and mental health is your most important responsibility.
School and working are incredibly important, but so is enjoying your life. Schedule time to recharge and hang out with friends. Drink lots of water, and do something fun every so often! Whatever makes you happy and healthy should be as big a priority as anything else.
There’s a lot to stress about when you’re working while in school. But following these tips will help you reduce your stress levels and ensure you’re keeping a healthy school/work balance.