How to Strike the Balance between Studying and Work
If you are a student, you will agree that college life is filled with impressive moments and challenging experiences. The lack of money was one of the most significant problems I faced during the first year of study. Thus, now I can say that I know how to combine work and school without damage to any of the spheres.
It goes without saying that student years are harsh without an opportunity to earn extra money and enjoy life. If you are concerned about an opportunity to maintain a balance between these activities, you should remember that you are not alone. There are many students who struggle with the same thing and have no chance to juggle study with a freelance or part-time job. Moreover, some students also want to enjoy a personal and social life, which makes the task even more complicated.
Believe it or not, but there are dozens of students who address us daily, asking for effective tips on how to achieve the desired result. Do I know how to do it right? Well, I am still learning. But, can I give advice? Brandon has given me tons of useful tips I will gladly share with you.
Self-discipline, excellent time-management skills, determination, and goal-orientation are the priorities inevitable for students who want to stay successful in college and prosperous with a part-time job. What does balance mean to you? What are the steps you are ready to take to achieve it? Check out a few important tips and recommendations that will help you find a perfect balance between work and school you have always dreamt about. The challenge is real, just give it a try.
Balancing Work and School Efficiently: Practical Guidelines
No matter if you choose to become a freelance, part-time or full-time worker as a college student, you will have to take maximum effort to keep up with college programs. How can you increase the level of your productivity?
- Tell people about your work. It may sound strange, but this is the option that helps. Even if you have found an online job, it is the right time to share the news with your friends and fellow students. Why is it crucial? Brandon, for example, knows that I work in the afternoon, so he never bothers me at certain times. If people around you are aware of your working day, they will not distract you, which will help you save money, time, and effort. Moreover, some people will offer you help, which is indispensable for students who work a lot.
- Stick to a schedule. A schedule is a perfect way to set your priorities and decide which activities are more or less important. During the first year at university, I tried to make a plan for a day and follow it. However, as I became a sophomore, I have understood that it may not be enough. Instead, I have made planning a key aspect of my college time management program. Start with a day and develop your schedule for the whole week to make sure you skip none of the important tasks, meetings, or activities.
- Get a plan B. Have you already learned the basics of planning? The next step is to practice how to stay flexible and be able to adjust to the most different reality. At some point, you will have to devote more attention to your study time, while sometimes work will prevail. Spontaneous activities should not be a problem, as you are still young and risky.
- Prioritize tasks. Striving to carry this step into effect, you need to estimate your strengths and weaknesses and set realistic goals. Compile a list of tasks you need to accomplish this week, so you can make extra plans, especially if you are looking for a part-time job for a student. Make sure you have enough time to accomplish your college assignments before or after work shifts.
- Manage stress. Irrespective of the job you have, you will suffer from anxiety, stress, and depression that are the results of the constant tension, both physical and emotional. Therefore, if you want to succeed at the interview, job-related duties, and college assignments, you need to investigate high-quality techniques and methods that will help you handle stressful situations. Additionally, you will get a precious opportunity to stay concentered, focused, and productive, no matter what.
- Take care of your health. Excellent physical health is your way to flawless work and study. Advanced focus, improved decision-making skills, an opportunity to concentrate, learn, and memorize are the beneficial results of proper eating, exercising, and having enough rest.
- Find interesting and inspiring work. Do you enjoy your classes? Do you want to become a pro in this specific field? Why do you work? Does your work prevent you from academic success? These are the simplest issues you need to consider if you want to concentrate on the study, but still love your work. Opt for an exciting job that will give you an opportunity not only to earn money but also to achieve your ambitions.
- Eliminate procrastination. If you need to work hard in the afternoon, you need to do your best to avoid distractions and get a chance to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of responsibility and commitment. Schedule the study hours, so they do not overlap with your work shift.
- Rest. From my personal experience, I can tell that non-stop activities, including college classes, home assignments, projects, work, and hobby, can be overwhelming. If you want to keep the balance and be quite good in all the aspects, you will have to include a nighttime rest in your schedule. No matter if you work outside or have an online job, do not forget about a 7-8 hour sleep that is indispensable for your success.
Do not multitask. Instead of the desire to strike a balance, an increasing number of college students start practicing multitasking. The results of the studies prove it to be an inefficient way to achieve the results. Hard work and unlimited effort to achieve success may turn into a purposeless and vainly activity.