These days, it’s not uncommon for those who go to school to also have a part-time or full-time job. A college education is expensive and many people do not have the money saved to pay for it. Then what do you do? The answer: Balance work and study.
For those students who are trying to find the right balance between the two, here are some tips that may be helpful for them to earn a degree in addition to earn a living.
1. Get Organized
It can be almost impossible for someone to keep everything in order without a detailed and organized way to do it. Find the method that is right for you. Write everything down on an agenda, keep files and school work together in an organized way, which will help you remember where everything is, put reminders on your phone for tests, deadlines, and work hours.
Post a calendar in your bedroom or somewhere you will see it every day. Put the important dates there so you can visually see everything that needs to be done each month. Remember to also take the time you need to study. Keep your school supplies together and in one place, you won’t forget where they are. When juggling multiple tasks, it may be best to have detailed file systems for everything.
2. Manage Stress
Sometimes it can be overwhelming with all the things you have on your plate. Stress can be an unavoidable part of trying to balance school and work. You may want to find the best ways to relieve stress when things seem to be too difficult to handle. One way to manage stress is to focus on one thing at a time rather than trying to do everything at once. By giving yourself one goal at a time, you make it seem less scary and therefore easier to achieve.
Another way to help with stress is to eat right and exercise every day. While your day can be hectic, you should try to make time to prepare a healthy meal, do yoga, go for a run, or however you like to exercise. It may also help to take a break for a while, relax your mind, and perhaps see friends and family that you know will put you in a better mood.
3. Talk To Your Teachers And Employers
Your teachers may not understand your work schedule and your employer may not realize how much school work you have. Communicating with these people and explaining what is happening in your life can help them understand your hectic schedule. More flexible scheduling options may be available to you if you communicate effectively with all parties involved.
4. Don’t Try To Do Everything Yourself
A very helpful way to balance work and study is to develop some kind of support system. This can include family members, friends, mentors, and classmates. Family members are there to support you and help you realize that your hard work and dedication pay off. Your friends may let you have fun when you need a break. Mentors can guide and advise you toward your ultimate goals. Classmates can help you study and understand what you are going through because they may be going through the same thing. Having a support system allows you to talk about things that should not be suppressed on the inside, as well as helping to relieve the stress that both school and work can cause.
5. Know That Everything Is Worth It
By earning a degree, you are giving yourself more opportunities than you could have had without it. You may be able to pursue a career that you consider meaningful and that can support you and your family. By working while attending school, you are enabling financial support now and in the long term, as you may not have to take out as many loans during your years at school. It is important to look for the light at the end of the tunnel and know that your efforts will be worth it this is what you really want
