Employing oneself while in university can enhance your resume, broaden your professional connections, and enhance your financial standing. Nonetheless, managing your time effectively between academic commitments and work can be a demanding task. To assist you in navigating this challenge, we present our top five recommendations for maintaining a balance between work and study without succumbing to exhaustion.
It goes without saying — working during your university studies can greatly benefit your future for a multitude of reasons. You can make new contacts, acquire new skills to show off on your CV, and even improve your financial situation.
However, juggling work and study can become quite tricky, as you must divide your time between an academic and working schedule. For those of you who find it challenging to balance studying with your job or an internship — we’ve got you covered! Here are our top five tips to combat stress as a working student.
1. Plan ahead
Avoiding last-minute cramming and hastily writing your essay the night before is crucial. Successful completion of your university assignments demands undivided attention and concentration. Therefore, your most effective defense against looming deadlines is to prioritize and plan ahead.
Utilize that beautiful journal you purchased, or jot down your tasks and create a to-do list. Taking the time to organize your assignments will not only serve as a reminder to complete them promptly but also provide a sense of accomplishment.
2. Be aware of your limits
It is common to take on more work than one can manage, so there’s no need to panic. Ask yourself, “What workload can I realistically handle?” Then, prioritize and determine the tasks that require immediate attention.
Undoubtedly, your primary focus should be on your studies. Employment should primarily serve as a means of financial support and an opportunity to gain additional experience. Recognize and respect your limitations to prevent unnecessary stress. Communicate your situation to your manager and ensure that you don’t experience burnout. A proactive approach to this is to mention your commitment to studying during your job interview before commencing work.
3.Use your time wisely
To be able to balance work and study, you will need to make sure that the time you spend studying is time well spent. Be productive! Study in short periods with breaks to ensure you stay focused and avoid procrastination. Turn off social media and prepare some snacks. Getting rid of distractions and using incentives will help you get your university work done faster.
And by doing this, you’ll have more time to relax, or perhaps even pick up an extra shift at work if you need to. Remember, you’re a student! Make the most of your university experience, and set aside time to kick back and have fun with your friends.
4. Communicate with your employer
If you opt to work while studying, it is essential to maintain a positive relationship with your supervisor. Communicate openly and honestly about how you are managing your responsibilities. Recognize the demanding nature of university life and be clear about your availability, expressing any concerns you may have.
Monitor whether the workload is becoming overwhelming, and avoid stretching yourself too thin. If a part-time job proves to be too much, consider exploring alternative avenues to generate income. Perhaps a weekend job could be a viable option, providing valuable experience without posing a threat to your academic commitments.
5. Get enough rest and prioritize your health
Prioritize your physical and mental health. Ensure 7 to 8 hours of sleep for a stronger immune system and improved stress resilience. Opt for nutritious meals to sustain energy, resisting the temptation of takeout. Prepare quick and budget-friendly recipes instead. These habits will ease the challenges of balancing work and study, transforming your perspective on the working world. For additional success in job interviews and early work experiences, explore more helpful tips.
6.Protect Study Time
It is imperative to keep your primary focus on academic pursuits, ensuring that studying remains the central and foremost commitment in your daily routine. While engaging in work is undoubtedly valuable, it should be regarded as a complementary aspect to your educational endeavors.
This approach emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balance that prioritizes the fulfillment of academic requirements while acknowledging the beneficial supplementary nature of employment in supporting your overall growth and experience. By recognizing the primacy of your studies, you can effectively integrate work into your life without compromising the essential educational goals you aim to achieve.
7.Consider Alternatives
In the event that a conventional part-time job proves to be excessively demanding or challenging to sustain alongside your academic responsibilities, it is advisable to consider exploring alternative avenues to generate income.
One viable option worth exploring is the prospect of engaging in weekend jobs, which can provide a more flexible schedule and accommodate the constraints of your academic commitments. By diversifying your approach to income generation, you open up opportunities for greater flexibility, allowing you to strike a harmonious balance between your academic pursuits and work obligations.
This strategic consideration enables you to adapt your financial strategy to align with your evolving circumstances, ensuring that your overall well-being is not compromised by an overwhelming or incompatible work commitment.