The struggle to maintain balance in your academic schedule and employment timetable is real. Each will take up a lot of your time and may even lead to a clash with the other. However, many people have successfully managed to be both full-time students and working professionals. Do not assume they are some sort of superhumans, just extremely disciplined and smart people. If you are facing the same scenario, here are some proven ways to balance your job and school without going entirely insane:
- Communication Is Key
Despite how obvious it may be, many end up skipping this vital step. Right from the get-go, it would be best to make it clear to your employer that you are a full-time student. The majority of employers will likely work with you to find a timetable that allows you to prioritize schoolwork without compromising your employment obligations. In addition, they might be willing to let you take time off for important dates like finals or major projects.
You may be able to arrange your schedule to fit around your employment, especially if you attend an online school because of the inherent flexibility of online learning. For example, if you are enrolled in a quick masters program online, you could even take classes while commuting to your workplace.
- Stay Organized
If you have many roles to play, it is easy to get overwhelmed by all the moving parts. Keeping things organized might be really helpful in this situation. You need to have a good handle on organization and put things back where they belong. Every night, make sure to plug in your laptop and cell phone to charge. It is important to always have what you need on hand so that you never have to interrupt your work or studies.
You may consider investing in a planner as well. Planners are incredibly helpful tools, particularly for individuals who juggle a full-time job with their academic obligations. Most planners break down the day into hourly increments, making scheduling study and homework time simple.
- Avoid Overextending Yourself
Do not ask for extra shifts at work during the semester just because you want to accumulate savings. You will have difficulty juggling. Indeed, it is great to be positive. But when working 18 hours a day, positive thinking is not going to help.
The same stands true for your studies. Even if you are working 30 hours a week, it is not a good idea to try to audit more classes or obtain extra credit. The risk is simply not worthwhile. Do not let work and school consume all of your time. Rather, take some time to relax and recharge in your spare time.
- Master Time Management
You have virtually taken “the route of greatest resistance” by deciding to get your degree while also working, so every minute counts. You need to be strategic about how you use your time in high-stakes situations like these. If you desire to be successful in the long run, you must schedule everything, including your classes, study time, and leisure time.
If procrastination is your usual mode of operation, you should fight this urge at all costs. In other words, get ready to take immediate action. For example, if you have a full semester to complete your research paper, you should begin writing it as soon as possible after acquiring sufficient knowledge on the topic. Submit it without delay, and your professor could not be happier.
Start keeping a journal of your day-to-day activities for a minimum of three days to get a sense of how you spend your time. You do not have to give up all your bad habits at once; simply improve the ones you already have.
- Establish A Support System
Your support system is one of the most valuable tools at your disposal while keeping up with multiple obligations. Ensure that you have the full support of your employer, spouse or partner, friends, and extended family. When a situation calls for it, perhaps your coworkers can take on the part of your responsibilities at the office so that you have more time for school.
If you are attending classes in person, you should get to know some of the other students in your class and do all you can to help each other out. This could take the form of providing feedback on each other’s work, generating new ideas, or simply chatting over a cup of coffee.
- Tap Into Strategic Planning
You will need to develop into an exceptional planner if you want to be successful in both your academics and your work. One way to do that is to have a snapshot of your monthly, weekly, and daily study activities. It will give you a sense of control, allowing you to monitor your progress, and serve as a reminder to stay on track. To get started, pull out your entire study schedule for the trimester, including course descriptions, topics, and due dates for assignments. Once done, create your own study schedule based on the most important dates of the curriculum.
Also, try to discover your most productive study and work habits and how to fit them into your daily routine. Does dawn bring forth your maximum productivity? If yes, why not utilize your most productive hours by rising a few hours before leaving for work? Likewise, if you are a night owl, you might want to stay up long after work to finish your homework.
- Reward Yourself
Whenever you achieve a significant goal, whether it is obtaining a raise at work, passing an important test, or being accepted to your preferred school, you should celebrate your success by rewarding yourself. Celebrating small wins is important to boost your confidence. On top of that, the prospect of getting a treat at the end of your efforts can also serve as an incentive to keep going for a little while longer.
Conclusion
Getting a degree while working full-time is a tall order for many people. But the good news is that you can accomplish this lofty task by walking the tight line of these steps. Of course, you will have a hard time implementing all of them at once. So taking one measure at a time would be a smart approach.
