8 Tips for Balancing Work and School
Gloria Martinez of womenled.org
It's no secret that college is expensive. So expensive, in fact, that 70% of college students work through school. But while working helps students make ends meet, it's not easy to balance school and work without letting your grades suffer.
Compromise is key when juggling college and a job, but it can be done. Here are 8 time management tips to help you maintain your side hustle while keeping your grades up and your stress in check.
Find the right job.
Some jobs fit student life better than others. The best jobs have either a consistent yet flexible schedule that's easy to work around or, better yet, the ability to set your own hours. On-campus jobs are great for convenience. Or find a remote job or freelance gig that lets you work anywhere with an internet connection. Some students prefer to work in the gig economy, doing jobs like rideshare driving and food delivery whenever there's time to spare.
Time-block your classes.
Long stretches of classes are easier to work around than classes scheduled sporadically throughout the day. You can time block schoolwork by scheduling all your classes in the mornings, afternoons, or on certain days of the week.
Take advantage of online courses.
Racing from campus to work and back is time-consuming. When possible, choose online courses so you save time on travel. Online courses also tend to be more flexible than on-campus classes.
Some working students opt to complete their entire degree online. This isn't possible in every major, but there are fields where an online degree is a natural fit. Business degrees are one example. Topics like marketing, finance, and information technology are easily taught online, allowing students to build a side business or work a job while earning their degree.
Read the syllabus before you commit.
Whether a class is in-person or online, it's important to review the syllabus before enrolling. The syllabus outlines what work is involved in a course and when. This ensures a class suits your schedule and workload before signing up. Otherwise, you risk overcommitting yourself and hurting your GPA.
Communicate with teachers and bosses.
Of course, not all classes are optional. When coursework or exams clash with your schedule, the most important thing you can do is communicate with teachers and bosses. Most professors will accommodate working students to the best of their ability.
Attend office hours.
Speaking of communication: Take advantage of office hours whenever possible. Office hours aren't just for struggling students. They're also great for networking, getting support, and learning more about a university's resources. Some professors hold office hours over video conferencing apps like Zoom and Facetime for added convenience.
Get organized.
A well-coordinated schedule is only the first step. Working students also need tools to stay organized. Use a planner or digital calendar to visualize all your classes and major assignments throughout the semester. Meanwhile, productivity and to-do list apps keep you organized on a day-to-day basis.
Don't let time go to waste.
Organization also helps you take advantage of little chunks of time throughout each day. A stack of flashcards lets you study while waiting in line, for example, while a running to-do list makes it easy to knock off a task or two when you have a few minutes free.
That doesn't mean you have to work and study 24/7. It's also important to put time for self-care on your schedule. Self-care manages stress so you don't get overwhelmed by the responsibilities on your plate. Make time to connect with friends and family and do things that relax you.
There's no doubt you'll work hard as a working student. But to pull it off without losing everything, you need to work smart too. Use these tips to manage your time wisely and achieve your goals. Don’t forget to make use of MedKinza’s services to stay on track!
