How to balance study and work obligations?
Students returned to University on Friday. The start of the new academic year has started live, which brings certain challenges, especially for those students who have work obligations in addition to their studies.
If you’re worried about finding a balance between studying and working part-time, you’re not alone. There are many students who have to work to make a living while completing their studies. Juggling part-time study is not easy, so how do you find a balance between your work, academic commitments, and social life?
Whether you’re a student working to pay bills, or taking a course to hone your skills, balancing work and study can seem overwhelming, but it can be achieved with some planning and self-discipline.
In addition, we must not forget that the approach to work towards such students changes during the academic year, therefore supervisors must be careful as well. They need to keep in mind that students are often busy and do not have time to spare. They often do not work on a regular morning workday, but in the afternoon or even in the evening. In order for work to be done during study time, we need to have a different strategy. These include:
- Flexibility,
- communicating our expectations,
- feedback,
- honesty…
When a student and a supervisor communicate with each other on a regular basis, a bond is created through which, their relationship functions.
The following tips show 6 best ways to balance study and work:
- Create a schedule and follow it
A schedule is a great way to figure out your priorities and how much time you need to get everything done. The more detailed your calendar is, the more likely you are to stick to it. Be sure to complete everything, including class hours, working hours, study hours, deadlines, meetings, and other commitments. This way you will know exactly when your free time is, so you can arrange your free time and social time accordingly. For easier reference, you can also color-mark your schedule so that you have a different color for each task / obligation.
- Don’t leave things to the last minute
You can’t expect to do well at work or school if you’re awake all night because you’re studying for an exam or finishing a task at the last minute. Break down your project or task into small steps or goals and mark them when you achieve them. This way, your grade or work will be of better quality, you will reduce your stress level and you will continue to do well in your work and studies.
There are many task management and productivity apps designed for students to make the most of their study time. The Freedom app is a smart tool to help manage disruptions by blocking the internet and social networks on various devices, for those times you really need to step away and focus.
- Learn to manage stress
Working and studying at the same time can be stressful, but there are many ways to manage stress, it’s just important to figure out what works for you. Activities such as breathing exercises, yoga or meditation can greatly reduce stress and benefit both your physical and mental health. Reducing stress is important for focus and productivity, which will ultimately allow you to work to the best of your ability.
- Set boundaries
If people ask you to do something that will keep you from completing a work assignment or assessment for school, and that doesn’t really matter, say no. This is one of the easiest ways to maintain balance in your work and study life. You can’t do everything, so you need to set boundaries for what’s realistically important.
- Reward yourself
When you successfully complete a task, you are rewarded. Cook dinner, go on a fun day trip for the weekend, take a hot bath or go shopping. Choose rewards that you know you will look forward to. Rewarding yourself will encourage you to continue to work hard and strengthen good habits.
- Finally, remember why you are doing this
Create a vision board or show your goals so you can see it every day. Whenever it is difficult for you, remember why you are sacrificing yourself during this period of your life. Focus on your goals, celebrate a small milestone, and remember that it won’t be like that forever. While it may seem overwhelming at times, others have succeeded, so can you! If we didn’t have good reasons, we wouldn’t start working and studying at the same time.
There are three main parts of student life that take up most of your time; study, work and personal life. Both study and work can take quite some time, and very little can be left for personal belongings. This is one of the main issues a student faces. So the question is: How to balance study, work and personal life? With the tips listed above, we want to make your upcoming academic year as easy as possible. And remember: Everything is possible if it is wanted!
