5 answers
Hope
Student
Ohio, Ohio
2
Questions
Asked
677 views
How do I manage my part time job with full time class schedule?
I work at a hospital so it can be any shift, but is there a schedule that seems to work best?
#work #school #balance
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5 answers
Nada L
IT Software
100
Answers
Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Updated
Nada’s Answer
Hi Hope,
Great question! Juggling university/college and a part-time job is a challenge, but with the right approach, you can find a balance.
Here are some tips:
1. Scheduling
* Unified Calendar + Prioritise: Use a single calendar (digital or paper) to track and prioritise everything - classes, study time, work shifts, assignments, social events, and even personal appointments. This gives you a bird's-eye view of your commitments + ability to decide what needs your attention first. Sometimes, social events or less important tasks need to be moved.
* Time Blocking: Allocate specific times for studying, working, and relaxing. Be realistic about how long tasks take.
* Build in Buffer Time: Don't schedule yourself back-to-back. Unexpected things happen, and you'll need time to adjust.
2. Communicate Effectively
* Talk to Your Employer: Be upfront about your student status and availability. Most employers are understanding, especially if you're reliable and give them advance notice of exam periods or busy weeks.
* Connect with Professors: If you're struggling to balance workload, talk to your professors. They might have advice or be flexible with deadlines in certain situations.
* Keep Friends and Family Informed: Let your loved ones know when you have peak study or work periods so they can support you.
3. Optimize Your Study Habits
* Active Recall: Use techniques like flashcards or summarizing information from memory to learn more effectively in less time.
* Dedicated Study Space: Create a distraction-free environment where you can focus.
* Study in Short Bursts: Instead of marathon study sessions, try shorter, focused bursts with breaks in between. The Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes on, 5 minutes off) can be helpful.
4. Maximize Your Time
* Use Downtime Wisely: Review notes on the bus, listen to podcasts while you walk, or use your lunch break to get ahead on reading.
* Limit Distractions: Put your phone on "Do Not Disturb" while studying. Use website blockers to avoid social media black holes.
* Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar tasks together (e.g., running errands, responding to emails) to increase efficiency.
5. Prioritize Self-Care _ IMPORTANT
* Sleep is Non-Negotiable: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. It's essential for focus, memory, and overall well-being.
* Make Time for Exercise: Even short bursts of activity can boost your energy and mood.
* Healthy Eating: Fuel your body with nutritious foods to maintain energy levels and concentration.
* Social Connection: Schedule time for friends and fun to avoid burnout.
6. Regularly Review and Adjust
What works for one semester might not work for the next. Be flexible and willing to adjust your schedule and strategies as needed. If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to seek support from your university's student services or counseling center.
Entering the workforce is an exciting new chapter + journey! Embrace the challenges, celebrate the successes, and remember to prioritize your well-being. You've got this!
Great question! Juggling university/college and a part-time job is a challenge, but with the right approach, you can find a balance.
Here are some tips:
1. Scheduling
* Unified Calendar + Prioritise: Use a single calendar (digital or paper) to track and prioritise everything - classes, study time, work shifts, assignments, social events, and even personal appointments. This gives you a bird's-eye view of your commitments + ability to decide what needs your attention first. Sometimes, social events or less important tasks need to be moved.
* Time Blocking: Allocate specific times for studying, working, and relaxing. Be realistic about how long tasks take.
* Build in Buffer Time: Don't schedule yourself back-to-back. Unexpected things happen, and you'll need time to adjust.
2. Communicate Effectively
* Talk to Your Employer: Be upfront about your student status and availability. Most employers are understanding, especially if you're reliable and give them advance notice of exam periods or busy weeks.
* Connect with Professors: If you're struggling to balance workload, talk to your professors. They might have advice or be flexible with deadlines in certain situations.
* Keep Friends and Family Informed: Let your loved ones know when you have peak study or work periods so they can support you.
3. Optimize Your Study Habits
* Active Recall: Use techniques like flashcards or summarizing information from memory to learn more effectively in less time.
* Dedicated Study Space: Create a distraction-free environment where you can focus.
* Study in Short Bursts: Instead of marathon study sessions, try shorter, focused bursts with breaks in between. The Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes on, 5 minutes off) can be helpful.
4. Maximize Your Time
* Use Downtime Wisely: Review notes on the bus, listen to podcasts while you walk, or use your lunch break to get ahead on reading.
* Limit Distractions: Put your phone on "Do Not Disturb" while studying. Use website blockers to avoid social media black holes.
* Batch Similar Tasks: Group similar tasks together (e.g., running errands, responding to emails) to increase efficiency.
5. Prioritize Self-Care _ IMPORTANT
* Sleep is Non-Negotiable: Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night. It's essential for focus, memory, and overall well-being.
* Make Time for Exercise: Even short bursts of activity can boost your energy and mood.
* Healthy Eating: Fuel your body with nutritious foods to maintain energy levels and concentration.
* Social Connection: Schedule time for friends and fun to avoid burnout.
6. Regularly Review and Adjust
What works for one semester might not work for the next. Be flexible and willing to adjust your schedule and strategies as needed. If you're feeling overwhelmed, don't hesitate to seek support from your university's student services or counseling center.
Entering the workforce is an exciting new chapter + journey! Embrace the challenges, celebrate the successes, and remember to prioritize your well-being. You've got this!
Raj Khurana
15
Answers
Middletown, New Jersey
Updated
Raj’s Answer
Adjust your class work load (i.e. number of courses) so that you do not get overwhelmed. Take the course pace which goes well with your work schedule. If you do not take this approach then unfortunately, you may end up putting yourself in a situation that you quit college. And quitting college should not be an option you consider at all. Just adjust the # of courses you take. If this means that you may end up completing college in longer than 4 years the so be it. In your life, you will be better off completing college than not completing college.
Radhika Bhatia
Talent Acquisition Business Partner
4
Answers
Strasbourg, Grand Est, France
Updated
Radhika’s Answer
Build your work schedule according to your school agenda. This approach helps to to be organise and muti tasking and times and will be advantage in your professional experience.
Kruti Patel
Manager of practice
101
Answers
Alpharetta, Georgia
Updated
Kruti’s Answer
Each term, choose your courses first and build your work schedule around them. Place your classes back-to-back so you can finish early in the day, or work a full day and then head to class at night. Avoid running back and forth multiple times between campus and your workplace.
Deborah Keen
manager
4
Answers
Farmers Branch, Texas
Updated
Deborah’s Answer
I did all my schooling while working full time and raising a family. It wasn't easy but it was inspirational to my kids, who now know they can do anything they set their mind to. Everyone is different though, and I agree you should go just as slowly as you need to make your life manageable. There is no hurry, you will make it eventually and the graduation will be so sweet! I promise for me, it was worth it! I've not regretted it one day.