3 answers
Michael
Student
South El Monte, California
10
Questions
Asked
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How should I balance work and school?
I am a freshman at Cal Poly Pomona majoring in Computer Information Systems. I would like to develop my technical skills but I am not quite sure where to start. Any advice would be helpful, thank you. #time-management
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3 answers
Matt Pham
manager
2
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Matt’s Answer
Hi Michael,
When I was in college I had the same issue with trying to balance work and school. What I have found is that, working and going to school at the same time forced me to create structure in my life to insure that I was using my time effectively and efficiently. If you have a lot of time to waste, you usually end up wasting it. But if you have a lot to do, you end up making use of every minute because time becomes such a valuable and limited resource.
Hope this help.
When I was in college I had the same issue with trying to balance work and school. What I have found is that, working and going to school at the same time forced me to create structure in my life to insure that I was using my time effectively and efficiently. If you have a lot of time to waste, you usually end up wasting it. But if you have a lot to do, you end up making use of every minute because time becomes such a valuable and limited resource.
Hope this help.
Jessica Aberl
Administrative Assistant
2
Answers
Toledo, Ohio
Updated
Jessica’s Answer
Hi Michael,
This is a really important skill to develop and college is typically the place where you learn it best. It is, however, mostly trial and error so expect a few bumpy spots and awkward moments when it seems like everything is colliding. You WILL get better at managing that over time.
What seems to help students the most is to make sure the weekdays are for school. You can obviously still work on those days, but don't expect to have many social engagements Monday - Thursday / Friday. Really buckle down to get as much school work done during the week as you can so that your weekend can be free; this is when most of your friends and family will have their extra free time, so it's best to be more open then. You'll never be completely homework-free on the weekends, but if you can keep it to an hour or two on Sunday you'll get the chance for that decompression you really need!
Figure out when your brain works best for school work. When I was a student, I found I was able to focus better later at night when everyone who might distract me was asleep. The bulk of my work got done between 10 and midnight. I've had students that worked best in the morning. My husband preferred a late afternoon work focus, so that he could plan his day in chunks (work/classes in the morning/noon, homework in the late afternoon, household activities in the evening). It's best to keep it consistent, for memory and planning sake, but class schedules will cut into this plan so be flexible.
Most importantly, start your assignments when you get them and if you can, get a job on campus. If nothing else, do that.
job search on campus
learn your best focus time
This is a really important skill to develop and college is typically the place where you learn it best. It is, however, mostly trial and error so expect a few bumpy spots and awkward moments when it seems like everything is colliding. You WILL get better at managing that over time.
What seems to help students the most is to make sure the weekdays are for school. You can obviously still work on those days, but don't expect to have many social engagements Monday - Thursday / Friday. Really buckle down to get as much school work done during the week as you can so that your weekend can be free; this is when most of your friends and family will have their extra free time, so it's best to be more open then. You'll never be completely homework-free on the weekends, but if you can keep it to an hour or two on Sunday you'll get the chance for that decompression you really need!
Figure out when your brain works best for school work. When I was a student, I found I was able to focus better later at night when everyone who might distract me was asleep. The bulk of my work got done between 10 and midnight. I've had students that worked best in the morning. My husband preferred a late afternoon work focus, so that he could plan his day in chunks (work/classes in the morning/noon, homework in the late afternoon, household activities in the evening). It's best to keep it consistent, for memory and planning sake, but class schedules will cut into this plan so be flexible.
Most importantly, start your assignments when you get them and if you can, get a job on campus. If nothing else, do that.
Jessica recommends the following next steps:
Kathy B
Manager
3
Answers
Marietta, Georgia
Updated
Kathy’s Answer
What a great question and, believe me, it is harder than it looks! Many people struggle with finding time for
both a career and family and school since all are so critical to a fulfilling and quality lifestyle.
It is important to understand, before you choose a career path, the kind of schedule a particular career
generally requires. If you choose nursing, retail or public safety for example, you know in advance that your
schedule will be very different from that of an office worker or teacher. That said, no matter your choice,
sometimes work does encroach upon personal time - and that is certainly acceptable, for the short term.
If/when that happens too frequently or you feel that your personal/school life is suffering, there is nothing
wrong with setting boundaries and communicating those boundaries within your work environment.
Last, but not least, make sure your priorities are in order. I have a sign in my office that says 'Family First'
which grounds me when I get caught up in stressful work situations.......thanks for letting me share!
KB
both a career and family and school since all are so critical to a fulfilling and quality lifestyle.
It is important to understand, before you choose a career path, the kind of schedule a particular career
generally requires. If you choose nursing, retail or public safety for example, you know in advance that your
schedule will be very different from that of an office worker or teacher. That said, no matter your choice,
sometimes work does encroach upon personal time - and that is certainly acceptable, for the short term.
If/when that happens too frequently or you feel that your personal/school life is suffering, there is nothing
wrong with setting boundaries and communicating those boundaries within your work environment.
Last, but not least, make sure your priorities are in order. I have a sign in my office that says 'Family First'
which grounds me when I get caught up in stressful work situations.......thanks for letting me share!
KB