3 answers
Moni
Student
Mount Vernon, New York
1
Question
Asked
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How do I manage both school and work?
I'm a student and hoping to be able to work over this summer but my school keeps roping in new possible things to do, some of which are being labeled as mandatory. I need work experience though. What should I do?
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3 answers
Barbara Jennings
Learning and Talent Development
2
Answers
Tucson, Arizona
Updated
Barbara’s Answer
Doing school and work at the same time can be challenging. Making sure you find time to accommodate both can be like a juggling act.
One of the few things I found that helped me when I did both was to make sure you plan your time out. If you haven't found a job yet, find one that has fairly flexible hours or is willing to work with students. Make sure you figure out how much time you'll need to do the mandatory schoolwork, and account for travel time to and from work, sleep (very important if you're doing both! You've got to be rested) and other personal activities if you also want to maintain a social life.
Calendars on your phone are great for reminders, or if you go old school, you can get a planner and organize your days and weeks that way too.
Find a routine that works for you and fits the things you need/want to do into that routine. Before you know it, you've got work and school down to a science!
One of the few things I found that helped me when I did both was to make sure you plan your time out. If you haven't found a job yet, find one that has fairly flexible hours or is willing to work with students. Make sure you figure out how much time you'll need to do the mandatory schoolwork, and account for travel time to and from work, sleep (very important if you're doing both! You've got to be rested) and other personal activities if you also want to maintain a social life.
Calendars on your phone are great for reminders, or if you go old school, you can get a planner and organize your days and weeks that way too.
Find a routine that works for you and fits the things you need/want to do into that routine. Before you know it, you've got work and school down to a science!
Mustabsheera Vengus
GMBPsS 🎓 | Aspiring Psychologist | Behavior Therapist | Counselor | Mentor
38
Answers
Karachi, Sindh, Pakistan
Updated
Mustabsheera’s Answer
Managing both school and work can be challenging, but with proper planning, organization, and time management skills, it is possible to balance these responsibilities effectively. Here are some tips to help you manage both school and work:
Create a Schedule: Develop a schedule that includes dedicated time slots for both school and work commitments. Consider your class schedule, work hours, and other responsibilities. Use a planner or digital calendar to keep track of deadlines, assignments, exams, and work shifts.
Prioritize and Set Goals: Determine your priorities and set realistic goals for both school and work. Identify tasks or assignments that are most important or have immediate deadlines. Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps to make them less overwhelming.
Efficient Time Management: Practice effective time management techniques to make the most of your available time. Minimize distractions, set specific time blocks for studying or working on assignments, and utilize productivity techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique (working in focused intervals with short breaks).
Communication and Coordination: Communicate with your professors and supervisors about your schedule and commitments. Inform them in advance if you anticipate any conflicts or need adjustments. Being proactive and maintaining open communication can help you find solutions and minimize potential conflicts.
Seek Support: Reach out to classmates, colleagues, or friends who are also managing school and work. Share tips, study together, or consider forming study groups to help each other stay motivated and accountable.
Take Care of Yourself: It's crucial to prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and make time for activities that help you relax and recharge. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being will enhance your productivity and overall performance.
Delegate and Seek Help: If possible, delegate tasks or responsibilities at work or seek assistance from classmates or family members for non-academic tasks. This can help alleviate some of the workload and free up time for studying or other school-related activities.
Utilize Resources and Support Services: Take advantage of academic resources and support services offered by your school, such as tutoring, writing centers, or counseling services. These resources can provide additional guidance, support, and assistance to help you succeed academically.
Remember that finding a balance between school and work requires adaptability and flexibility. Be prepared to adjust your schedule as needed and make necessary compromises. Be kind to yourself and remember that it's okay to ask for help or reassess your commitments if you feel overwhelmed. With effective time management and a proactive approach, you can successfully manage both school and work responsibilities.
Create a Schedule: Develop a schedule that includes dedicated time slots for both school and work commitments. Consider your class schedule, work hours, and other responsibilities. Use a planner or digital calendar to keep track of deadlines, assignments, exams, and work shifts.
Prioritize and Set Goals: Determine your priorities and set realistic goals for both school and work. Identify tasks or assignments that are most important or have immediate deadlines. Break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps to make them less overwhelming.
Efficient Time Management: Practice effective time management techniques to make the most of your available time. Minimize distractions, set specific time blocks for studying or working on assignments, and utilize productivity techniques such as the Pomodoro Technique (working in focused intervals with short breaks).
Communication and Coordination: Communicate with your professors and supervisors about your schedule and commitments. Inform them in advance if you anticipate any conflicts or need adjustments. Being proactive and maintaining open communication can help you find solutions and minimize potential conflicts.
Seek Support: Reach out to classmates, colleagues, or friends who are also managing school and work. Share tips, study together, or consider forming study groups to help each other stay motivated and accountable.
Take Care of Yourself: It's crucial to prioritize self-care and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Get enough sleep, eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and make time for activities that help you relax and recharge. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being will enhance your productivity and overall performance.
Delegate and Seek Help: If possible, delegate tasks or responsibilities at work or seek assistance from classmates or family members for non-academic tasks. This can help alleviate some of the workload and free up time for studying or other school-related activities.
Utilize Resources and Support Services: Take advantage of academic resources and support services offered by your school, such as tutoring, writing centers, or counseling services. These resources can provide additional guidance, support, and assistance to help you succeed academically.
Remember that finding a balance between school and work requires adaptability and flexibility. Be prepared to adjust your schedule as needed and make necessary compromises. Be kind to yourself and remember that it's okay to ask for help or reassess your commitments if you feel overwhelmed. With effective time management and a proactive approach, you can successfully manage both school and work responsibilities.
Laura Welch
Change Management in M&A
15
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Laura’s Answer
I'm going to add to Barbara's answer because it's great and just what I would say. In addition, be in communication with your school, TAs, teachers as well as the people who you want to work for/with. Everyone wants you to win! But if they don't know what your challenges are, they can't support you. Sometimes it can be confronting or scary to speak up and tell people - like a new boss or a teacher - what support you need or what requests you have, but in my experience, they always appreciate you speaking up and taking a stand for yourself and your life balance.
note: also - make sure you get 7-9 hours of sleep - don't sacrifice sleep to try to jam things into your life. And do what you need to do to stay healthy - drink lots of water and get some exercise in (whatever you love - doesn't have to be intense) and remember you are what you eat...how could you literally be anything else??
note: also - make sure you get 7-9 hours of sleep - don't sacrifice sleep to try to jam things into your life. And do what you need to do to stay healthy - drink lots of water and get some exercise in (whatever you love - doesn't have to be intense) and remember you are what you eat...how could you literally be anything else??