Managing Being a Working Student
In a world of inflation and ever-rising costs of living, being able to afford basic living expenses is becoming harder and harder resulting in many of us having to take on jobs in order to support our basic needs as we work our way through school. It may not seem like a big deal at first, but being a university student is hard enough without adding a part-time job that consumes any free time you may have outside of class. Balancing homework, readings, and study time with working enough hours to meet your needs takes practice, but with some strategic time management and organizational strategies, success can be achieved in both areas. Here are some tips that have worked for me after considerable trial and error.
Be conscious of assignment deadlines. Make use of a calendar to chart your work days, assignments, classes, and other commitments. Being able to see all your accumulated responsibilities can help you plan effectively and manage your limited time.
Protect your study time/zone. Creating a distraction-free space can help you utilize your limited time more efficiently. A dedicated area for study helps build concentration and increases productivity. Further, having a consistent time to study daily helps form a habit. Remember to take small breaks throughout your study session to avoid burnout.
Know your limits. Pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion helps nobody. Keep track of your grades and be honest with yourself when things aren’t working. Sometimes all it takes is a little adjustment.
Communicate with your employer. While it may be intimidating to speak with your boss, many employers are supportive and understanding regarding school. Sit down and talk honestly with them. Discuss your schedule, how it might affect your work hours, and the possibility of reducing your working hours if needed. Together, you can determine what options work best for both parties.
Utilize the resources available to you. There is help to be found for every situation, all you have to do is ask. The library is a great resource available to all students with quiet study spaces and group work areas. Additionally, if you need help understanding the material presented in class, utilize your professors’ office hours. Be sure to prepare questions or topics beforehand to make the most of your time.
Set time aside for yourself. Taking time for yourself is necessary to prevent burnout and maintain balance within your life. It’s essential to remember that you are just as important as your work and studies and that taking this time for yourself will help you stay motivated and focused during the week.
Each person’s situation is unique. Everyone has different limits and tolerances. Finding what works for you may take some trial and error, but if you keep at it, it can be done!
