If you are like most students, you will need to earn some money to cover your living expenses.
You may even need to work to cover some of your tuition and other educational expenses.
This means getting a part-time job at the very least.
Some students can successfully balance work and school.
However, these students frequently do not have difficult class schedules, nor do they have particularly difficult jobs.
If you are taking difficult classes, working many hours per week, or have a job that is mentally or physically demanding, balancing work and studying becomes a difficult task to overcome. Don’t be disheartened. Many people have completed college while also working.
Perhaps you can put a few of these 9 tips for balancing work and study to use. If you are able to do so, you will find that you are a much happier student and worker. Most importantly, you may be able to use your current job to propel yourself forward.
1. Be Fully Committed
It makes no difference if you only work part-time. Any job you have while in school will be the first, and possibly only, job employers see on your resume after you graduate. Make the most of it by contributing everything you can while on the job.
2. Consult with Your Advisor
You can find a lot of advice on which types of classes students should take, how many hours they should attend school each week, and when they should schedule their classes if you read through your school’s yearly catalog.
Unfortunately, these guidelines do not always take into account a student’s need to work. Discuss your work schedule with your adviser, and they will assist you in finding classes that do not conflict with your work schedule.
3. Don’t Put Pressure on Yourself
It is far preferable to take an extra semester to graduate rather than crash and burn because you attempted to enroll in 21 hours of school while working part-time. After all, you don’t want to be in a bad situation with your employer or your school.
4. Think about working during the summer
If you work during the summer, you may be able to work full-time. This may result in a small cash surplus to cover your expenses. It may also provide you with the opportunity to be noticed by your employer.
5. Investigate Work-Study Opportunities
There are a few advantages to doing so. The first benefit is that you will gain paid work experience with other students and instructors who have already achieved many of the goals that you have set for yourself. The second advantage is that you will be able to tightly coordinate your work and school schedules.
Also read : 5 Tips for Getting a Job Right After College
6. Work at a Student-Friendly Company
One of the benefits of living and working in a college town is that many businesses are understanding of college students’ busy schedules and lifestyles.
If you’re looking for work, ask your peers which companies are known for hiring college students. This will assist you in finding an employer who understands if, for example, you require time off during final exams.
7. Consider a Strict Timetable
This is especially true if you are a first-year student. In fact, it used to be that many universities prohibited freshmen from working or even driving cars. That appears draconian now, but the policy of working limited hours appears to be sound advice.
After all, you can always request more hours on your schedule. However, if you request that our hours be reduced, you risk appearing unprepared to deal with a demanding schedule.
8. Get Plenty of Sleep
Balancing school, work, and life can be difficult. You must get enough sleep in order to be successful at all three. This may require you to sacrifice your social life at times.
9. Be Proactive
Inform your instructors and employer if you have work demands that may interfere with school or school demands that may interfere with work. They are more likely to cooperate if they are made aware as soon as possible. Both will take note of your foresight and planning.
Working while attending college can be challenging, but it is not impossible. If you follow the tips, you can succeed at both and set yourself up for a better career.
