HOW TO MAINTAIN WORK LIFE AND SCHOOL BALANCE
Do you want to know the tips to maintain work life and school balance? With inflation on the rise and the price of education skyrocketing, pursuing higher education without working to counterbalance some of the finances is nearly impossible for the majority of students. Some students must work to pay their tuition (some do not qualify for scholarships), and living expenses include rent, food, transportation, medical insurance, and recreational expenses to name a few.
Meanwhile, one of the most common causes of students failing their semester or not doing as well as they can is their inability to juggle both work and college. No wonder, many students are stressed out. Therefore, the following are some of the tips that can help college students maintain a balance between their work and college.
Tips to Maintain work life and school Balance
MAINTAIN A SCHEDULE
One of the best ways to manage work with college is to create a detailed schedule. Plan out your days according to what needs to be done. Carve out specific hours for studying and work. A schedule allows you to be organized and mindful of all your tasks, appointments, and deadlines. Keep an extensive planner or calendar in which you log in all your tasks and their deadlines for both work and college. This will help you keep on top of everything that needs to be done
KEEP WORK AND COLLEGE SEPARATE
Many students end up blurring the lines between work and college in the name of multitasking. The truth is that doing this does not let you focus on anything. Your mind is constantly divided and unable to give the task at hand its undivided attention. Try to do your college work and study at your designated time according to your schedule and your job during work hours.
- GET A SUPPORT SYSTEM
A support system is very important for your mental well-being while juggling work and college. This can be your friends, your family, your partners, or even your work colleagues. Letting them know beforehand of your tough schedule allows them to be understanding and not be too bumped out about you missing out on certain social events. Just having someone to talk things over with or vent to in times of crisis also allows you to be more relaxed and help you cope. The truth is that you may be surprised to know that some in your support system have gone through a similar experience you are currently going through. Why not open up to a friend in confidence- someone you trust?
DON’T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP
Many times you end up putting extra pressure on yourself when all you needed was to ask for help. We are too afraid of getting rejected to not go for it. In reality, many employers and professors are willing to listen if you talk to them genuinely. Ask for an extension on deadlines, retaking of tests, or get another shift at work that does not collide with your study hours.
FIND WORK CLOSER TO CAMPUS
Working all night when you have a morning lecture is exhausting and physically draining. If you have to commute for the said job as well, that can put a lot of stress on you. Find a job that is closer to campus or preferably on campus. A job that offers flexible working hours and an option to work remotely is ideal for college students. Find something that you like doing so that you can enjoy your time as well.
If you cannot find work close to a school or work remotely is impossible for you, then could you use your commute time to get some schoolwork done? That is if, of course, you don’t have to drive yourself.
KEEP YOUR GOALS IN MIND
Often, such a taxing schedule can take a toll on your mind and body. It can push your limits and bring you to a point of quitting. When this happens, always remember your goals and the future that you aspire to have. Working hard now might be tiring but it pays off in the long run! GET ENOUGH REST
Working and schooling are not all to life. In fact, for your body to process what you are learning, you do need enough rest. This very essential to maintain a work-life-school balance. Therefore, get enough rest-sleep at least 8 hours a day if possible. You will find that this will help you feel refreshed.
ENGAGE IN MEANINGFUL RECREATION
Make time to cool down a little. You have been working so hard. Go for a walk and spend some time with friends and family. But a word of caution: GIVE THE DIGITAL WORLD A BREAK-leave the cell phone, IPADS, and tv alone for a minute.
In conclusion, the keys to balancing school and work life is setting priority, being modest or knowing your limitation, and creating for yourself a good support system- relationships you could count on in time of need.
Keeping these tips in mind can lead you towards a successful balance between both work and college and take you one step forward toward achieving your dreams.