Honestly, a university education is nearly as tedious as having a full-time job. Nonetheless there are many university students who have to hold jobs while studying full-time. Having two major responsibilities might seem impossible to manage, but with the right mindset you can navigate your way to success. The tips we’ve curated can also act as a guide to fulfilling your responsibilities and meeting your goals. Good luck!
- Be brutally honest with yourself
Do you really not have the time to do something, or you haven’t tried to make time for it? We sometimes fail to be honest with ourselves and it rarely pays off. Coming to terms with the fact that you’re probably not doing the best that you can is difficult but necessary. On the other hand, remember that everyone has the same number of hours in a day. You can either find a way to make things work, or reassess your commitments. Are they all truly so important?
- Schedule EVERYTHING
Creating a schedule for all your activities is a major key to actually getting things done. A schedule helps you segment your tasks into timeframes, and break them down into more manageable bits. For optimal scheduling, put a time to everything you have to do, even things like eating, sleeping and recreation. It might seem like a lot but planning out your time can ease your mind. Suddenly things don’t seem so unachievable. So, get yourself a planner or notebook or utilize a digital spreadsheet.
- Organize your space
What does your work/study space look like? Can you find things easily? The efficiency of your space goes a long way for time management and settling your mind. A haphazard environment does not, usually, provide the best inspiration. You can also decorate your space to your taste, and put-up inspirational messages to yourself, in order to create an atmosphere for learning/working.
- Don’t procrastinate, switch tasks
Of course, there’ll be times when you don’t feel up to a task you have scheduled. Rather than procrastinate your way into doing nothing, move on to another task. This way you still get things done, only at a different time than scheduled. One thing to avoid is pushing tasks too far ahead. For instance, if you don’t feel up to a task that’s been scheduled for the morning, you can move it up to afternoon or early evening, but not the next day if you can help it.
- Ask for help when you need it
As obvious as it might seem, many people forego this option. Do not be afraid to ask for help when it can make things easier. Struggling to keep it all together by yourself won’t pay off; you’ll get burnt out and frustrated. So, reach out to your classmates, course representatives and even lecturers for assistance and guidance. You’ll be surprised how much people are willing to help once they understand your situation. Also, do not be discouraged if a few people don’t keep their promises. Be persistent (not a pest) but ask other people too.
- Know when you need help
Asking for help is one thing, realizing that you need help is another. Often, people struggle to complete tasks and balance their life without coming to the realization that they could use some help. To avoid toiling away at tasks, when you find yourself in a tight spot ask yourself if you need help.
- Be present
Body and mind have to be at the same location. Don’t fret about work when you’re at school or doing schoolwork. Don’t worry about school while you’re working. When you’re hanging out with friends or at social events, tune in and enjoy the moment. It might be difficult but focusing on the task at hand is more effective and yields better results, and with social events, you’ll have more memorable experiences. For instance, you might make a mistake at work while worrying about school. Such mistakes can cost you precious time and resources.
- Integrate overlapping aspects
This is a great tip because various aspects of our lives often interact. So, instead of treating all your commitments as separate from one another, find areas where they overlap and use it to your advantage. For instance, you could choose a project topic that focuses on a related aspect of your job, or you could use a skill you learnt on the job to improve your schoolwork.
- Prioritize your health
Shuttling between several demanding commitments is bound to take its toll on you physically and mentally. In order to prevent falling sick often, getting burned out or having a mental breakdown, you need to form some healthy living habits. Don’t go for extended periods without eating, get some hours of sleep every day, exercise as often as you can and share your problems with friends and family. You need to also take breaks to relax and rejuvenate. If you need to speak with a mental health professional, there are a couple of free services.
- Be straight with your employer and colleagues
You should be honest with your employer about working and schooling simultaneously. This can go a long way in reducing your workload or getting some time off to focus on school when you need to. As long as you’re doing a good job, your employer would likely be understanding and helpful.
- Say “no” sometimes
Your time is precious; say no to additional responsibilities and commitments that infringe on your schedule. Do not spread yourself thin to meet up with other people’s expectations to your own disadvantage. If you’re able to take on extra tasks, fine; if not, learning to turn down certain requests, whether it’s work, school, family or social commitments, is necessary for your well-being.
- Play to your strengths
Playing to your strengths basically means turning your best habits, or those that come naturally to you, into advantages. Are you a morning person? Then schedule your most important activities for mornings. Do you focus better in active environments? Then find a spot you like and work there. If you’re uncertain about what your strengths are, think back to times when you did your best work. Identify what conditions surrounded those moments and adopt them. Knowing how and when you’re most productive or energetic helps you create an optimal schedule.
- Support systems
The need for a support system or systems can never be overemphasized. You can start with informing your family and friends about your busy schedule, then request for their help and understanding in fulfilling your tasks. For instance, your friends might support you by running errands. Meanwhile, the best support system to have been fellow students who also work and school. Since they’re in the same boat as you, they understand exactly what you’re going through, and you can all exchange resources and advice. If possible, find students like this in your departmental classes, at the very least.
- Don’t be too hard on yourself
There’ll be moments of doubt and exhaustion, and times when you simply can’t live up to certain expectations. Do not be discouraged or beat yourself up when that happens. Instead of doing that, go over your plans and restrategize. You’re a human being, not a machine.
- Celebrate your wins
Regardless of how “small” it is, a win is a win and it’s always worth celebrating. You can celebrate when you score high on a test, do well with a presentation or get praised by a client for a job well done. Of course, you’re not going to celebrate everything, but doing so from time to time enhances your sense of accomplishment and keeps you going on tough days.
- Keep the end goal in mind
Always remember what your end goal is, as well as the reasons behind them. Doing this can motivate you when necessary. If you ever feel like your goals are no longer relevant, review them or make new ones. The point is remembering why you’re on this journey, and what you seek to gain at the end.
