Life as A Working Student
10 ways to strike the right work-study balance
By Ashley Shoptorshi Samaddar October 11, 2023 Update on : October 11, 2023
Work-life balance, speaking from experience, can be very difficult to achieve, especially as being engaged in two activities, both of which require devotion, attention, and effort, can be very overwhelming to cope up with.
Managing a job while pursuing higher education can be a challenging task. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed and stress, juggling between work commitments and academic responsibilities. However, achieving a balance between the two is essential for your personal and professional growth.
So, let’s dive into the article and discover ways to balance work and studies as an adult university student.
Set a schedule
The first point is to set a schedule. This means developing a schedule that outlines your work and study hours.
This will help allocate enough time to both activities and ensure that you don’t neglect one at the expense of the other.
By doing so, you can create a routine that helps you manage your time more effectively.
Prioritize your tasks
The second key to remember is to prioritize your tasks. This entails compiling a list of your chores and ranking them in order of importance.
This will allow you to better manage your time and focus on the most critical activities first.
You will also be able to avoid wasting time on insignificant chores that do not contribute to your productivity.
Avoid procrastination
The third thing is to not put things off.
Putting things off is the enemy of getting things done. When you have a lot to do, it’s easy to put things off. However, putting things off only makes things worse.
It’s important to avoid putting things off and get to work as soon as you can. This will help you keep up with your work and avoid rushing at the last minute.
Set achievable goals
The fourth principle is to establish attainable objectives.
This involves establishing objectives for yourself that are achievable within a specified time frame. Setting attainable objectives will help you maintain motivation and concentration on your duties.
In addition, you can monitor your progress and modify your objectives accordingly.
Learn to say no
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed while saying ‘no’ if you’re someone who has a hard time declining offers of help or assistance.
However, keep in mind that refusing anything does not automatically label you as a terrible person. In reality, setting healthy boundaries and learning to say “no” are important life skills.
By declining unimportant requests, you make room in your schedule for the things that really matter. You will be able to devote more time and effort to your career and school, resulting in higher output and a more satisfying work-life balance.
It is possible to say “no” in a courteous and polite manner, without being unpleasant or aggressive. If someone asks you to do something and you know you won’t be able to do it, you should be honest about your limitations and provide a workable alternative.
Use your breaks wisely
Utilizing your time off is the sixth tip for maintaining a healthy work-study balance.
Taking regular pauses from your job or studies might help you stay fresh and increase your output.
However, it’s crucial that you make the most of your downtime. Instead than wasting your break time mindlessly surfing the web or watching mindless TV, try doing something that will actually help you unwind and re-energize.
Some examples of this might include going for a stroll, stretching, or meditating. Doing things like these can help you relax and concentrate, which in turn can improve your productivity and quality of life.
Don’t squander your break time mindlessly checking your phone; use it to recharge. You may improve your time management and strike a better work-life balance if you take use of your breaks.
Use technology to your advantage
The sixth piece of advice is to take use of modern gadgets.
Numerous programs and gadgets exist to assist with time and space management. You may, for instance, use a calendar software to plan your day and remind yourself of upcoming commitments.
There are other apps that might help you limit access to specific websites during study time.
Communicate with your employer and professors
Keep in touch with your teachers and employers.
Sharing this information with your employer and teachers will allow them to better accommodate your needs.
This will let you keep your work and school commitments without causing any difficulties.
Take care of yourself
Prioritize your own health.
Maintaining sound mental and bodily wellness is crucial. A good night’s sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise can all help you concentrate and get more done.
Taking care of oneself can also help you avoid being burnout and maintain productivity in your profession and education.
Be flexible
Adaptability is key to achieving the work-life balance. Unexpected events can occur, and it is critical to be flexible and adaptable in these instances.
Being adaptable involves being willing to change your plans as needed. This will assist you in staying on top of your job and avoiding getting behind.
Balancing work and studies can be a challenging task, but with the right mindset and techniques, you can achieve your academic and professional goals without compromising your well-being.
So, start implementing these points today, and you’ll be on your way to achieving a balance between work and studies.
Read more: Life as A Working Student