7 Proven Methods For Juggling School And Work Successfully

Whether you’re a student trying to work or a full-time employee trying to advance your education, juggling work, and school is a significant challenge.

You AREN'T Spiderman!

Unless you're Peter Parker and living a dual life, finding an equilibrium in life can take a toll on your physical and mental health. However, it’s possible to excel as a student and an employee with the right strategy. If a lack of time is keeping you from doing both, take a moment to reconsider.

Try these 7 proven methods to manage both school and work:

• Focus on WHY rather than HOW. You’re taking on a big challenge. Consider why you’re doing it. When things get tough, keep imagining the big picture in your mind.

When you find your enthusiasm starting to ebb, come back to your vision for the future and revive your resolve.

Your focus should instead be on WHY you're doing this than HOW you will be doing this. Your WHY will take you to the pinnacle of success.

• Create a strategy and streamline your tasks. This is one of the critical methods to maintain both school and work without getting exhausted. Make sure that you simplify your tasks.

How many hours do you need to attend class and study? How many hours are required for your job? Can you handle stress? While a few people can attend school full-time while holding down a full-time job, it’s too much for many of us.

While you're at it, ensure that you integrate both school and work-life and make use of your time more efficiently. 

• Create a schedule that works. Do you want to be on campus every day for an hour or two, or would you rather spend a more extended period two or three days each week?

At larger universities, you often have much more flexibility to create a class schedule that conforms to your work schedule. Please don't overdo it.

As someone who’s gone overboard working until exhaustion, I'm telling you to find a flexible job. School comes first, and there are plenty of part-time jobs that can accommodate a busy student schedule like yours. 

If you've got a flexible job, then speak to your employer. Many employers are willing to alter your work schedule to accommodate your education. It never hurts to ask.

If nothing works, speak to your potential professors. Some professors are very accommodating if you need to miss a class. Others are not. Get a feel for how much flexibility you have regarding attendance.

• Make a list of potential conflicts that can take your time. Do you have a dog or other pet that needs daily attention? Or have a large yard to mow? Do you have children? Determine all the potential obstacles that could stand in your way.

Consider possible solutions. Perhaps it would help to hire a dog walker, lawn service, or baby sitter. Whatever problems you have, make sure that you automate it to work without your intrusion.

It's not worth it if the whole school and work making you mentally exhausted and taking your time.

• Avoid wasting time. Humans are experts at procrastinating until the last moment and then getting everything done at once. No one likes to work, and people opt for the path of least resistance.

However, you don't have the same luxury. Identify the various ways you waste time and distract yourself from your work. It can require much discipline but learn to say “no” to distractions.

• Learn to manage your stress. You’re less productive once your stress levels rise beyond a certain point. Learning to control your stress is essential if you’re going to get much work done each day.

Ensure you get enough sleep and take the breaks you need. A quick, 10-minute break can refresh your brain.

Get started today to learn a few stress reduction techniques and begin practicing!

• Focus on being smart rather than busy. It’s possible to be very busy but accomplish little. Spend your time wisely and in a way that will bring the greatest results. You can’t afford to squander your time and energy.

Make a list of the most critical tasks for school and work. Focus your work and energy on those tasks.

Bottomline

Are you committed to being an employee and a student? You can do both if you set your mind to it and develop an intelligent approach.

Create a schedule that works for your situation and treat your time and energy like gold. It’s essential to make the most of every moment. You can successfully attend school and work!