Top 8 Tips on How to Balance Work and School
It’s not easy to work towards getting a college degree while also holding down a part-time or full-time job. Most ECPI University students are working as they pursue their degrees. Indeed, the ECPI University schedule works to accommodate working students.
If you’re wondering how you can balance work life and student life, you’re not alone. Here are some of our top tips on how to handle both earning your degree and doing it while you’re working.
1. Have a Great Support System
Don't think that you have to take on the dual responsibilities of work and study on your own. Everyone needs a support system of friends and family to help encourage them. Make sure those who are close to you are aware of your situation and accept help from them where possible to help lessen your load. This can include listening to you vent about something that frustrated you or giving you feedback on a presentation.
2. Maintain both your Work Schedule and your School Schedule
Having classes during your working hours can play havoc with both your studies and your job. Try to avoid clashes between the two aspects of your life. If you have to go to work in the morning, consider taking night classes, or online courses that allow you to decide when you will do your school work.
3. Time Management
The most important aspect of being a student as well as an employee is efficient use of your time. You have half the time that other people have who are getting a degree or holding down a job, and that means you need to be twice as efficient at managing each.
Make a time table and stick to it. Make sure the people living, studying, and working with you are aware of the schedule and give you the space you need to follow it.
4. Ask for Help when you Need it
Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Whether it's to understand your duties at your job or to learn a particularly difficult subject for your coursework, there are plenty of people available who are ready and willing to help you get better. A tutor through the school or a helpful co-worker can be all you need to make a difference in your work or school life.
5. Stay Healthy and Practice Self-Care
The last thing you need, with such a busy life, is to fall sick. You need all your energys and time to focus on work and studying. Thus, try to do your best to avoid getting sick. Eat regular, healthy meals. Sleep as much as your body needs to stay healthy. Don’t ignore deadlines and end up being overworked. Taking care of yourself each day will help to ensure you succeed at your studies and at your job.
6. Make Sacrifices
Being a student and employee is not an easy thing to manage. It may require sacrifices. Sometimes your friends will be going out for dinner and you will be studying for a test. Your family might want to see the latest film and you have a paper due the next day. While you have to make time for fun, be aware your time is going to be limited and you won’t be able to do everything with everyone.
7. Stay Motivated
With such an intense, packed schedule, it is inevitable that after a certain point, you will begin to feel tired and lose motivation. Remind yourself of what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. It can help to keep a list of goals and dreams for after you graduate to help you stay focused.
8. Take Time Off
When you manage your time well you can budget for leisure time. Play a new video game, read a good book, relax with your family, take the dog on a walk. Do whatever helps you to relax. Everyone needs some time to recharge and you shouldn’t neglect yours. Although your time will be tight, make it a priority to have some down time. You can’t do your best if you are stressed out and overworked.
Interested in earning your degree while you continue to work? ECPI University offers day, evening, and online classes in order to accommodate your schedule. Contact a friendly ECPI University admissions representative today in order to discuss your career plans.
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