How to Work, Study and Thrive!

Apr 22

Ah, the glorious life of a student who also works. Between lectures, deadlines, and shifts, it can get pretty hectic. But fear not, fellow multitasker! Whether you’re a high schooler with a part-time job, a college student grinding through internships, or an adult going back to school while keeping up a 9-to-5, balancing work and studies is possible. What are my credentials, you ask? I’ve been juggling my internship and studies throughout my school years as well! So, keep reading to discover how to survive (and thrive!) without compromising balance.

1. Time Management: Your New Best Friend

If you don’t already have a planner, calendar app, or a sticky note system that vaguely resembles a conspiracy board, I’d suggest getting one immediately. Time management isn’t just about writing things down; it’s also about making sure your future self thanks your current self for your great planning!

Firstly, make sure to prioritize like your GPA depends on it (because it does). Not all tasks are created equal. That 5% assignment due next week? Important, but perhaps not as urgent as your 30% group project due in two days. On the other hand, your friend’s invite to a spontaneous weekend road trip? Very tempting, but it can probably wait for a better date.

Next, block scheduling is your best ally. Instead of floating through your day, yearning to get things done, assign specific chunks of time for work, study, meals and - yes - breaks! Also, color-coding your Google Calendar is oddly satisfying (try it!). Honey yellow for work, matcha green for classes, Taro purple for breaks. And, if you’re the type who thinks, “I’ll just wing it,” pause. Winging it can lead to last-minute panic, and panic leads to questionable life choices and results that might not necessarily live up to your goals.

Finally, learn to say no. This one is something that I’m trying to implement more in my life as well. It’s tough, especially if you have a tendency to please everyone. But, if you end up saying yes to every extra shift or social event, you might end up stretching yourself too thin. It’s alright to politely decline when you need to. Remember, productivity isn’t about doing more - it’s about doing what matters well. If your to-do list feels overwhelming, ask yourself this: “What’s the one thing that, if I do today, would make everything else feel easier?” and start there!

2. Communication, Yay!

Your boss, professors, and family aren’t mind-readers (unless they secretly are, in which case, ask for lottery numbers). Clear communication can be the difference between, “I completely understand, take the time you need!” and “Wait, you had an exam today?!”

Start with your employer; tell them you’re a student upfront to avoid any future scheduling conflicts. Many workplaces are surprisingly flexible if you give them a heads-up about big deadlines or exam weeks. If there’s a need to adjust your schedule temporarily, ask early - don’t wait until the night before. I’m certain that your workplace would appreciate proactivity, compared to last-minute requests.

Secondly, talk to your teachers as well! If your workload becomes too heavy and looks like it’ll clash with a major assignment, email them way before the due date. Most professors are quite understanding and would rather give you an extension than have you turn in your hastily put-together work written at 3 AM. That being said, quick reminder - try not to make asking for constant extensions a habit! It might signal a lack of time management and a tendency to not respect deadlines.

Don’t forget your loved ones! Communicate to them that during midterms or finals, you might not be as easily accessible. Assure them that you still care, even if your responses are reduced to emoji hearts and the occasional update. People want to help you, but they can’t if they don’t know you’re struggling. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Vulnerability isn’t a weakness, it takes real strength to be able to connect with those we love.

3. Efficiency Hacks

We don’t have time to waste, so work smarter, not harder! Efficiency is the key when every minute counts.

First, study in bursts! The Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of work, 5 minutes of break time) can help keep your brain from turning to mush. Marathon study sessions do sound productive, but it doesn’t work for everyone. If you find yourself re-reading the same sentence like it’s in a foreign language after hour three, then perhaps short, focused breaks can serve you better. Try it for yourself!

Multitask wisely! Listen to lecture recordings during your commute or flip through your flashcards on your break. For me, I tend to wear my headphones and listen to my lectures while washing dishes, meal-prepping, or just any tasks that don’t take too much focus and allow me to tune in to the recordings.

Lastly, embrace the power of “good enough.” I’m also guilty of spending too much time on a small assignment, willing it to become my masterpiece. But, I’ve come to realize that perfection is the enemy of progress, especially when you’re trying to juggle work and school. Prioritize what matters most and let the rest be “done” instead of “perfect.”

4. Self-Care is The Key!

You can’t pour from an empty cup (or finish your lab report on two hours of sleep). Ignoring your self-care is like driving a car that is running out of gas - eventually, you will stall out.

Sleep, please. Pulling an all-nighter can really decrease your cognitive function and may even be worse for you compared to just getting a healthy amount of sleep. Your brain needs rest to function and no, three 20-minute naps do not equate to one full sleep cycle. Sleep is one of the key ways your body uses to recharge itself and refresh your mind. Additionally, don’t forget to nourish your body as well with healthy meals! Your brain needs real fuel and not just caffeine. Finally, having breaks is highly important as well; even if it’s just going on a walk around campus with your friends or a power nap, breaks can help reset your focus. Neglecting acts of self-care is reminiscent of chopping wood with a dull axe - it takes twice as much effort for half the results. As the old saying by Abraham Lincoln goes, “Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I’ll spend the first four sharpening the axe.” Your brain and body are that axe, so keep ‘em sharp!

5. Remember: This Isn’t Forever

Balancing work and school is hard, but it’s temporary. One day, you’ll be able to look back and feel proud of how you did it all. For now, focus on taking it one day at a time, celebrating all your little wins, and remember that asking for help isn’t weakness - it’s wisdom. From what I’ve noticed, the students who thrive aren’t the ones who never struggle, but those who learn to navigate through their struggle with self-compassion and flexibility.

Keep your eyes on the prize - whether that’s a degree, a career change, or just proving to yourself that you can do hard things. Future You will be so proud! When it begins to feel overwhelming, here’s something I like to repeat to myself: “This is only a page, not my whole story.” You’ve got this. And if you ever feel worried? That’s what a sweet treat, deep breaths, and this blog are for :-)

Shanelle F.