As a student who’s decided to work full-time while going to school, you’ve chosen to take on a lot.
Between going to classes, doing homework, studying, and working, it’s amazing you even have time to be reading this article!
However, working full-time and going to school will be well worth it in the end. You’re probably tired of hearing it, but you’re building a lot of character. You’re also learning some really good habits and work ethic along the way.
As a busy student and employee, however, there are certain skills you need to learn to keep yourself working as efficiently as possible without going crazy.
Keep reading for an in-depth look at killing it while working full-time and going to school!
Your Guide to Working Full-Time and Going to School
Whether you’re working full-time because you choose to or because you have to, it’s an admirable feat.
Maybe you’re a student whose parents can’t or won’t float them through college. Alternatively, you may be an adult who’s looking to advance or change their career.
Either way, to reach your career goals, working full-time and going to school may be unavoidable. But don’t worry! This article is written to help out people in your exact position!
Try to Get a Job On or Near Campus
If at all possible, to simplify your life, try to get a job on campus.
There are stores, coffee shops, libraries, janitorial duties, mailrooms, and plenty of other options. However, don’t expect the pay to be fantastic.
If you can’t get a job on campus, we recommend getting one close by to limit the amount of time you spend commuting. When you’re working full-time and going to school, every minute is valuable. You may have to weigh the odds between a higher paying job versus one that is more convenient.
Finding a decent job also means finding one with flexible or convenient hours. Make sure whoever hires you knows you go to school and it must take priority.
Get Organized
Next, to maximize your efficiency as a student and an employee, you need to stay organized.
If you’re not naturally an organized person, become one.
You can start by getting a daily planner. You can’t afford to let anything slip through the cracks while working full-time and going to school.
Forgetting about a shift at work could get you fired. Forgetting to study for an exam could get you a failing grade. Stay on top of things and write everything down!
Practice Self-Care
Learning how to take care of yourself is also essential to surviving work and school.
This means practicing self-care.
You can practice self-care by meditating between study sessions or right before work or classes. It also means scheduling time for things that are important to you. This could be giving yourself a manicure, playing video games, or spending time with your significant other.
Stay Healthy
Staying healthy is also vital to thriving while working full-time and going to school.
Sure, convenience foods are much easier to grab on the run, but they’re also much worse for you.
Take time to food-prep healthy meals and squeeze in a workout a few times a week. Physical activity helps you sleep better and improves your mood as well as cognitive function!
Learn How to Say No
Next, while no one ever wants to be a buzz-kill, you need to learn how to say no.
This includes opting out of partying with your friends, going out for drinks, calling off work to hang out, etc. However, this also includes saying no to helping people study, taking extra trips home to visit your parents or anything else that takes away valuable time you need for yourself.
Save Money Where You Can
Remember, the more money you spend, the more you have to work.
You need to learn how to save money everywhere you can.
For example, choosing to buy or rent a textbook for college from less expensive sources can save you hundreds of dollars. It also means not spending money on eating out, shopping, or buying expensive coffee every day.
Prioritize Sleep as Much as Possible
While working full-time and going to school, it may not seem plausible to get adequate sleep.
And while you may not be able to get 10 hours every night, sleep still needs to be a priority for you.
Sleep deprivation is defined as anything less than seven hours of sleep and has many negative and harmful side effects. Studying, homework, and work are important, but make sure you are living sustainably, which includes getting seven to eight hours of sleep a night.
Ask for Help
Humbling as it may be, learning how to ask for help is essential for survival.
Ask your parents for financial help if you need to take a couple of weeks off of work for finals or to catch up.
Alternatively, ask your friends to leave you alone for a weekend so you can focus on your studies. You could also ask someone from work to cover a shift, etc.
Just don’t get locked into the idea that you have to do everything on your own.
Be Gentle with Yourself
Finally, you need to learn how to be gentle with yourself.
You’ve chosen a lifestyle that demands a lot of time, effort, commitment, and sacrifice.
Be proud of yourself, but don’t demand too much. Have an emotional breakdown on your friend’s shoulder when you need to, take a day off of work, take power naps. Do what you must to survive and keep your sanity intact!
You Can Do This
Remember, this is just a period of your life.
You can get through working full-time and going to school and it will pay off in the end! Keep putting one foot in front of the other and eventually, you’ll cross the finish line.
For more life hacks and helpful tips, make sure to check out some of our other articles before you go!
