I remember when I decided to study journalism. I had just graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in economics and started working full-time. Only 21, I was unsure if I wanted to continue with my corporate job or follow my dream of becoming a journalist.
Getting into journalism school wasn't easy. It required more than just good grades. I had to stay abreast of current events every day – strike that – every minute! Plus, I had to learn a lot about the past of politics. Overnight, I became a history expert (or so I think!). .
Balancing college and a full-time job may feel like you’re squeezing so many more hours into a day, but it's totally achievable. Many people choose to go down this path, whether it's to help with expenses or to pursue a graduate degree for career advancement.
Juggling a full-time education with my 9-to-5 job was admittedly tough. I was expected to work hard because I was a new workforce entrant, and there was so much to learn. No college teaches you about real-world work situations.
What If Your Job Isn't Related To Your Educational Qualification?
Ideally, landing a job in your field of study before you graduate sounds perfect. Not only does it give you a head start, but it also allows you to apply what you learn in class to real-life situations.
Getting a university degree can be tough on its own. But for many students, a job is necessary to cover expenses like tuition and living costs. So, can you handle being a student while working full-time? Is it possible to balance both? And if so, how?
It is achievable certainly, but isn’t necessarily easy, and will demand a lot of energy and time, but the payoff can be enormous in the long run. Keep reading to discover what factors to consider before diving in - plus, some helpful tips to balance work and study.
After all, I managed to get into my dream journalism school. So, I must have done something right!
Here are a few tips that helped me along the way:
Study Whenever You Can
I boosted my productivity by making the most of my time. For instance, I squeezed in some studying during short breaks at work or while commuting. If I couldn't read during certain activities, I recorded voice notes on my phone to listen to during workouts or when driving. It was like I was teaching myself, which helped me understand the material better and remember it more effectively.
I also scattered flashcards around my home and kept digital notes on my phone to keep the information handy through the day. This way, I could review them anytime, whether I was standing in line at the grocery store or waiting for an appointment.
Understand Yourself And Take Advantage
For me, studying for just an hour early in the morning proved to be more productive than studying for two in the afternoon. I knew when I was most alert and focused, and I made sure to capitalise on those times.
While working a full-time job, I didn't always have the luxury of choosing when to study. However, I still tried to devise strategies to stay focused even during times when my productivity typically waned.
Be Open With Faculty And Employers
I made sure to have frank conversations with my boss about my work schedule and the level of flexibility possible. Similarly, I discussed my situation with my professors to ensure I understood what was expected of me in each class.
In cases where my work and study clashed, I didn't hesitate to inform my boss or teacher immediately. I knew that my transparency would be appreciated and would help in finding solutions to any issues that arose.
Choose A Designated Study Space
I always made sure to have a designated study space. Mixing my study area with my work and living space was a big no-no. I learned that studying or working in the same place I relaxed, ate, or slept, blurred the lines between productivity and distraction. It made it much harder to focus on my assignments.
Make Time For Yourself And Rest
I always made sure to carve out time for myself and rest. While some sacrifices were inevitable, I refused to give up what mattered the most to me. Whenever I felt like I wasn't dedicating enough time to studying, I reduced my usage of social media or other less essential activities. I established a rule to refrain from any school or work-related tasks after a certain time, and I made a conscious effort to limit screen time before bedtime.