There are many reasons why you might need to be working and learning at the same time. Let’s face it, in the modern economy, you can’t afford to stand still, and developing new skills, gaining professional qualifications, or adding to your record of academic achievement can all help to improve your work situation and ultimately your income.
The increasing demand for new training and learning opportunities means that there are now more types of qualifications, ranging from college degree types to vocational study and post-graduate courses. However, as the growing numbers of people attempting to balance study and work will tell you, this extra demand on your time can be stressful.
The only way to cope with the dual requirements of work and education is with a solid plan, so here are some tips on how to cope with studying while earning.
Be organized
It sounds obvious, but this can’t be stressed enough. The only way that you are going to be able to be at your best for work and for classes is by doubling down on your organization. This includes every aspect of work and learning. Make a start by keeping your learning materials such as books and stationery separate from your work material. Make sure that you have your important learning and work dates clearly outlined on your calendar, which will help to ensure that nothing gets missed. When you get a new learning assignment or work project, make an early start on it rather than leaving it to the last minute so that you won’t find yourself overloaded if something new comes up. And organize your schedule.
Keep your schedule flexible
Of course, there will be some elements of your schedule on which you can’t be flexible. Your work hours are likely to be fixed, and there will be classes and exams that you can’t change. However, there will be other opportunities for flexibility, including things such as job sharing, flexible hours or leave that will help free up time for you to study. It is important, therefore, to have a schedule that is effective and flexible and that leaves you room to adapt but ensures that you have enough time devoted to both work and study.
Prioritize
When you prioritize, you also get an insight into what is important and what you can realistically handle. You may be studying and working hard, but it is also important to find time to exercise and socialize, and that may mean compromising on the other areas of your life. Check your schedule and your commitments on a regular basis to make sure that you have your priorities in the right order and that you are not trying to do too much.
Communicate
An important aspect of balancing work and education is making sure that the people around you know what you are going through. If they know that you are busy, then they will be less likely to put you under pressure to fulfil social or family duties. Not everyone will understand the requirements of working and studying, and by regularly updating them on your commitments, you will help to avoid unpleasant arguments, and you may even be able to benefit from their help with running some of your errands or filling in for you at family occasions.
Stop wasting time
Time is precious when you’re working and studying, and this means that you can’t afford to waste it on unnecessary activities. Avoid spending too much time on social media or the internet, and don’t make social commitments that aren’t necessary. Being disciplined with time management is a key part of studying and working.
Practice stress management
You won’t be able to avoid stress completely as a student and a worker, so your aim should not be to eliminate stress but to manage it. Make sure that you get enough sleep, take regular breaks, try to stay active, and eat and exercise well. Set time aside to pursue hobbies and other pleasures. Studying and working is hard, but it isn’t supposed to be a punishment, and by keeping your life in balance, you will be able to keep stress under control.
Taking on the challenge of working and studying at the same time can be tough, but if you can follow some of these tips, then you will be able to maximize your time, balance the competing demands on your energy and focus, and move steadily towards achieving your goals.