She Strengthens

Mastering the Art of Balancing Work and School

As a college student, juggling multiple responsibilities can be overwhelming. Between classes, assignments, and part-time jobs, it’s easy to feel like you’re drowning in a sea of tasks. But what if you could find a way to make it all work?

My Own Experience

During my college days, I had to navigate the challenges of being a full-time student while holding down a job and participating in extracurricular activities. It wasn’t always easy, but I learned valuable lessons about finding my optimal balance between work, play, and school.

The Reality of Working Students

Did you know that nearly 80% of students work while attending college? It’s a common phenomenon, and one that requires careful time management and prioritization.

Real-Life Strategies from Post-Grads

To gain insight into how others managed their work-school balance, I spoke with 10 post-grads who shared their strategies for success.

On-Campus Opportunities

Michelle recommends exploring on-campus job opportunities, which can provide flexibility and convenience. “Try to find on-campus work if possible,” she advises. “It was a huge bonus to be able to get back and forth to my dorm and classes quickly on a busy day.”

Flexible Scheduling

Stacy worked at a local pizzeria with flexible hours, which allowed her to balance her job with late-night studying and socializing. “It was perfect because it was the kind of work I could get through even after a late night of studying or going out,” she says.

Research Assistant

Monica worked as a research assistant for her professor, which not only paid well but also reinforced her classroom learning. “It was like a win-win – not only was I getting paid for the work I did, but it was reinforcing what I was doing in the classroom and made my schoolwork more meaningful,” she explains.

Full-Time Nanny

Rachael worked as a full-time nanny while attending college, scheduling night and weekend classes around her job. “I somehow made everything work, but it wasn’t easy,” she admits.

Unconventional Jobs

Haley worked the late-night shift at a 24-hour cookie delivery service, which provided her with a flexible schedule and generous tips. “Don’t be afraid of jobs with slightly odd hours!” she advises.

Structure and Scheduling

Jaclyn found that working forced her to adhere to a schedule and complete assignments on time. “I highly recommend creating and abiding by a strict schedule wherever possible,” she says.

Major-Related Jobs

Steph recommends getting a job related to your major, which can provide double duty and in-depth knowledge of your field.

Communication is Key

Erica emphasizes the importance of communicating with your manager and coworkers about your student responsibilities. “It will help you balance out everything you need to do when those who surround you are aware of your responsibilities as a student,” she explains.

Online Classes

Laurie suggests considering online classes, which can provide greater flexibility and ease in balancing work and school.

Setting Goals

Melissa recommends setting goals for yourself to avoid feeling overwhelmed. “When you start feeling run down, it’s helpful to think about all the favors you’re doing your future self,” she says.

By implementing these strategies, you can master the art of balancing work and school, and set yourself up for success in the long run.