How to Balance Studying with Working

Managing work and school at the same time can be a difficult balancing act. Although studying while working isn’t ideal, some people have no choice. Some must work while putting themselves through school. For those who are trying to accomplish this, our advice and time management tips can help make your life a little bit easier. Although the thought of juggling work and school may seem overwhelming, it’s completely feasible with some planning and self-discipline.

The first thing to realize is that, while working and studying at the same time can be difficult, you are not alone. More than 22 percent of students work full-time and more than 20 percent work part-time.

The Advantages of Studying While Working

Obviously, the biggest benefit of working and attending school is the financial one: you can afford tuition, buy text books and pay for all other costs of living, such as rent and food.
 
Another advantage to studying while working, as research has shown, is that those juggling school and work tend to have better time management skills than those who are only attending school. This can translate to better grades, as those studying while working make time to study.

The Disadvantages of Studying While Working

Some of the biggest negatives associated with studying while working include fatigue and possibly missing out on fun extra curricular activities. In addition, some may have a hard time juggling a full-time work and school load. If this is the case, students who work either sacrifice their grades in favor of their job performance, or sacrifice their work for their grades. However, this last disadvantage can be avoided by following some of these time management tips.

Time Management Tips

Try using some of these useful time management tips to help you balance working and school at the same time:
  • Don’t be afraid to say no to people: The first step is to understand what you can realistically handle. Then, be honest about what you do and don’t have time (and energy) to follow through with, in terms of social, work-related and scholastic activities.
  • Don’t procrastinate: You need to allow yourself plenty of time for both work and school assignments so as not to create too much stress in your life caused by cramming at the last minute. Even if the deadline for an assignment seems far away, start it immediately. You may just finish early and have one more item you can cross off your busy "to do" list.
  • Don’t take too many courses at one time: It’s okay if you take a bit longer than normal to get your degree. Remember, you can attend school year-round, even in the summer. It’s better to do one course at a time, if necessary, than let your education suffer as a result.
  • Earn course credit for working: Some schools accept life credits or even give credit for your job, so don’t be afraid to ask. Also, keep in mind transfer credits if you’ve ever attended school in the past.
  • Inform your employer that you’re attending school while working: You may be surprised at how accommodating your boss can be. Some may give you more flexible hours or allow you to take more time off to meet your school needs. Keep in mind that you should be able to return the courtesy and give your employer plenty of notice if you need time off for exams or other school obligations.
    Similarly, your company may have a plan in place to help with your tuition, depending on what you’re studying and whether it benefits your current career path. It’s worth looking in to what education benefits your job may offer.
  • Look for schools with flexible class schedules: Good options include institutions with online degree programs or night school options that more easily lend themselves to full-time workers (more on this below).
  • Make a schedule & stick to it: Map out your work and school schedule, as well as time for doing class work. Ideally, doing each one part-time, or 20 hours per week, works best. If this isn’t an option, decide which one can be cut back to part-time status. The key is to make a schedule that you can not only stick to but that also gives you enough time to properly study.
  • Remember to sleep: If you don’t make time for enough sleep, you won’t function as effectively, making both your work and studying take longer. While you may think that staying up late helps you get more done, in the long run, it slows you down and causes stresses. Taking proper care of yourself helps you perform at your best.
  • Seek out other sources for funding your education: Always look in to financial aid or potential scholarships that can help cut down on the burden of needing to work while you attend school.

Consider Alternative School Options

While traditional classrooms have their advantages, seek out methods of learning that give you flexibility. Online schools have been rapidly increasing in popularity over the last decade, and with good reason: they lend themselves well to adult learners juggling work obligations with school.

With online degree programs or distance learning degrees, you can learn at your own pace from the convenience of your home. Tuition is often cheaper, and the class schedule is entirely flexible. Online classes let you log onto the course site when you have time, rather than having to hurry to campus to attend a lecture. And, they have gained respectability, as more prestigious universities jump on the online bandwagon. Some employers rank online diplomas on par with traditional ones.

Another popular option for those who like the face-to-face contact with faculty and other students is night school. This allows students to hold down a full-time job during the day and attend school at night. Many schools offer degree programs with nighttime class options.

With a little time and research, you can easily find a program to meet your needs. While managing work and school may seem like an insurmountable challenge, with some time management and preparation, you can successfully advance your education and your career!
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