Working while attending college has its benefits. The income helps pay the bills, and the experience prepares you for life after college. However, working can get in the way of learning, making you lose sight of your long-term goals. And, as Dr. Jerry Jellig says, education is necessary for a lucrative career.
To this end, it is advisable to establish a clear balance between your work and classes. Here are four tips to get you started:
1. Get Your Priorities Right
What course are you taking in college, and how do you expect it to benefit you? Do you picture yourself working where you are now after graduating?
Your college education will help you secure a good job – preferably one that pays better than your current job. As such, don’t compromise your long-term goals by sacrificing your college education to work.
Remember: working while in college should be a means of supporting your immediate needs. You will have to put in more time and work to earn more, and it is easy to sacrifice your learning time trying to earn more money than you need. As such, work just enough to support yourself and dedicate enough time to your college education. It would be more advantageous to earn less and learn more, so get your priorities right.
2. Set a Schedule & Stick to It
Creating a schedule is a smart way of keeping your working and studying times organized. Your schedule should be determined by the school’s schedule. Ideally, you should be available for every class in the school’s schedule. To this end, it is recommendable to create a schedule first and then look for a job that fits in the schedule.
A schedule only works if you follow it. It is easy to blur the line between working and studying hours, so consult your schedule regularly to ensure that you are where you need to be.
3. Get a Support System
Juggling work and school will be easier when you have people to support you. For example, your peers can help you catch up on your schoolwork by studying with you or taking notes when you are absent. Additionally, your family can provide you with money when you fall short of your target at work. More importantly, emotional support will motivate you to keep working and learning.
As such, let your friends and family know that you have a job. More importantly, don’t be shy to ask for help when you need it.
4. Eat Well & Relax
You will need your strength to juggle work and school. Unfortunately, you may become so preoccupied that you ignore eating and resting. Eating a healthy diet will keep you healthy and provide the energy you need. Additionally, resting will help you refresh and rejuvenate after a hard day working and studying. As such, eat well and take some time off to take care of yourself.
Final Thoughts
You can do anything that you set your mind on, including juggling work and college. However, get your priorities right and focus on your long-term goals. These four tips will help you maintain a clear balance between your work and studies.
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