It can be quite a challenge to manage study while working. Nevertheless, many people choose to continue their education while they are working a job. In fact, some employers even cover the cost of tuition for their employees. Effective time management is essential for managing study while you are working. This is because you will have to juggle your job and study at the same time.

The following are eight ways of managing study while working

1-Use spare time wisely

If you are working and studying, you may feel you have no spare time left at all. But you might be surprised to find that you do have periods of time you can use effectively to balance your workload and schoolwork. For instance, if you have a dentist or doctor’s appointment, bring a textbook and read while you’re waiting. You could also read on the way to the office if you commute on public transport. Alternatively, use some of your work breaks or lunch hour to study. You will be surprised how much extra you can slip in.

Managing study while working

2-Plan

At the beginning of each semester, check the timetable for all your subjects and write down all the due dates for papers as well as exams. You may want to use a different colored pen or pencil for each subject so you can easily what is coming up for each course. Be sure to mark any meetings or project due dates that are for work in your planner as well, so you do not get overwhelmed and are aware of clashes.

3-Writing everything down will help you plan

So you have written up your planner. If you happen to have papers due for school and a presentation for work due in the same week, you can start working on them well in advance so you’re not scrambling to get everything done at the last minute. Highlight each time this might happen in your planning and make sure you haven’t missed anything.

4-Manage stress

Managing study while working will inevitably stress you out at times. For this reason it is important to be able to manage your stress in healthy ways. Doing physical exercise is a known stress reliever; try to go for a walk everyday or work out at the gym a few times a week. Some other good stress relievers are listening to music, taking a bath, reading and writing in a personal journal. You will benefit from taking 30 minutes time out every day to do something you enjoy and lower stress.

5-Be realistic

It is important that you are realistic about the amount of time you have to for work and school. If you are working a full-time job, for instance, then how many classes can you reasonably take per semester? Not pushing it will definitely help you manage study while you are working. If you feel you can only take one course per semester on top of your workload, then take your time and do it well.

On the other hand, if you are a full-time student thinking about job hunting, be realistic about how many hours you can reasonably devote to a job. Be sure to communicate your time limitations as well as your availability to any potential employer. Maybe look for part-time jobs with flexible schedules, such as jobs in retail or hospitality. Being realistic about the amount of time you can give to work and school will stop you from taking on too much and put you on the path to managing study while working.

6-Be flexible

Many students have learned that in order to get through college, they have to be flexible and work on their time management. These two factors will help you survive college with flying colors. Some students are lucky enough to be taught time management and tips on managing study while working. But for others, they have to ride the difficult times and learn the hard way.

7-Successful time management is quite simple

Good time management starts with a list of activities drawn up at the start of each semester. By the time school starts, you will know which things are important and which ones can be set aside for later. If you have a family that depends on you then obviously you will have to put work as your top priority. There are a lot of jobs that involve shifts, so you should learn different ways of managing study while working. You can opt for the jobs that will leave you enough time for school.

Managing study while working

8-Prioritize what you need to do first

You can choose class schedules that will not conflict with your work schedule. Sign on for units you will be able to handle between work hours. Allocate an hour or two of study before classes. This strategy works for most working students and helps them with managing study while working. You can fit this study time between breaks or while you are on the way to class. As mentioned earlier, if your workplace is far from school, you can read notes while you are waiting for the bus or traveling.

9-Having a night schedule

Another option is to work at night and go to school in the morning, or vice versa. This option will help you with managing study while working. With good time management, you will free up more time for other things. By being flexible and managing your study while working, you will be able to finish your degree, earn more money, and increase the possibilities for your future.

It is not that to work and study at the same time. Pressures will definitely hit you at some stage. This is unavoidable. Sometimes, deadlines for a school project and errands for the boss will clash. Sometimes, the boss will ask you to do something at the last minute or at the end of the day. Other times, there may be misunderstandings between colleagues about what needs to be done and when. This can mean you are exhausted when you get to school. There are times when you want to lie in, but have to get up early.

Unlike more privileged students, many students do not have enough money or resources to get through college without working. They have been forced to find ways of managing study while working. The nine tips we have provided here should help you to juggle work and study. If you use them you should make it through without having to burn the candle at both ends.

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