How to Balance School and a Job as a Working Student

If you’re trying to balance school and work as a working student, there are a few things you can do to help make life a little easier.

Sometimes, it’s small adjustments or additions to your routine that can make a big difference when it comes to organizing your schedule or managing stress.

Here are some examples of what these adjustments might look like:

As insignificant as it may seem, having a dedicated space where you can study or watch lectures can be a huge help when you’re pursuing your education. It can be easy to get distracted at home, so by creating a designated space where you can focus away from your phone or the tv can help your brain create boundaries and associations and be more able to absorb information.

While staying organized is good advice for anyone, it can be especially helpful for working students. If you’re switching gears between a full workday, family life and school, staying on top of where you left off is crucial.

Create a filing system on your computer or drive to help you keep track of important documents like syllabuses or essay drafts. Use a calendar to carve out study and class time− and stick to your schedule. The less time you have to spend searching for something or figuring out what to focus on next, the more efficient you’ll be with your time.

When you’re a working student, every little bit of help and support counts.

Take a moment to look at what student resources and services are available to you as a student that can help make your schedule more manageable. At DeVry, we provide you with:

Having a support system to talk to or to lift you up when you’re feeling overwhelmed can make all the difference when you’re trying to balance school and a job as a working student. Utilize people you trust like your friends or family to be a listening ear when you need it, or to take over small jobs when you find yourself pressed for time. Setting up a study group with other students in your area can also be a big help with internalizing concepts or creating a support system. 

School may be top of your to do list, but you should make sure that you don’t get burned out. Taking time to rest and relax not only helps your body relieve stress and anxiety, but also helps improve your mood and helps you out physically by lowering blood pressure. Make time to rest by spending time with friends and family or going out and doing something you enjoy can help yourself unwind. Making sure you get a good night’s sleep as well, as this can also aid in your ability to learn.