Many people combine work with studies to get the most out of both pursuits at the same time. Some may need extra experience in their field, while others may be looking for personal development or an opportunity to network and establish contacts. Anyone who has undergone higher education understands that it can be rigorous, and combining that study rigor with work and a career can become too much for some people to handle.
However, it is not impossible to successfully tackle both work and study. Over the last few years, the rate of people merging studies with work has skyrocketed. In fact, around 70% of college students in the United States work while completing their studies. Succeeding in both fields at the same time will require high-level skills such as organization and time management, among others.
Whether you’re a student who wants to combine your studies with work or someone with an established career looking to widen your scope of knowledge while you’re still working, it can be helpful to seek advice that you can keep in mind throughout your journey.
Five tips for effectively combining studies with work
Combining work and studies can be difficult, but it is not impossible. Here are five tips to help make the process easier.
- Organize your routine
Perhaps the most important tip is to be organized. Learning to organize your time and routine will help you considerably in combining school with work.
First, learn the art of time management. This will help you organize your day and work in a manner that won’t leave you feeling constantly rushed and stressed. To have enough time to attend school and get work done in a way that advances your career, you’ll need to learn how to create a well-planned routine.
To do this, you must first determine when you’re most productive, and use those moments for work and school. Many people will choose the ideal time to study and then select shifts at their job or schedule their meetings around it.
If your routines are properly organized and planned in detail, you can balance these two aspects of your life properly.
- Identify your potential problems and save time
It isn’t going to be an easy ride, and you will likely encounter some problems along the way. However, preparing ahead of time for these potential issues can minimize their impact.
You can start by looking at the intricacies of both worlds and highlighting times when they could clash. After identifying these potential problems, the next step is to evaluate probable solutions that may be applied.
Not only will doing this save you from feeling stressed when the problem arises, but you’ll also be saving valuable energy that you need to focus on the right things: work and study.
You may need to find other strategies for saving time as well. Look for useful shortcuts, such as delegating certain tasks to others when you don’t have time to do them personally.
- Take care of your physical and mental health
When you take on such big responsibilities, you’ll need to pay extra attention to your health.
If you don’t take care of yourself, it could affect your physical and mental health. Throughout your studies, you may not have as much free time as other students because you are working.
Look for systems that work for you, and eat healthy meals that will provide you with the energy you need to get through the day. Drink more water, and reduce your consumption of alcohol and soda. You should avoid fast food and other unhealthy foods.
Ensure that you get enough sleep so you have the energy you need to tackle each day.
- Take advantage of technology tools
To successfully manage your time and energy when you are juggling work and study, it is important to take advantage of technological tools that can help you stay organized and on track. There are several great apps that can help you stay on top of your commitments, including Evernote, Wunderlist, and Trello.
If you need to miss an in-person class, you can ask a fellow student to record the lecture for you and listen to it when you have time. Use tech and collaboration tools to take and save notes.
Technology makes it much easier to juggle multiple responsibilities, so those who are combining work with studies should take advantage of the latest tools.
- Get help from others
There’s a long list of things you can do on your own, but successfully combining work and school isn’t one of them. If you have decided to take this on, you need to ask for support from the people around you.
First, have a conversation with your employer or immediate manager and explain the intricacies of your study life. This ensures that any form of miscommunication that occurs is handled appropriately. They may also be able to help you navigate the parts of work that are not easy for you.
You also need to talk to your classmates and instructors. Ensure they understand your situation, and ask for their help when needed.
If you’re currently studying for an online DBA while working to progress your career, these tips can prove valuable.
Ultimately, your goal is to ensure that you excel at your work and studies. Although it may not be easy at first, keeping your objectives in mind at all times will help you through the process. Focus, perseverance, and proper management can help you achieve your dreams.
