College is an exciting time in life, but it does require commitment and time. When balancing a full-time or part-time job, it can be even more challenging to manage your time with a full workload of classes. However, there are ways to be successful while taking care of your work and school obligations. With some focus and these tips from the Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation, success and balance is in your future.
The Reality of Balancing Work and College
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, 74% of part-time college students were employed in 2020 while attending school. In many cases, a part-time or full-time job is necessary to offset the cost of attending college. While the statistics present that the 74% of college students enrolled were working at least 20 hours per week, 40% of those students work 35 hours or more each week while balancing schoolwork.
Ideally, while having a flexible work schedule so you can attend classes during the day or night is preferred, that may not always be the case. Some students work second or third shift and then attend college courses in the morning before getting sleep for the day.
How to Create a Successful Balance
Although there is no one perfect way to balance work and college, it’s important to find strategies that work for your specific situation. Here are a few tips to try so you can find success in your professional and academic life.
Set Boundaries: It can be difficult to say no, especially when you want to be a viable employee. It can also feel good when your employer, friends or family need your extra time. It may be difficult to say no to extra shifts, but you must first ask yourself if your time allows and if these extra shifts or favors from friends and family are taking away time from your studies. Set a clear study plan and block out the hours you need each week to care for your academic career. This may involve saying no to others at times.
Break Down Tasks: While a to-do list can be helpful when you’re trying to balance school and work, it can also be overwhelming. That’s why it is important to break down tasks. Think about the steps necessary to complete your homework and school projects. Then, break down each task into smaller pieces. As you complete each step, cross it off the list to ultimately help you see that you are making progress and moving toward a larger goal. This can also apply to responsibilities you have at home and work, so you stay motivated and feel like you are moving in the right direction toward completion.
Ask for Help: You don’t have to be the superhero when balancing work and college. In fact, this may be the time that you need help the most. Don’t think of yourself as falling behind when you need assistance with tasks that can ultimately help you succeed in higher education. Take a look at your responsibilities and see where you can delegate. Perhaps you need a friend to pick up some groceries for you when you need time to study or care for children. You can also ask for help when you’re struggling with some of your classes. For instance, colleges are known for offering free tutoring and academic centers to assist with writing skills, research and more. In addition, your college’s academic center can also provide you with tips for managing your time when balancing work and college.
Focus on Your Goals: Setting clear academic and personal goals helps you to see the big picture that you are working toward during this journey. Think first about what you need personally to succeed. How much sleep do you need each night to feel rested and alert? Set a strict bedtime and wake-up time to keep you on schedule and feeling healthy. In addition, set academic goals that are realistic and that help you reach your goal of graduating. Meet with your academic advisor to determine a plan for each class and be realistic about the number of classes you can take each semester while juggling a part-time or full-time job.
Find Success Within Yourself
The best path to success is to believe in yourself. Know that while it may be challenging to juggle work and school, you have the motivation, support, and inspiration to meet your goals. The Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation is here to provide you that support and encourage you through your educational journey.
The Leon N. Weiner Education Foundation provides educational assistance to children and adults who are members of families with low to moderate incomes. Learn more about the scholarship opportunities available at www.weinereducationfoundation.org.