5 Tips For Juggling Work And College | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

5 Tips For Juggling Work And College

How to keep it together when the job precedes graduation.

240
5 Tips For Juggling Work And College
dreamstime.com

Most of us are hyper-aware of the realities we face after graduation. We complain about it all the time, fearful for our futures—or our collective lack thereof! There aren't any jobs. Bachelor's degrees are useless! Even entry-level jobs want a Master's now. I'm never gonna find a job in my major. I'm never gonna be able to move out! I'd better get this side hustle going by graduation! How many times have you said any of these things? A thousand, I know.

But what do you do when a beautiful job in the Real World is suddenly yours, even before graduation? We find ourselves in no way prepared for that opportunity! Suddenly you have exams in class and deadlines at work, and you're forced to navigate two separate sets of reality that feel like they might be the end of you. But the secret is, you're totally capable! Here are some ways to juggle being both a student and a salaried employee.

1. Manage your time

Unfortunately, even working full-time doesn't mean you don't need your degree anymore. (Bummer!) Make sure you split your time wisely between work and school.

2. Prioritize

Order your task list from most important to least important for any given day. Dealing with two sets of deadlines demands twice as much focus and prioritization. Choose your day's tasks carefully based on their scope and due dates, for both work and school. Don't assume that work should take precedence because it makes you money.

3. Communicate with your supervisor

Stay in constant contact with your higher-ups. Let them know your commitment to the job, and be honest about the unique challenges you face as a student. Tell them when your exam weeks are and when projects are due that might pull you away from work. Also, get ahead on your workload before those times arrive to give yourself a cushion.

4. Take care of yourself

With all the new tasks and extra stress that come with juggling full- or part-time work with the pursuit of a degree, your body will need to be at its best. Do as much as you can to make sure your body stays strong—drink lots of water, try to have frequent, healthy meals (you can afford them now!), and get at least six hours of sleep on a semi-regular basis. Also try and do something for yourself at least once a week to release some stress. Taking good care of your body and mind can help reduce your chances of having the common cold, a failed exam, or a nervous breakdown!

5. Learn everything you can!

Know that this is your first Real Job, and that you will have more Real Jobs after this one. Get all the information you can, because this is your first chance to get an idea of what it's like to work in the Real World and prepare yourself for your career. Most people have to wait until after graduation, but you managed to get it before! Take advantage of that leg up over your classmates, and enjoy the journey!

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

190361
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

14985
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

457924
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

26669
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments