1. Look for a job that provides either manageable working hours or good flexibility. A job that has long hours and/or work on weekends will not leave you much time for your studies. If you can, look for jobs that will let you work either earlier or later than standard nine-to-five work hours, if that helps accommodate your class schedule.
2. Look for a school that is close to where you live or work. The less time you have to spend commuting, the more time you’ll have for both your professional and academic careers. Nothing is a bigger waste of time and as annoying as being stuck in traffic for hours.
3. Make sure your boss knows about your studies and your teachers know about your job. Let your supervisors and professors know of your responsibilities. Employers generally encourage their employees to earn a degree and learn new skills, and most teachers have dealt with working students before. Chances are, both will be understanding and even supportive of your schedule.
4. Make sure each week is planned out ahead of time. Success in both business and school is all about preparation. Know what is expected of you well in advance, and budget your time accordingly. Make a daily or weekly calendar, if that helps.
5. Make the most of each day. When you work and go to school, you need to make the most of the limited time each day provides. Look for free time you can use to read assignments or complete homework. The time you spend riding the bus can be used productively if you plan ahead.
6. Be willing to say “no.” If you say “yes” to every request made of you, you’ll quickly find yourself so overwhelmed you won’t have time to do anything at all. If you need to say “no” to a specific request, you can soften the blow by adding what you can do to address the problem at hand.
7. Leave time for some fun. Be sure to leave some time for relaxation, recreation, and friends. You still need to have some balance and fun in your life.
8. Accept that some sacrifices will need to be made. Life is going to be harder while working and going to school at the same time. Go into this situation knowing that you probably won't be watching as much TV as you did before.
9. Keep your eyes on the prize. Even when things appear overwhelming, you can get through it by reminding yourself why you’re going to school in the first place. Imagine the life you’ll have after you graduate and the rewards that are likely to come your way as a result of this effort. And if you have a family, think about how they will benefit from your choices in the long run.
