HOW TO STUDY WHILE WORKING

For many, the idea of going back to college or university (or considering a certification) while working a full-time job can be daunting.

Handling a full-time job and your studies at the same time requires a good level of planning and prioritization. While some students would choose not to work while furthering their education, there is a massive group of students who are balancing a job while studying for a degree. There are various reasons for this, but money is key.

Studying while working gives you the confidence you need as you have financial control as a student. At the same time, the professional qualifications that you can acquire over time will give you a good head start in developing your career.

To help you juggle your two lives with a breeze, here are our top 10 tips on how to study while working.

1. Create a Plan

At the start of every semester, get all your syllabi and record all the examination schedules along with the deadlines for the papers required.

Use a different marker for each of your classes to see easily when these due dates are coming up for every course. Likewise, make sure to mark any company meetings or work deadlines you may know of in your planner.

2. Update Your Employer

Assure your employers that you can manage your work schedules.

It is also a way to get their attention and consider you to be really eager to work for them. If possible, sacrifice holidays and breaks to show that you are serious about your job.

If you prove your dedication, it will be easy to negotiate with them a more study-friendly schedule.

3. Use Your Free Time Productively

If you are studying and working at the same time, it may seem that you have no free time at all.

However, it’s important that you use the free time that you do have constructively as this will help you balance your day job and your course work more effectively.

For example, you can read a book on the way to work if you are a commuter. Also, use a few minutes of your lunch or break time to study.

4. Look After Yourself

Having a heavy work schedule and studying will inevitably cause you to stress out every now and then.

Therefore, you should be able to handle your stress in a positive way. Exercise at the gym or go for a walk a couple of times a week, because physical exercise is an effective stress reliever.

5. Don’t Overdo It

Be realistic about the time you need to spend studying and work.

If you think you can only take one study course at a time together with your workload, then focus on that course.

Keep in mind that you can only do what you are able to do.

Conclusion

Living both the student and professional life can be tough and put a lot of strain on your personal life. Then again, you can turn this strain into motivation and get great results.

Apply these top 5 tips and you will benefit in the long run.