Juggling school and work is no easy deal. As a working student, you have to be ready to adapt to new assignments, unexpected errands, and sudden work crises that need to be addressed immediately. Six years ago, I made the decision to get a Master’s degree while continuing to work a full-time job. Although those three years I spent in grad school were a whirlwind, I am very happy I made the choice to continue my education. I found that although I had a job I love, I had started to perform better and also found ways to pass on that newly-acquired knowledge to my colleagues at work. Whether you’re thinking of continuing your studies or are already doing so, here’s some advice to make your life easier and help you successfully manage your time between school and work.
The most successful students don’t just work harder—they also work smarter. For example, you may have to complete research or thesis projects as part of your classwork. Why not try to tie your school project into something you’re already working on at your 9-to-5? For example, if you’re a graphic designer you could be revamping your company’s website as part of your graphic design program. This way, you would spend paid hours working on a “homework”, and your boss would be just as excited about the idea as you would. It’s a win-win situation really, especially considering the all-nighters and weekend homework marathons you’d need to pull if you were completing such a huge project in your free time.
While we’re on the topic of working smarter, let’s talk about vacation days. While it’s tempting to use your two weeks of paid time off to unwind in Bali after a tough semester, you may be better off using your vacation days strategically. Consider planning ahead and scheduling a day or two off to focus on school before a big midterm or project is due. This will help you avoid a string of all-nighters leading up to the test or due date. Most bosses are happy to let you take a few days off for school if you request them in advance, but will be less than thrilled if you apply on Tuesday to take the rest of the week off to prepare for a big test.
It’s okay to ask for help. Actually, everybody needs someone and I’m sure your friends, colleagues and classmates would be more than glad to help. If you can delegate a task to someone who can do your job as good as you want, don’t hesitate to ask them to help you; and if someone can help you with your exams and homework, take the chance. People like to help.
The Bayt.com ‘Distractions at Work in the MENA’ poll of 2013 shows that a third (33%) of professionals in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region say they feel tired or sleepy at work on a regular basis. Sleep is very important for your brain and body to function properly. Yes, coffee might give you a 2-hour boost but the exhaustion you’ll experience when the 2 hours are over will be worse than before. Remember, you need at least 7 hours of sleep if you are to function as you want during the day.
Stress is a tricky matter; it can take over your thoughts all day long. “Did I do that project?” “Did I finish that homework correctly?” “Did I forget anything?” In fact, our Bayt.com poll on ‘Work Satisfaction in the MENA’, November 2012, revealed that 74% of professionals in the MENA region feel stressed by their job. You need to learn to focus on the task you’re given. If you’re working on a work project, think of that alone and the same goes for school projects, otherwise, you’ll end up giving your professor a salary analysis and your manager a 3,000-word essay. Another good practice would be to switch off all electronic devices so you can devote your full attention to whatever you are working on.
Early mornings at the office, followed by late nights doing homework, topped off by a few caffeine-and-pizza-fueled study sessions? Sounds like a recipe for a health disaster. According to the Bayt.com poll on the ‘Health and Eating Habits of Professionals in the MENA’, April 2012, 31.7% of professional respondents see their eating habits as unhealthy, while 48.1% consider their eating habits to be healthy, but only to some extent. Make eating properly, getting enough sleep, and exercising a priority—even if it means taking a lighter class load or cutting back on social obligations. After all, if you’re sick in bed or too tired to focus, you won’t be any good at work or at school. Time management isn’t a skill you pick up right away. But the good news is that more and more students are managing to earn a degree while working full-time. The even better news is that the time management techniques you learn when balancing your various commitments can be applied on every aspect of your life to enhance your overall well-being and chances of future success. In matter of fact, 33% of professional respondents in a Bayt.com poll on ‘Happiness and Personal Fulfillment in the MENA’ (August 2015) said that a better work-life balance would cause them to feel more fulfilled overall.
