13 Tips to balance college and work

Going to school is a job in itself, so how do college and grad students manage to juggle classes, study, and ace their finals, all while working?

Tips for working while in college

Working while in college can be a lot to handle, but the benefits are endless. Aside from the obvious, like earning income that you can apply to the cost of college or tuck away for a rainy day, you’ll gain valuable experience for your resume (regardless of how your job relates to your major or intended career). You can meet new friends, mentors, or future employers. And you’ll pick up skills, like time management, multi-tasking, and decision-making, that can set you up for success in the classroom and in your career.

If you’re considering (or are already) going to school and working full time, use these 13 tips to help manage your priorities in the classroom and on the job:

Be realistic. College is a huge investment in your future, and you have to dedicate the appropriate amount of energy to your coursework in order for that investment to pay off. Know what is required of you in school, and don’t try to cut corners. Before you can consider working while in college, you need to have an upfront conversation with yourself about how much “extra” time you’ll really have. How many courses are you taking? What are the professors’ expectations? Do you have extracurricular requirements? Do you have a commute to campus or to your classes?

Once you have a clear idea about your studies, you can start to think about how much time you’ll have for other things. If you think you can commit to 15 hours a week at a job, factor in the time it’ll take you to get to work, how many hours a typical shift will be, and how much time you need for other things, like self-care.

You can try to cram more work in, but you risk setting yourself up for burnout and could compromise your investment in your education. Be realistic about what you can handle.

Off-campus opportunities, while usually requiring some form of reliable transportation, can expand your job pool. Plus, with a variety of options (foodservice, retail, babysitting, painting, etc.) you can earn real-world experience related to your major. Example: are you an accounting major? Consider a part-time job at your local bank. Elementary education? A nanny or babysitting gig may be a good fit.

Give yourself enough time to get to your job from campus (and vice versa), or to a quiet place to log on if your classes are online.

Check in regularly, too. Even if you have the hang of managing school and work one month, things can change. Be honest with yourself and understand that the balance may not always be doable. For example, a new semester can bring different professors, tougher classes, or more hours spent studying.

College is an investment in yourself

Balancing work and school can have a lot up upside, but the variables, like the number of hours, on-campus vs. off, can be the difference between a successful semester and a failed attempt at multitasking. Be honest with yourself, understand your motivations for working, and set realistic goals.

That said, if it’s too much to handle, reach out to your financial aid office and consider other means to help pay for college, like scholarships, grants, and student loans. No matter how you finance it, completing your college degree can lead to economic mobility and higher earnings—so tackle what’s next with confidence. You’ve got this!