Attending college is an exciting and life-changing chapter for anyone. It opens doors of opportunities and a chance to improve one’s economic situation. However, finishing a degree isn’t always a walk in the park, especially with the increasing cost of living and the tuition fee hike.
Therefore, college aspirants need to expand their financial resources to meet the demands of higher education. This can range from taking affordable online courses, applying for student loans, and having a part- or full-time job to make ends meet. But while these can help you pay off college and other living expenses, managing your time well to achieve work-study-life balance is just as crucial.
Eliminate distractions.
While setting a strict schedule can be helpful, your focus will remain divided if you don’t set boundaries for yourself. Thus, it pays to identify what triggers your procrastination and the factors that disrupt your productivity. Furthermore, it is crucial to find your environment and what fits your preferences.
Consider experimenting on what works for you and your lifestyle to get most of the job done. For example, if your chores and housemates contribute to that distraction, consider doing your schoolwork elsewhere or relocating to areas that fit your budget. You may even find this beneficial as a new environment will help clear your mind, reduce stress, and increase your creativity and attention span.
Consequently, if you think the silence is all too distracting, listening to classical music may help as it is beneficial for students in stimulating the brain, increasing motivation, and boosting concentration, which betters your academic performance. Of course, eliminating distractions should also extend in your workplace.
Depending on the nature of your job, consider logging out from your social media accounts, disconnecting from the internet, and uninstalling unnecessary applications to resist the temptation of a never-ending scrolling while you’re on your shift.
It would also help to know your strengths and how you can use them to your advantage. For instance, if you are a morning person, you can maximize your time by finishing your daily chores and other minor activities to avoid multitasking which can disrupt your focus. Most importantly, make sure that you communicate your schedule well with your friends, family, and employer to avoid misunderstanding and unnecessary disturbances along the way.
Find the right institution.
While school and work have different demands and expectations, both are equally overwhelming and can even put a significant toll on your financial, mental, and physical health. This is especially true for low-income working students who strive to make ends meet. In some ways, this may even cause some of them to drop out of college or postpone getting a degree altogether.
Thus, it is crucial to consider all factors involved and their effects on your goals and aspirations. This can range from assessing solutions that your employer and institution can offer, whether financial support, schedule adjustments, or quality work experience. Moreover, wisely choosing your cards can help you reach financial independence and have a better entry-level job salary later on.
So, strive to conduct your research and prepare necessary documents to help put you on track. This can range from knowing the admission processes, requirements for specific programs and checking the standard acceptance rate for universities outstate and nearby. Extending your efforts to look for ways to work things in your favor will help open doors of opportunity and growth for your future endeavors.
Be kind to yourself.
The world already puts too much toll on our lives for us to add more to its endless list of demands. The last thing you want is stressing yourself over something you ultimately have no control over; therefore, it is essential to practice kindness and patience with yourself. Thus, if you feel overwhelmed, remind yourself that you are doing the best you can with the resources, efforts, and information you currently have.
For one, consider celebrating your little wins no matter how big or small the goals you’ve accomplished are. Second, keep in mind that you are not alone in this battle and that people are willing to extend their help should you need one. Thus, remember to practice gratefulness, forgiveness and keep moving forward.
The journey towards earning a degree while maintaining a job can be both fulfilling and overwhelming to many. And while this is an inevitable and harsh reality, it pays to understand its long-term benefits regarding your self-esteem, career opportunities, and quality of life. Thus, make sure you know and assess every decision and sacrifice you make and how it will affect your present and future si