When you are a student, striking a balance between work and school can be a difficult challenge. Earning an income is an important part of growing up, but if your job gets in the way of school, you could run into trouble. Fortunately, it is possible to keep a part-time job and be a successful full-time student. Here are some tips to find harmony between what you do in school and your job:
Set up a routine
The key to finding a balance is creating a routine you can stick to. If you’re only able to work for a couple hours every day, try to find the best time to schedule in a shift. Should you work before or after your daily classes? Can you only work weekends? Whatever free time you have, be sure you don’t overextend yourself between school and work. Pick out specific times and days when you are free to work and set up your work schedule around your classes. A set schedule will keep you organized and make it more likely you will find a good balance.
Find a job on campus
One of the best ways to reduce travel time and make your schedule more efficient is to find a job near or on campus. If you’re a college student and eligible for a work-study program, look for jobs at the library or in a campus office. You can earn money close to your dorm or classes, which can make scheduling easier and save you time commuting to a job farther away. As a high school student, you might also want to look into opportunities to work at your school, including after-school activities or at sporting events.
Be up front with your employer
If you secure a job after school, try to be up front with your boss about your schedule and remind them that you are first and foremost a student. Finding an employer that is willing to work with your school schedule is key to achieving academic success. In general, look for an employer that has hired students in the past, as these are most likely student-friendly places to work.
Intern
If you want to get ahead with your academic studies or career, interning might be a good choice. Since many businesses hire students as interns, they likely already understand that you might have a strict academic schedule that takes up most of your time. However, you should be aware that not everyone pays their interns, so you should seek a paid position to earn an income. If you are just looking for experience, you could consider an unpaid internship for a few months.
Focus on school
No matter what, you need to remember that your No. 1 focus is your schoolwork and receiving a diploma. If you’re at college on a scholarship, there’s a good chance you will need a certain grade point average in order to keep it. You shouldn’t let your grades slip due to your part-time job. Therefore, before you get a job or schedule more hours, you should be confident that your school work is under control and you are going to all your classes. To stay on top of all your work, spend a little time on school every day so you don’t fall behind. Be sure to do a little bit of work or studying even on the days when you are working at your job.
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