At some point during your college career, you’ll likely either get a job or an internship. Juggling both sounds pretty easy, right? Wrong. Being a full-time student is demanding enough by itself, and when you tack on another 20 hours or so of work, it can become extremely difficult to manage both without losing your mind. I have some foolproof tips to help you be successful both in the classroom and at work!
1. Use a planner. I used to be the type to say, “oh, I don’t need to write it down, I know I’ll remember it.” I cannot even tell you how many times I have proven myself wrong. By keeping an organized planner, you can easily see your monthly calendar right in front of you at any time, complete with homework assignments, exams, and work events. This way, your brain isn’t responsible for constantly holding so much information and when you do forget, you can easily look back at your calendar. Also, buying one is a great excuse to hit up a Lilly Pulitzer or Vera Bradley store for the latest patterns!
2. Learn when to say no. Although most of us want to do everything people ask us to, sometimes you just have to say no. If your internship asks you to stay late the night before a midterm exam, tell them no (and explain why). They know you are a full time student and should understand school is a priority. However, this also goes for saying no to your friends. It’s probably best to skip that Thirsty Thursday happy hour if you have to be at work at nine the next morning. Although you want to have fun with your friends and don’t want to miss out, there will be the right time and place for you to see them that won’t affect your work. Not overbooking your calendar will be the key to your success for both school and work.
3. Stay nourished. On days when you’re extremely busy, it is important to not skip meals. I make it a point to eat a protein packed breakfast, like eggs or Greek yogurt, on the days I head out to my internship. It helps me stay full and focused on my work until I get a break for lunch, which can sometimes be pretty late. Don’t be embarrassed to pack a lunch with you. It’s a great way to eat healthy and save money at the same time. You aren’t doing yourself or your work any good if you are exhausted from hunger. If you’re worried about getting your reading done for class, bring your book with you! It’s a great way to productively pass the time at lunch, especially if you have to take your break alone. Also, if you have to stay up late studying, a healthy snack like fruit or kettle corn can keep you awake and focused.
4. SLEEP. I know this is always emphasized to college students, but with a busy schedule it becomes even more necessary. If you’re constantly tired, you aren’t going to give your full attention to either job. I make it a goal to get 8 hours of sleep every night (well, as much as possible), even if that means missing roommate movie night or getting that project done a week early. This way, you can get through a day without feeling like you’ll die without a nap and be able to make the most of your day. Your grades and your employer will thank you for this.
Although balancing school and a job is never really easy, it can be made less stressful. Remember that both jobs are important, but if you desperately need a break, do not be afraid to take one. School and work deserve your attention—but do not overwork yourself. You’re still young and in college and deserve to have some fun, especially after all of the hard work you do!