As college students, we hold many different responsibilities. Getting our assignments done on time, getting enough sleep, spending time with friends, extracurriculars, and sometimes even having a part-time job (or a few). Working during the semester can be really stressful as we try to juggle all the deadlines we have. Here are a few tips to avoid a major burnout (or a mental breakdown.)
- Make Sure You’re Getting Sleep
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Constantly pulling all-nighters or only getting a few hours of sleep can make it really hard to focus in class. It also will catch up to you quicker than you think. Coffee and Redbull are only a temporary energy boost. In the long run, it is still extremely important to take care of ourselves. With cold and flu season being here as well, not getting enough sleep can make you more likely to get sick.
- Keep School the Main Focus
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As a fellow broke college kid, I know this can sound SUPER difficult because bills can add up. We want to make as much money as possible and it’s nice to pick up shifts for that extra Starbuck’s money, but it’s ok to NOT take a shift because you have a big exam coming up or have an essay due at 11:59 PM. It can seem challenging to find a balance, but it’s important to keep the time available to get schoolwork done.
- Requesting Finals Week Off
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Finals are a pretty stressful time for college students as we prepare for exams, write our final papers, or prepare for that last presentation that could make or break your grade. I found it SUPER helpful to take off during finals week so I could have plenty of time to study for my exams and do well on them. Most employers are super understanding and are willing to work with you as much as they can.
- Let Your Boss Know Your Availability
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It is super important to communicate with your boss to let them know when you are able to work and how late you want to work. It can really help your boss to give them a copy of your school schedule so they can work around it. They should also know how many hours a week you want to work so that way you’re not working way too many hours. Everyone’s availability is different, but it’s all about finding what is right for you.
- Schedule in Some “Me-Time”
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It is so important to put some time aside to unwind and have some fun. College is super stressful and working all the time can burn you out. Put on a movie on Netflix and get in cozy pajamas, do a face mask, bake some cookies, or even take a nap. Remember to do things that you love to do and don’t drown yourself in working!
These are a few tips I have found helpful trying to balance the crazy college lifestyle while juggling a part time job!