How to Study While Working a job
Going back to college or university (or exploring a certification) while working full-time can be challenging for many people.
Managing a full-time job while also pursuing your studies requires a high level of planning and priority setting. Although some students would prefer not to work while pursuing their education, a large number of students work full-time while pursuing a degree. There are a variety of reasons for this, but the most important factor is money. Studying while working gives you the confidence you need, as you have financial control. At the same time, the professional qualifications that you earn over time give you a better chance in your career development.
Here are our top 10 tips on how to study while working to make juggling your two lives a breeze.
1. Devise a Plan
Planning and prioritising are your best defences against deadlines creeping up on you. Get all of your syllabi and record all of the examination schedules, as well as the deadlines for any required papers, at the start of each semester.
Use a different marker for each of your classes so you can easily see when these due dates are approaching. Similarly, make a note of any upcoming company meetings or work deadlines in your planner or make a to-do list.
2. Update Your Employer
Assure your supervisors and boss that you’ll be able to keep track of your work schedules.
It’s also a good way to get their attention and make them think you’re eager to work for them. If at all possible, sacrifice some vacations and breaks to prove that you are dedicated to your work. If you show your commitment, it will be simple to work out a more study-friendly schedule with them.
3. Make the Most of Your Free Time
It may appear that you have no free time if you are studying and working at the same time.
However, it’s critical that you make the most of the free time you do have, as this will help you better balance your day job and course work.
If you take a bus, for example, you can read a book on your way to work. Also, study for a few minutes during your lunch or break.
4. Take care of yourself
Having a busy work schedule and studying will undoubtedly cause you to become stressed at times.
As a result, you should be able to deal with stress in a positive manner. Physical exercise is an effective stress reliever, so go to the gym or go for a walk a couple of times a week.
Listen to music, write in a journal, go to the salon, and so on. As a stress reliever, try to spend at least 30 minutes of your day doing something you enjoy.
5. Don’t go overboard
Be realistic about the amount of time you’ll need to study and work.
if you suspect you can only take one at a time due to your work, focus on that course. Determine how many classes you can take in each semester if you work full-time. When it comes to work or school, people have a habit of taking on more than they can handle. Working full-time in any industry comes with its own set of struggles and expectations. Adding education to an already hectic schedule will only increase the amount of stress.
Remember that you can only do what you’re able to do.
6. Make use of technology
Notes from class are necessary. Despite this, many students do not know how to properly take notes.
Avoid scribbling down every single word because you will fall behind and miss important details. To keep up with your teacher, develop your own system for abbreviating words and phrases.
Use today’s technology to your advantage and download the necessary study apps. There are numerous programs available to assist students with all aspects of their studies.
7. Find Your Comfort Zone
Everyone has a different idea about the best place and time to study.
Find a study area and a time that works for you, whether it’s after school at the library, in a quiet coffee shop, or in your bedroom late at night.
Make it a point to stick to it.It’s just as important where you study as it is how you study. Turn off your phone to eliminate any distractions. Once you get started, have everything you need so you don’t have to stop to look for a pen.
8. Get your ZZZs
Do not compromise on your sleep. Rather than burning the midnight oil, you can get up at 5 a.m. and study for about an hour and go back to sleep until 7 a.m. You should feel reasonably rested when you wake up. This is far preferable to waking up exhausted from staying up half the night. Furthermore, you should take breaks while studying, especially if you are exhausted.
In any case, working or studying for an extended period of time can have a negative impact on your performance.
9. Turn off the TV, don’t procrastinate!
Finishing your favourite TV show, napping, or chatting with friends may seem more appealing than beginning or completing a course assignment at times. However, keep in mind that the earlier you start, the sooner you’ll be finished.
Examine your project and start with the simple tasks. The more difficult parts will simply flow as you gain momentum.
10. Maintain a healthy diet
A long day at work demands concentration and endurance. It means you can’t go more than 8 to 10 hours without eating a nutritious meal.
If you look after your body, it will look after you. To alleviate your hunger pangs, avoid foods high in saturated fats and calories, such as pastries, cakes, pies, and meat products. This can cause your cholesterol levels to rise, your metabolism to slow down, and you to gain weight.