How to balance studies and job? – Top 5 easy and effective tips
Nowadays many students do part time or full time jobs along with studies. Whatever the reason may be – financial need, gaining experience or better use of time – but managing studies and work together does not seem to be everyone’s cup of tea.
But if you adopt a little wisdom and the right methods, then you can not only handle both but also perform well in both.
Let’s know 5 such top tips that will make your life easier.
Time management and planning – the first and most important step
How to use time properly?
- Prepare a daily schedule or time table. If you want, use a paper planner or take the help of tools like Google Calendar, Notion, or To-Do List apps in mobile.
- Start every day with a question – what is most important today?
- Do the important tasks first, the rest later.
Make small tasks
Suppose you have to complete a big project or assignment. Then divide it into small parts.
- Doing research
- Writing points
- Making drafts
- Final proofreading
This will make the work easier and it will be completed on time.
Take care of breaks
After every 45 minutes of study or work, take a break of 5-10 minutes. This will keep your mind fresh and focus will remain.
Communication and cooperation – the path will be easier together, not alone
Talk openly to your boss or manager
If your class or exam is clashing with a shift, then talk to your employer without hesitation.
Tell clearly that you are a student and studies are equally important. Most managers are ready to help if you talk honestly.
Build a support system
Tell your friends, family or classmates that you are working along with your studies.
If you ever need help – like you need notes, or are missing a deadline – then only those people can help you.
Seek help from a professor or tutor
If you are facing any problem in studies, do not be shy. Ask your teacher or mentor. Remember – the one who asks is not called a fool, but a learner.
It is also important to take care of yourself – otherwise you will get tired
Get enough sleep
Many people ignore sleep due to work and studies. But less sleep will affect your memory, mood and working capacity. Get at least 6–8 hours of sleep every day.
Exercise and yoga
Take out 20–30 minutes every day for a walk, yoga or light exercise. This reduces stress, keeps the mind calm and maintains energy in the body.
Do your favourite things too
Every week, take out some time for your hobby or favourite thing – like reading a book, listening to music or doing something creative. This will refresh you.
More useful smart tips
- Keep distraction away: While studying, turn off the phone notifications or turn on the “Do Not Disturb” mode. If not necessary, keep some distance from social media, especially during study or work time.
- Adopt online courses: If you cannot attend classes full time, then many good online courses are also available nowadays (Coursera, Udemy, SWAYAM). You can learn from them according to your time.
- Get into the habit of saying “no”: If you are already very busy, then avoid taking new responsibilities. Learn how to politely refuse – “I am busy right now, I will definitely try later.”
- Make technology your support: Time management apps, note making tools, study reminders – all these can make your life better. For example: Google Keep, Forest App, Notion, Trello etc.
- Keep an eye on progress: Take out 10-15 minutes every week and think about what you did, what you missed and how you can improve next week. Make this a habit, this will help you achieve your targets quickly.
If you want to create balance, then be satisfied, not guilty
Many times we think that neither we are able to give 100% in studies, nor in job. But believe me, it is not easy to carry both together, yet what you are doing is praiseworthy.
- Celebrate your small achievements
- Don’t make yourself feel guilty if you miss a task
- Gradually move towards improvement
Conclusion: The right balance is the key to success
Balancing studies and job is a challenge, but not impossible.
By following these 5 tips, you will:
- Learn to use time properly
- Will not hesitate to take help from people
- Will be able to take care of your own health and happiness
- Will be able to make better decisions about which task to do first
Remember, you are not alone. In today’s time, millions of students are handling both studies and work simultaneously. The only difference is who plans wisely and who does not.
So what are you waiting for? Take more steps to walk your dreams into reality than ever before.
Gaurav Tagore is a forward-thinking Director known for his impactful work in the education media space. He leads content that helps students make informed academic and career decisions while offering a window into real campus experiences. With a strong focus on clarity and relevance, Gaurav continues to be a trusted voice for student communities across the country.