So, you’re a broke student. Been there, done that. To get out of this hole, you must reflect on your life decisions and map out an adequate plan to improve your situation. I am glad you consider balancing college with a potential job. It is indeed an excellent way to pay debts while increasing your overall knowledge. Here is my advice; take it or leave it!
1. Design a Battle Plan
The first step you should take is designate a plan. College can be challenging, work can be challenging – to combine the two, you cannot miss this step. Having a plan is essential in these situations. Here are some guidelines on how to do it –
- Write down your primary goal, which in this case is earning money while studying. Think about the bigger picture. Your vision should be based on this first step. After reaching a conclusion, think about the smaller steps you should take in order to reach it.
- Your mainon-going task should take about four years to accomplish, supposing you are graduating college on time. Plan every month of the year now. What should you do monthly in order to survive a hectic schedule?
- Create a timetable for each day of the week. Include breaks into your schedule. Be precise and keep it brief.
2. Consider the Most Flexible Jobs
You should look for part-time jobs that offer flexibility. You can find many on the online market, you only need to know where to look for them. Here are some job ideas that might help you out –
- Independent contractor completing micro jobs for clients — you get to choose your tasks!
- SEO expert – your skills will be super-valuable to the online community!
- Data entry – you only need to follow instructions and do what you’re told
- Transcription and translation – listen and type, read and type
- English teacher
- Performing research for various clients online
- Content writer – look up jobs on Upwork, Fiverr, etc. Dan Chris, freelancer for BestEssayTips, shares his opinion. “Working as a remote writer is an easy way to earn good money and have free time, both at the same time. I would not trade my job for another one ever again!”
The above jobs are all remote, which allows you to work from your dorm or school’s cafeteria. Consider applying.
3. How About Working on Campus?
You’re lucky to be a college student! I am sure your school provides jobs for students – they are usually part-time and flexible. Choose a work-study program if you need to!
4. Prioritize
Make sure you understand your priorities and say no when you need to. Working and studying at the same time can get tiring, so you’ll have to pass on certain parties or events.
5. Choose to Work Smart
The only way you could avoid burnout is if you choose to work smart instead of hard. Use your extra time properly – for instance, if you’re working in the school’s library, you could study while you are working.However, be present and help out students when they need help. Combine the two efficiently!
6. Avoid Distractions
When you engage in one activity, be present. If you work, focus on what you are doing. If you study, focus on what you are reading. Learn how to say no to people and places that drain your energy.
7. Make Time for Yourself
You need to have your time if you want to survive such a tight schedule. Thus, as well as you design your work time, design your relaxation time as well. When you are relaxing, don’t ever think about tasks or work. Concentrate on what you are doing only and be happy with what you have.
8. Don’t Stress Out Too Much
You can manage stress only when you accept that you are stressed out. So, ask yourself – how am I feeling? What is my mood today?
I’ll give you the most powerful tip someone’s ever given me – get enough sleep. It’s as simple as that. If you have a tidy schedule, you’ll be able to sleep well, which will have a positive impact on your productivity.
9. How About Studying Online?
You could also go for an online degree if you are not able to find a suitable, flexible job. MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) are the new trend. You can flexibly advance your education while making money!
10. Take Internships
Some internships offer salaries, others don’t. Make sure you find one that does. Internships are a great way to combine work and studying – it’s two in one!
11. Delegate
When you are physically unable to finish your tasks – either for work or school – design them. If your best friend cannot help you out, go online and search for freelancers. The websites I’ve mentioned above, such as Upwork or Fiverr, have endless freelancers waiting for a job. Instead of burning out, choose to pay ten bucks and have a good night’s sleep.
12. Breathe
Taking care of your health is crucial. If you are not healthy, you are not able to function properly; and if that happens, how will you produce money anyways? Take time to breathe in, breathe out, and just relax. Develop mindfulness through physical or spiritual exercise. You could practice yoga or meditation. Choose to eat healthy as well – a vegan diet is always recommended.
Dr. Ellen DeGeneres shares her opinion. “I personally chose to go vegan because I educated myself on factory farming and cruelty to animals, and I suddenly realized that what was on my plate were living things, with feelings. And I just couldn’t disconnect myself from it any longer.”
13. Know When to Stop
Sometimes, you just need a whole-month break. So, listen to yourself. Take that break. You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars during that time if you’re seeing money being a problem. Go camping or visit less popular beaches. Do something that gets you out of the daily routine.
Wrapping Up
Combining work with study can get extremely challenging, sometimes even unbearable. That’s why you need to pay attention to the decisions you make. Be present, breathe, delegate, work smart – these are the four pillars to success.
Peter Hill is a professional writer and journalist. He is a socially active person, engaged in photo and video editing.