Graduating for some is a personal achievement, while for others it is a necessity to rise or advance professionally. Balancing university studies with work is a common condition for many individuals of different ages.
In the rapidly evolving technological and cultural society we live in, new skills and qualifications are constantly required, prompting ambitious professionals and workers to pursue further studies.
This category, distinct from young individuals seeking employment to support university costs, faces a significant challenge. Often, they resume studies years after obtaining their last degree, while juggling a hectic work life full of responsibilities. Let us identify methods and strategies for all student-workers, regardless of the type of employment (full-time, part-time, or freelance). The common factor among student-workers is the limited time available for studying and managing all the tasks associated with being a student.
Studying and working might seem incredibly difficult to manage, but with proper choices and practical adjustments, it becomes entirely manageable. Let's explore all the tips for combining work and study.
Starting with the most demanding work mode for students: full-time employment. This is the typical condition of an employee working at least 8 hours a day. Normally, individuals who opt to study and work full-time already have an existing job and decide to pursue a degree for various reasons. It is less common for young individuals starting university after high school to choose to work 8 hours a day while studying.
Earning a degree while working full time may not be a walk in the park, but it is not impossible either. Maximizing all available free time requires strong motivation and some sacrifices in personal leisure and fun, but it is certainly achievable.
Working full-time requires studying in the evening, during lunch breaks, and on weekends, essentially sacrificing most of one's social and personal life. Despite its challenges, this is the only way to achieve the goal of obtaining a degree.
So, how to work full time and study simultaneously?
The key is to manage studies in an organized manner, planning the learning process meticulously and dedicating specific timeframes to study moments. With discipline, a sense of duty, motivation, many have successfully attained their degrees, even with top grades, while working full-time.
In most cases, it may take longer than anticipated to earn the degree, or one might settle for a slightly lower grade, but these are sacrifices to reach the ultimate goal. Special permissions and benefits are available, as per employment statutes, for both public and private sector employees. It is advisable to seek information before making any decisions.
Less demanding but still challenging is the condition of a student working part-time. Part-time employees usually work half the hours compared to full-time workers. This employment option suits university students, though reconciling class schedules with work hours may be difficult.
Missing a few, if not all, classes becomes a probable scenario. Flexibility in work context, working mode (remote, on-site, hybrid), contract type, schedule flexibility, and employer support all play a significant role.
Many organizations accommodate the needs of their student-employees, offering some flexibility in terms of shift changes and hours, where possible. It is crucial to be adept at juggling academic and work commitments, and pursuing one's strategy without getting disheartened by potential challenges.
With proper organization and some study acceleration techniques, graduating with a good grade while working part-time is achievable.
Freelancing, in theory, should allow individuals to work while studying, reducing stress and workload compared to the aforementioned categories. Freelancers, with a registered business, can autonomously manage their workload based on availability.
Freelancers work for one or more clients depending on their availability, allowing them to freely manage their time, picking and choosing projects based on their study commitments. Time management should be simpler in this scenario.
Freelancers are not bound by work hours, have no direct employer, and can decide how much time to allocate to work and study. This mode facilitates working and studying concurrently, without completely sacrificing personal time. However, careful planning of study time and project selection is crucial to ensure optimal balance.
Planning and Organization: Always Essential
For working individuals, following a good study method is crucial, necessitating efficient study planning. Part-time, full-time, or freelance workers must plan their study activities effectively. University courses involve a series of exams that must be prepared for and passed, requiring efficient time management.
There is no strict rule dictating the number of study hours when working. Each individual must outline a detailed daily plan based on their capabilities, acknowledging limits and addressing them one academic goal at a time. The journey toward a degree will be satisfactory when micro goals of daily study are accomplished, leading to the ultimate goal of graduation.
Online courses serve as a solution to balance study and work, reducing logistic and organizational challenges and making previously impossible scenarios attainable. Opting for flexible and partially customizable digital education can enable individuals to reconcile work and study effortlessly.
Digital advancements allow students to combine work and study seamlessly. Online degree courses offer remote access to lectures, enabling individuals to study, attend classes, and communicate with professors via email at their convenience. Studying online removes time constraints and minimizes bureaucracy, offering a more streamlined experience compared to on-campus programs.
The digital platform aligns perfectly with the needs of individuals working and studying concurrently. Student-workers can fit study into their daily commitments and graduate within the expected timelines.