It’s hard to balance work and school, especially in Nigeria. However, reading this post will make balancing the two easier for you.
Are you a student working full-time or part-time? Are you working and looking to start school? Or, are you contemplating whether to quit your job or not for school? Confused about how to balance work and school? If questions around balancing work and school has ever crossed your mind, then you need to read this article to know how to create the balance.
Most students are interested in working either full-time or part-time to support themselves.
With Nigeria’s high unemployment rate, holding on to a job may seem like the best option, consequently, this can have negative effects on your academics, so make your decision carefully.
Tips on how to balance work and school (as a Nigerian Student)
As an adult, you have a lot of responsibilities to cover, bills to pay and expenses to cater for at home, school, and in your personal life. In Nigeria, hustling is a must in adulthood. Whether you’re a student or a graduate, knowing how to balance your life, work, and other activities is critical for effective functioning, high productivity, and mental wellness.
How do I balance work and school?
Once you agree to work while still in school, you need to note that you will have to sacrifice some of your time to get your work done. It’s quite hard to dedicate time to work when you need time for school, yourself and other things, but it is possible to get it all done. Below are some tips on how to balance work and school.
1. Time management
Remember, you can not be in multiple places at once unless you have supernatural powers, which you don’t have because unfortunately, this is real life. Learning how to properly manage your time is the closest thing to having superpower.
“This is the key to time management – to see the value of every moment” ~ Menachem Mendel Schneerson.
You can schedule time for your top priorities; for example, if you have work to perform in the morning, complete it promptly and without procrastination. It’s easy to delay; we all do it, but don’t go overboard, treasure each moment. Make a schedule, set an alarm, or ask someone to remind you when you have too many responsibilities to handle. This will help you keep track of time. Learn how to properly manage your time.
2. Inform your boss of changes.
Do you work full-time or part-time? Whatever you choose, the key to balancing education and a job is to communicate with your manager. Yes, he/she may object because most managers want you to stay focused on your work. However, it is your responsibility to persuade him/her and pledge to work better by demonstrating high-performance outcomes at the end of each month.
3. Make organization your priority
How many times do you have lectures in a week? How many times do you have work in a week? What time do you leave work? How many assignments do you have? Answering these questions can help with organizing your tasks, and crafting your schedule. For instance, If you need a particular textbook for an assignment, get it before it’s time for your assignment deadline, and get the tools you need to complete your work deadlines. You must plan your actions, establish your priorities, and review the items you will need to complete them. Hence, this can help you keep organized and prevent you from mixing together things that don’t matter right now with those that do. Learn organization tips for students
4. Set realistic goals
It’s essential to set realistic and achievable goals for both work and school. Don’t overcommit yourself by taking on more hours at work or enrolling in an overly demanding course load. Setting attainable goals ensures that you can maintain a healthy work-study-life balance without burning out. Because these two, if not properly managed, can outrightly wear you out.
4. Don’t be scared to ask for help
Don’t try to do everything yourself. Remember, “You can do anything but not everything.” – David Allen.
The bravest thing you can do is ask for help when you need it. If you are having a hard time understanding a topic, reach out to other students and let them guide you, or pay someone to tutor you. Do you find certain tasks at work hard? Ask your colleagues for help. Seeking help from others can make your work and school life easier. Don’t overtask yourself to do everything.
5. Communication is key
“Communication – the human connection – is the key to personal and career success.”- Paul J. Meyer.
At work, school, or in your life, communication plays a major role in attaining success. If you do not speak, how do you expect people to know what your thoughts or problems are? In Nigeria, each level in universities has level coordinators that you can talk to and share your concerns with. Companies and businesses have managers you can reach out to and seek support to share your issues. Don’t stay relaxed in class if you missed a test due to an important meeting at work. Inform your lecturer, and seek their assistance in making up for the missed assessments.
6. Make friends
Have one, two, or a group of friends you can always rely on in times of need, either to put you through a course or to remind you of work. At work make your colleagues your friends and let them assist you when you need them. Maintain a good relationship environment in both schools and work. We know that making friends isn’t all that easy, learn how to make friends in school.
7. Make time for yourself
What matters most in the world is you. Don’t focus too much on work and school, that you forget to take care of yourself. Make time for yourself, it can be a day or a few hours in a day.
Always remember, “It is so important to take time for yourself and find clarity. The most important relationship is the one you have with yourself.”-Diane Von Furstenberg.
Final note
It is also good to know that learning doesn’t have to be restricted to just lecture rooms. You can also try online courses
Staying consistent with your goals can help you achieve a lot, don’t let procrastination be an option, and remember to celebrate yourself, you deserve it.
I hope you found this helpful. Good luck!