Balancing work and school is within reach using these effective strategies

The challenges of work and school balance are real and there are practical things you can do to better manage both areas of your life.

The challenges of balancing work and school

Managing both work and school responsibilities can lead to significant stress. A study highlighted by Mental Health America found that about half of all full-time college students hold jobs outside of school, and this number increases to 80% for part-time students. Additionally, 70% of college students reported being stressed about finances.

Juggling work and school requires managing multiple commitments, and this can result in fatigue, decreased academic performance and a lack of personal time. Many students find themselves sacrificing sleep or social interactions to meet deadlines. Long work hours can lead to missed classes or difficulty in keeping up with coursework. 

Financial stress also compounds the challenge, as students must decide whether to allocate more hours to their job or focus on their studies.

Strategies to effectively balance work and school

To successfully balance work and school, consider the following strategies:

1. Time management: Create a structured schedule that allocates specific time slots for work, classes, study sessions and personal activities. Use digital planners or apps to set reminders for important deadlines and tasks. Consider using the Pomodoro technique, where you work in short, focused intervals followed by breaks to maintain productivity.
   
2. Prioritization: Identify and focus on tasks that are most critical, ensuring that both work and academic responsibilities are met efficiently. Breaking larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps can help maintain progress without feeling overwhelmed. Using tools like Eisenhower’s Urgent-Important Matrix can help prioritize tasks effectively.
   
3. Open communication: Maintain transparent communication with employers and professors about your dual commitments. This can lead to potential flexibility in work hours or assignment deadlines. Many employers understand the need for education and may offer adjusted schedules or reduced work hours during exam periods. Setting clear expectations with supervisors and professors can help avoid conflicts.
   
4. Support resources: Take advantage of academic advising, counseling services and time management workshops offered by educational institutions. Study groups and tutoring services can also help lighten the workload by providing additional support. Many universities offer online study resources and writing centers to assist with coursework.
   
5. Self-care and stress management: Taking care of mental and physical health is essential. Engaging in regular exercise, eating well and setting aside time for relaxation or hobbies can prevent burnout and keep motivation high. Practicing mindfulness techniques, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, can help manage stress effectively. Getting adequate sleep is also crucial to maintaining focus and productivity.
   
6. Technology: Use productivity apps like Todoist, Freedom, Sunsama or Google Calendar to keep track of assignments, deadlines and work schedules. Online courses and recorded lectures can also be valuable tools for those juggling work and education, allowing students to learn at their own pace.

How Earned Admission at Arizona State University supports working students

Arizona State University offers Earned Admission, designed to provide a flexible pathway for individuals balancing work and education. This program allows students to enroll in college courses online for a reduced fee and only pay for credits upon passing the course with a satisfactory grade. ASU recommends receiving an A or B to transcribe credit. By completing the required number of credits with a GPA of 2.75 or higher, students become eligible for admission to ASU. For learners over 22, 12 credits are required and for learners under 22, 24 credits are required.

Earned Admission provides students with the flexibility to learn at their own pace, reducing the pressure of meeting strict deadlines while juggling work responsibilities. The opportunity to start coursework without the financial burden of full tuition makes higher education more accessible for working individuals.

Earned Admission success story: Katie Marquez

Katie Marquez is a third-generation Sun Devil who utilized Earned Admission. She was able to work full-time while advancing her education. The program’s flexibility allowed her to learn at her own pace and create a schedule that accommodated her professional responsibilities. Her story proves that achieving a degree is possible even with a busy schedule. Her success story serves as inspiration for other working students aiming to complete their college education.

Balancing work and school is undoubtedly challenging, but with effective strategies and supportive programs like ASU’s Earned Admission, achieving academic and professional success simultaneously is attainable. By using time management techniques, prioritizing responsibilities, seeking support and practicing self-care, students can navigate their dual commitments successfully.