Want to get your qualification? Or is gaining work experience the only thing on your mind? Well gone are the days where you need to choose between the two. You can now work and study at the same time! To get the perfect work-study balance, take a look at the do’s and don’ts of working while studying. Use your time wisely and make the most of this excitement ahead.
Can you Work and Study at the Same Time?
Yes you definitely can! You have plenty of study options available that give you the flexibility and freedom to pursue your career. But this all depends on your attitude. You need to be your biggest motivator and always stay ready to put in the hard work. If not, you could be setting yourself up for disaster.
Do’s and Don’ts of Working While Studying
Work during the day. Study at night. Seems easy enough, right? Well not quite. Between long work hours, studying and responsibilities, you’ll have a lot more on your plate. But don’t stress, get the best of both worlds with our do’s and don’ts of working while studying.
Do’s of Working While Studying
This includes all the helpful tips you need to be both a star pupil and employee. Not only are tips helpful for your career, it will help you in your studies too. Let’s take a closer look at them below.
Find an Alternative That Works for you
If you’re working a full-time job, you can’t be a full-time student. So part-time courses are a great option for you. But if you crave flexibility, then distance learning is the way to go.
Create a Planner
When you fail to plan, you plan to fail. So before you hit the books, create both a study schedule and daily planner. This will help you note down important exam dates and assignment deadlines. You’ll be able to stay on track and create healthy habits.
Start Early on Your Studies
Have a few more hours to spare? Use this time to get some studying done. When you start early on your studies, you won’t need to cram. You’ll have more time to break up your course material in more manageable chunks without feeling too tired to get up for work.
Take a Break
Even when you start your studies early, you should still take some down time. There are plenty of pros of taking breaks while studying. It prevents you from feeling too overwhelmed that could leave you feeling stressed.
Tell Your Employer About Your Studies
When you’ve started a new course, tell your employers about your studies. Inform them well in advance in case you need to take a day off for submission or when writing an exam. Who knows, they might even pay for your studies.
Get Your Family and Friends in on the Learning
The more time you spend working and studying, the less time you could be spending with your family and friends. So include your family and friends into the learning. They can help you make notes, flashcards, or test you in your own mock exam.
Don’ts of Working While Studying
Working while you study is a great option. But if you don’t manage your time, there could be more disadvantages than benefits. So steer clear of these mistakes below and your work-study life will be a breeze.
Not Prioritising
Your work and studies are both equally important. So if you do not prioritise, then both will suffer. If you have important work duties you need to attend to, see to them first. Once those are done, you can tackle your assignments or get prepared for the exam.
Taking on More Than You can Handle
We know you want to work and study at the same time, And we don’t blame you. But you need to know what your limits are. If you have too many work responsibilities and too little time, consider taking some time out from your studies. Your course will be waiting for you.
Digital Distractions
With both work and studies, do you really have time to binge watch your favourite shows? If you think you do, you might not have your priorities in check. Digital distractions are one of the key reasons students fall behind or procrastinate while studying.
Forgetting to Take Care of Your Mental Health
You might think you have a handle on things. But what is your body telling you? Pushing your body past its breaking point can do damage to your mental and emotional health. There are plenty of ways to take care of your mental health as a student. So don’t forget to make yourself a priority too.
Focusing on Studies During Work Time
Trying to sneak in some studying while you work? While we admire your determination, your manager might not be too pleased. There are many ways employers can track your work, so you risk getting a warning or even suspended if you’re caught.
Skills Academy is the word support in every way.
Learn and Earn Today!
Ready to gain skills and experience at the same time? Then distance learning is your best bet. From matric programmes to short courses, gain the skills that will take your career to the next level. Contact our course experts on how to get started. You can:
- Call us on 0800 39 00 27 – it’s free
- Fill in our contact form for a call back
