Working while studying can quickly get overwhelming, but the good news is that there are some things you can do (and avoid doing) to make it more manageable. Here are some dos and don’ts of working and studying, that you can start following today.

Don’t overcommit

Being ambitious is a great thing, but be careful not to commit yourself to too many activities- both at work as well as in your studies. Before promising your time or effort to any project, ask yourself how important it is in helping you reach your larger goals.

Do create a routine

Balancing the many responsibilities of work and studying at the same time requires a great routine that you can follow daily. Your routine should be mapped out on a calendar as well as in your diary, and it should include all times and activities related to your work, study and leisure time.

Don’t neglect yourself

When things get busy, it can be easy to neglect your own needs such as adequate sleep, proper eating, exercise and self-care. But falling into this trap will only burn you out, making you less productive and more stressed out. Even if it’s just 30 minutes at a time, be sure to prioritise your needs in your daily routine.

Do set boundaries

Both your work as well as your study life can get quite demanding at times. In such situations, learning to say “no” and setting healthy boundaries can save you a lot of stress. This can feel a bit awkward at first, but the more you practice it, the easier it’ll get. Here’s some more advice on setting boundaries at work.

Don’t forget to communicate

When things get busy, it can be easy to forget about regular communication with your superiors. But keeping your employer, as well as your lecturers updated and informed on your progress is important in order to manage expectations and make sure things keep running smoothly.

Do be proud of yourself

Working and studying at the same time isn’t an easy decision to make, but we commend you for taking that leap and working hard to achieve your goals. Keep your head up high, be proud of your accomplishments, and if you ever feel like the odd one out in your class or at work, remember that your dedication will pay off in the end.

Remember these pointers the next time you’re creating your plan for how you’ll tackle studying and working at the same time. Need some more advice on balancing studies and work? Check out this article, and follow us on our Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for daily study and career tips. Good luck!