The GMACS Part Time Job Guide Part 2: Balancing Work and Study
Welcome back to the GMACS part time job guide! In part 2, we will explore the challenges that come with working whilst studying full time. Expect advice on how to manage the new challenges that come with trying to juggle all these new commitments. Plus, some thoughts on how to plan your time and whether part time work is even right for you. A packed blog!
If you didn’t catch our first part which provides advice about getting your first part time job, click here to read part one.
You’ve secured a role – well done!
So, you’ve got the job, and you’ve settled into your role. Only to discover this has brought with it a whole new set of issues. Having to manage your schedule has become a lot trickier now that you’re studying and working. Finding the time to do everything whilst still ensuring you have time for a personal life can be tough.
Remember your priorities
When you start earning money through your part time job, it can be easy to forget what you’re studying for. It’s understandable to want to work, especially when you depend on the money. It’s important to remember the importance of the qualifications you’re working towards and where you want to be in life.
It might be tricky to balance your priorities. It’s important to remember that the work experience you’re getting during your part time work will be invaluable in the future, alongside your education. This means that it isn’t a case of work vs. study. You can see the two parts as complimenting each other.
Managing and planning your time
Becoming overwhelmed by a busy schedule can have a huge impact on us emotionally, mentally and physically. It can be easy for things to build up and get too much. One way to avoid this is through planning. There are various ways to do this and always remember that you know yourself and your schedule best.
You may work set days, so it’s handy to optimise the time you have. Perhaps arrange to spend an hour in the library on the days you’re in your place of study? Or try to designate 30 minutes a day to your academic work. Be mindful of how much you’re working around exam season or upcoming deadlines and maybe think about reducing your work commitments, if possible. Organisation is key. Preplanning is always best and once you’re done with your work give yourself a little reward for your efforts! You must be firm but fair with yourself.
Is part time work right for you?
It’s important to consider your academic responsibilities and choose a job role that you think won’t conflict too much. There are lots of challenges associated with working a part time job alongside your studies. This could be antisocial or long hours or having a demanding role that uses a lot of your energy. It’s important to protect your physical, emotional and mental health.
It can be hard to juggle everything, and finding the right balance is crucial to your wellbeing. The health and wellbeing section on Curriculum for Life offers a range of articles that could support you to cope with these pressures.
However, despite all your planning, you may still find that the job you’re in isn’t suited to you or your studies. If you feel that to accommodate your studies or your general wellbeing, you need to cut down your hours, have a clear and open conversation with your manager about this. This should help to resolve any issues you might be having with your workload. However, if you find that you’re in a position where you cannot do this, or that your employers may be treating you unfairly, please refer to our Curriculum for Life article on the importance of knowing your rights in the workplace. Remember there will be other places happy to employ you, so you don’t need to stay in a job where you’re unhappy.
How do I balance my finances?
There are many people who are studying and working part time out of necessity and for many that part time work is a financial lifeline. Many people depend on the money they earn to survive. Having a relationship with money early on in life is a positive habit to start. For those of you who are more reliant on the money you earn from your part time employment, we have an insightful article on Curriculum for Life on how to best manage your funds.
In conclusion
The journey into the world of work for the first time will be different for every individual, and working alongside your studies will mean different things to different people. Some people can choose not to work while others don’t have this option. Other people may choose to work to build experience and gain employability skills. Whatever your decision, there’s no right or wrong way.
Thanks for reading this GMACS part time job guide!. We hope you’ve found it helpful and that it could help you balance work and study.
If you’d like to see something else on our site, or you think something’s missing from this article, we’re eager to hear your voice. Please get in touch with us to contribute your thoughts – we welcome all feedback.
