Balancing College and Two Jobs: 15 Tips for Managing Your Time and Staying Sane

Trying to juggle college and two jobs can feel completely overwhelming. Between classes, studying, work shifts, social obligations, and finding time to sleep and eat, days fly by in a blur of activity. No wonder students with multiple jobs are at high risk for burnout!

However, working two jobs in college doesn’t have to drive you into the ground With some strategic planning, self-care, and boundaries, you can make it through this busy season while still performing well at work and school Here are 15 tips to help you thrive while holding down two jobs and attending college

Micromanage Your Time

When your schedule is jam-packed, every minute counts. Get into the habit of micromanaging your time by:

• Using a planner to map out blocks for classes studying assignments, work shifts, meals, commuting, etc.

• Setting phone alarms to keep you on track with your schedule.

• Finding small pockets of time that can be devoted to studying, such as during commutes or lunch breaks at work.

• Scheduling focused blocks of time for working on large projects and assignments well in advance of due dates.

• Batching similar tasks together, like doing all your reading in one block or knocking out errands together.

Take Care of Your Physical Well-Being

Your body needs care to keep up with the demands of work and school. Be intentional about:

• Getting at least 6-8 hours of sleep per night. The extra sleep will sharpen your focus and productivity during waking hours.

• Eating healthy, energizing meals and snacks. Avoid relying too heavily on fast food, vending machine options, energy drinks, and coffee.

• Working movement into your day, like a 30-minute workout or walk around campus during breaks.

• Taking regular screen breaks when studying to protect your eyes and brain.

• Building in time to unwind and de-stress however works best for you.

Use the Money You Earn to Achieve Long-Term Goals

Working two jobs means more income, but also busier days. Avoid frittering away your earnings on impulse purchases. Instead, devote those paychecks to advancing your long-term plans, like:

• Paying off student loan and credit card debts.

• Saving for tuition, books, fees, and supplies for upcoming semesters.

• Funding experiences related to your career goals, like conferences, certifications, or networking opportunities.

• Saving for post-graduation plans like moving costs, rent deposits, professional wardrobe, etc.

Reduce Your Workload if Necessary

If your academics begin suffering because you’re overwhelmed by balancing school with two jobs, consider cutting back your work hours. Eliminating one job or reducing shifts at both can free up time and mental bandwidth for focusing on classes. Speak with financial aid advisors about how this could impact any work-study requirements as well.

Have a Designated Study Workspace

Trying to complete homework assignments during gaps in your work schedule makes it hard to focus. Designate a particular desk or table at your home, the library, or a coffee shop as your study space. Only use this workspace for studying so your mind associates it with focused work.

Plan Your Day Around Your Natural Rhythm

We all have ups and downs in our energy levels throughout the day. Take advantage of your body’s natural rhythm by:

• Scheduling classes for when you feel most alert and focused, like morning for early birds.

• Planning work shifts around times you tend to feel sleepy, unmotivated, or distracted.

• Using high energy times for tasks requiring concentration like exams or detailed projects.

• Saving rote tasks like readings or flashcard review for natural lulls when you need a brain break.

Set Firm Boundaries Around Your Availability

To keep some semblance of work-life balance, set firm expectations with bosses, professors, and friends about when and how you can be reached. For example:

• Block off times you are unavailable for shifts due to classes.

• Let professors know you’ll be offline during work hours.

• Set an automated email reply when in class or working.

• Silence non-essential notifications from your phone when focusing.

Build in Meaningful Breaks

All work and no play is unsustainable. Avoid burnout by regularly integrating activities you enjoy into your schedule, like:

• Grabbing coffee with friends for an hour between classes and work.

• Maintaining date nights or game nights with your significant other.

• Keeping up with a hobby like yoga, painting, or hiking on weekends.

• Calling home to vent to supportive family members when stressed.

Create a Batch Cook Day

No time for cooking during the work/school week can lead to unhealthy reliance on takeout. Dedicate one day a month to preparing batch meals and snacks to stock your freezer and fridge for the upcoming weeks. Stuff like casseroles, soups, healthy muffins, and protein snacks can be grabbed quickly during your marathon days.

Wake Up Early to Study

If evening shifts leave you drained, flip your schedule and use mornings for studying. Wake up a couple hours early to review notes, work on projects, or read before classes and shifts start. Having this quiet time can set you up for a productive day.

Partner With Classmates

Make some friends in your toughest classes who you can team up with for tackling assignments, comparing notes, testing each other, or peer editing papers. Having a classmate support system makes hitting deadlines much less intimidating.

Treat Yo’Self

Hard work deserves little rewards. After an exam or difficult work project, celebrate your efforts with a special treat like going to a movie, purchasing an item you’ve been eyeing, booking a massage, or indulging in dessert. You’ll be motivated to keep working hard.

Remember It’s Temporary

Working two jobs while pursuing a degree can feel endless, but this busy chapter will eventually come to an end. When you’re dragging, visualize yourself walking across that graduation stage, landing your first job in your career field, or financially supporting yourself without the two jobs. The light is coming!

Juggling college while working two jobs is not for the faint of heart. But taking proactive steps to care for yourself, create firm boundaries, micromanage your time, and tap into social support can make achieving your academic and professional goals possible. With some planning and priority-setting, you’ve got this!