By:Larry Hussey
College life
About half of all full-time college students have jobs outside of school. This number jumps to 80% when it comes to part-time students. One study showed that 70% of college students are stressed about finances. With work, school, activities, and friends all demanding attention, many students struggle with balancing and prioritizing the different areas of their lives.
We know that high levels of stress hurt our mental health. With the growing rates of anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns being seen on campuses across the country in mind, here are some questions you can ask yourself to support your mental health while working and staying in school.
Carlson students
Lizzy Deshaw
Job -A & W
1)is it hard balancing work and school-
Not really just have to have time management
2)how long have you worked there-
2 years
3)do you plan on staying-
No
Ryan todd
job – Mcdonalds
1)is it hard balancing work and school-
Yes but i manage
2)how long have you worked there-
6 months
3)do you plan on staying- no
Chloe Nightingale
Job-Marshalls
1)is it hard balancing work and school-
No but i don’t like it
2)how long have you worked there-
4 months
3)do you plan on staying- Absolutely not
How Many Hours Do I Need To Work?
School administrators recommend that students ideally work 10-15 hours per week. For full-time students, this leaves them adequate time to spend in class and on assignments, while exploring interests and building relationships.
For the students responsible for their own finances or even those of their families, 10-15 hours per week is often not enough. If this is the case, some options include choosing online classes that allow for greater flexibility, working with your advisors and professors to strategically schedule classes and assignments around your outside obligations, and applying for grants, scholarships, or stipends through your school or other organizations. Many of these can be found online and have relatively simple application processes.
Am I Making Time For Myself And My Basic Needs?
College is the first real taste of independence for a lot of people. This means that many of the decisions that were once made for you or built into your days are now up to you. Your basic needs- getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising-often get lost or lose priority while you’re balancing work, school, and socializing. Ignoring your physical and mental health can have serious consequences, especially for those with a history of mental health problems. Instead of shifting away from basic healthy practices, try to find strategies to use your time most effectively. This could include learning to say no to new commitments and blocking time specifically for taking care of yourself. https://mhanational.org/balancing-work-and-school
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
You’ve got a busy life, and it’s going to be even busier when you start working toward a degree. Don’t let other things get in the way of your education. If you don’t prioritize school, you will end up waiting until the last minute. If you manage your time well, you will be able to manage professional and personal concerns that may arise. To that end, plan ahead to avoid the stress and anxiety of trying to beat a last-minute deadline. Take time to revise and edit your work, which will also lead to a better finished product. https://www.purdueglobal.edu/blog/student-life/work-life-balance-guide-college-students/
Conclusion
Working is an important part of almost everyone’s life and so is schooling which is why you should try and prioritize both by giving both the same amount of time and energy and pushing through when it gets hard and always keep your main goals and dream ahead of you. Let that be your driving force and determination.