Balancing Work and Graduate School: How to Succeed at Both

Want to go to graduate school but don’t want to leave your current full-time job? What if you could have it both ways? Idealist.org referenced a study in which 76% of graduate students said they worked 30 hours per week or more. In fact, many graduate programs at universities are fashioned in such a way that students can work a full-time, 9-5 job and attend classes during the evenings and on weekends. One of the pros of doing both at the same time is still receiving a steady income, while the cons add up to little social life and a rigorous schedule. But it can be done by following a few simple principles. If you’re thinking of embarking on a graduate degree but don’t want to quit your day job, you must learn how to balance your work, school, and social life. This can be done by utilizing organizational tools and methods as well as taking care of yourself.

The Challenges of Balancing Work and Graduate School

If you’ve even considering working full-time while attending graduate school, you are likely a driven and organized achiever. You know this journey is not for the faint of heart. Your time will be limited, your mental load will be weighty, and your stress level may be off the charts at times. Though this may seem grim, it’s the reality that many working graduate students face. However, the benefits of adding a graduate degree to your resume are huge. Continuing your education can lead to a higher salary, more job advancement opportunities, and a level of expertise in your field that really sets you apart. And for some careers, it may even be a requirement. Still, it can help to get yourself into the correct frame of mind as you weigh your decision to enroll and embark on being an employee by day and a student by night. Consider these three areas that will require your special attention over the next few years.

Time Management: The Key to Success

As a full-time employee and part-time graduate student, you’ll quickly find that you need to develop time management skills. Furthermore, it’s likely that you’re not just an employee or student; you may also be a spouse, parent, caretaker, friend, and more. With that, you need to be realistic with your schedule and learn to say “no” to whatever is not vital. One of the toughest parts about balancing school and work is giving up your social life. Though you don’t have to completely write off family and friends for two or three years, you do need to be a little more strategic about when you see them. Instead, opt for lunches with friends during the work week and save family visits for fall, winter and spring breaks at school. Friends and family will understand, especially if you let them know before you enroll that you won’t have as much time to devote to dinners, drinks, and visits home. There are also times, however, when being a full-time employee and graduate student may pay off. As you work and attend school, look for ways in which the two connect. Sometimes, you’ll be able to use your work time to complete school assignments. In fact, some companies will let you work on your thesis during work hours – if it benefits the company.

Staying Organized and Focused

Another great tool to have in your time management arsenal is a planner. Whether this is on your phone, computer, or a physical planner notebook, this tool can help you manage your assignments, deadlines, and responsibilities. As you fill in your planner, color code each item. For instance, you may have a color you use for work, another for school, and a third for social events. You may need to divide your life and responsibilities into three colors – or 10! Whatever your number, using a color-coded system will help you see the big picture of what you have going on each day, week, and month. Setting short- and long-term goals will also enable you to stay on track with work and school projects. At the start of each month, take a big picture view of what you have on your plate and create manageable deadlines for each week. Likewise, at the start of the week, organize your deadlines by what takes precedence. Finally, assess each day that you complete. What did you accomplish? And what still needs to be done? Organize each day task-by-task to manage your time and responsibilities. Plus, it will give you a dopamine hit every time you check something off the list.

Managing the Stress of Working and Studying

No matter how organized or structured you keep your schedule and time, working full-time and attending graduate school will be stressful at times. That’s why it’s important to establish healthy habits early on in your journey. This includes eating healthy, moving your body, and getting the recommended hours of sleep each night. While you won’t be perfect every day, you can set a goal to make the right choices most of the time. Block out time on your calendar to meal prep, so you can have quick dinners and healthy snacks on hand. Consider going for a walk or working out at a gym during your lunch break. Set a bedtime reminder for weeknights – and stick to it. By committing to living well during this stressful time in your life, you’ll have a solid foundation for performing at your best at work and in school.

Achieving Balance Between Work and Grad School

Remember that as you’re navigating life as an employee and student you’re not alone. There are other students in your class and school who are juggling similar responsibilities. Surround yourself with those students so that you can support and encourage one another. It’s also important to schedule in a little fun, especially as life will feel like all work and no play most of the time. You should reward yourself when you have big wins, like finishing a project or each semester. This may look like a sweet treat at the end of the day, a weekend off from working and studying, or a mini getaway. Keep yourself sane and on track by limiting your schedule to only what you must do for work, school, and your personal life. Stay organized with practical tools and methods that work for you. Finally, take care of yourself. It will be a lot of stress on your mind, body, and soul, but keeping healthy routines will make a difference. It is possible to succeed in balancing work and grad school. After all, three-quarters of the students are doing it. You’re in good company. Keep your focus, establish boundaries, and celebrate the wins. Your time as a working student will be over before you know it.