How to manage studies while working

It is a huge tackle to find a balance between full-time job and full-time studies. And if that is not enough where do you find the time to take care of yourself and perhaps a family as well. We are all individuals and we all have different ways to adapt and to survive in challenging situations.

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Remember that the studies don’t (hopefully) last forever and if you need to make some adjustments for a while, it is actually only for a while. When you graduate you can easily take back all the hobbies and other plans you had before starting the studies.

Best tips to compound studies and work

1. Time management
   • Make a schedule and try to stick to it, use a calendar
   • Make To Do-lists daily to follow the most acute tasks to tackle
   • Talk with your supervisor at work about the schedule, if there is anything they could be flexible with
2. Remember wellbeing
   • Sleep well
   • Eat well and versatile throughout the day
   • Favor regular daily rhythm
3. Freetime
   • Make sure you get some free time just to relax and just do something fun
   • Keep at least one hobby, preferably some sport to make you move during the time of mainly sitting by computer
   • Have a cup of coffee with a friend or go for a walk with a friend just to have some other thoughts for a while
4. Be honest
   • If you feel like you have too much on your plate do talk openly with student counselor or your supervisor at work how to manage with everything
   • Be open to people nearby and ask for help in other matters that you feel are overwhelming at the same time
5. Balance is the key
   • Try to find a good balance with rest and activity, remember to take breaks as well

Easily said than done

For at least of my opinion. I have tried, actually quite many times to do as advised and listed. But I couldn’t work full-time, study full-time and take care of family of three very active sporty girls at the same time. Couldn’t do it all for a long period, I survived 5 months with everything and then I had to give up. And I admitted it and I started searching for the solution how to graduate. But as said we are all different. This autumn 2023 I applied for a study leave from work to get the studies really going as I wished not just to tackle barely through courses but to learn and progress myself as well. We are very privileged in Finland to have an opportunity to apply for a study leave from permanent full-time job. And I was sad to hear that this benefit is to be abolished by government next year 2024. I was right on time to do this and if the abolishment comes in action there are many studies to be unfinished because of that. As I am on study leave I have more time to actually study and also learn and adapt new things and hopefully graduate in the near future.

Resources

Academic Work: 5 vinkkiä opintojen ja työn yhdistämiseen