This past week has been a rough one, between both jobs and final projects I have managed to totally screw up simple things, and had to as a manager work both jobs overtime with all disregard for any personal obligations. How can we as students who work, effectively manage our time? Many people have told us time and time again what they would do, or what they think is best in our case, but only you know your schedule, your obligations, and how make everything fit into your long-term plan. In an article I found on Degrees.com there were several pointers I found that I would like to share with everyone today. Take these and apply them to your specific needs.
- Keeping a calendar of your work schedule, combined with your daily assignments and upcoming exams is an excellent way to stay balanced and be aware of what needs to be read and absorbed each day after work. The month-view of what lies ahead will make your tasks seem less intimidating, and you can see your progress over time. Place alerts in your cell phone or email that you you know of upcoming events and deadlines 2-3 days ahead of time so you do not end up doing important tasks/assignments last minute or missing them all together
- Making lists is also an excellent time management tool. Making daily lists will help to keep your priorities in order, helping you to remember little things like what to pick up at the grocery store, or what chapters to read for class. It is a great way to keep you from feeling frazzled and overwhelmed.
Aside from keeping a large monthly calendar and daily post-it lists, scheduling each day is an additional time management tool to add to your arsenal. Allot your tasks by the hour, giving yourself structure and time to study and time to unwind each day.
One of the most important things to add into your busy schedule of working and going to school is to pencil in some time for yourself, no matter how short that time may be. If you do not take time out to do something you enjoy, you may become depressed or disenchanted with earning your degree, and possibly quit school. A healthy balance of ambition and time for your personal needs is important.
Proper sleep is also high on the list. Studies show that individuals who get a healthy amount of sleep each night, and those who go to bed and get up around the same time daily, are more focused and alert. These individuals feel better overall, and have the energy to take on the full day of school and work that they meet each day. Some students who work find online college an ideal avenue for achieving a higher education. The freedom to study from home frees students to work, yet does take self-discipline to follow through with. Currently I am online and there are many benefits to making your own work schedule, but you do have to adhere to deadlines just as in a real class room, so be sure properly prioritize your daily work load. To much work and to much stress will lead to poor performance in all areas of your life. Trust me I know :)
You can read more about working and going to school at http://www.degrees.com/article/time-management-working-and-going-school-0
