How to Find a Balance Between Work, Study and Personal Life?
The topic of work-life balance, which implies harmonious combination of all life spheres, has become especially popular nowadays. More often, experts focus on reconciliation of work and personal life. But what’s to be done if study is a third component apart from these two? How to manage everything without compromising health? And how to avoid burnout and restore personal resources in time?
1. Choose to work in a field that is relevant to your studies.
- This advice is for those who have not yet started to work. It’s best if your university major and professional activity at least partially cross. It will be much easier for you this way. You will leverage your knowledge and your practical skills will facilitate theoretical understanding.
2. Control your workload and tasks, both independently and with the help of a manager.
- Learn to talk to your supervisor, do not lead to nervous breakdowns and a decrease in your own productivity and motivation. Most people are inspired by interesting tasks and results of work, if neither of these brings you joy, you should think about changing your trajectory. Contact your manager, who will be able to lead you in the right direction and provide necessary support, being interested that you work productively.
3. Have a conscious approach to your studies.
- You can come to an agreement with almost anyone, including teachers. Do not forget about homework and do not miss your studies without warning. If this does happen, check what you need to do. Often a report or an essay is enough, it will take a little time, but it will greatly facilitate your life.
4. Don’t put off your tasks until the last moment.
- It is better to do at least a small part of the task at once, being in public transport or on a lunch break. Believe me, most working students write their essays and prepare presentations in trains and subways, since technical capabilities now allow this.
5. Divide the time for studies and work.
It is very important to clearly divide the time to perform work and studies, and not to do everything at the same time. And do not forget about taking a rest. At least one day a week should be devoted to recovery: take up a hobby, spend time with friends or read books.
6. Take a vacation for the period of exams.
- In Latvia, section 157 of the Labor Law stipulates that an employer must be granted study leave for taking state examinations or developing a diploma thesis, and the duration of such leave is specified - 20 working days. It should be noted that the employer has the option to choose whether the employee's salary is maintained during the study leave. Therefore, we advise you to plan your annual vacation for the duration of exams in advance or agree with the manager on working off. That way you will reduce your workload and stress level.
7. Time management and planning.
- Take at least 10 minutes a day to plan your time. Keep your diary, planner, notes in your phone. Yes, it's obvious, but nothing better has yet been invented. With the help of such a simple method, you can systematize and track your deadlines, plan time to perform a certain task. Thereby you will not forget anything and it will not come as a surprise for you that tomorrow at work you need to show a presentation and prepare a paper at school.
8. Break down large tasks into smaller and simpler ones.
- This way, you will be able to make a clear algorithm of actions. If your global task is to write a paper, it is easier to divide this task into preparing a literature review, setting of goals and objections, writing an introduction, etc.
9. Do not forget about your health.
Despite the large amount of work and little time to do it, it is very important to monitor your nutrition and sleeping schedule. This will help to avoid exhaustion and sickness that would be the reason for you to go on sick leave. With proper time management you will quickly and efficiently learn how to combine work with studying. The main thing to remember is that you need to set priorities in accordance with your values. Sooner or later, you will graduate and think about this time with a smile and be proud of yourself.
