Most of us are hyper-aware of the realities we face after graduation. We complain about it all the time, fearful for our futures—or our collective lack thereof! There aren't any jobs. Bachelor's degrees are useless! Even entry-level jobs want a Master's now. I'm never gonna find a job in my major. I'm never gonna be able to move out! I'd better get this side hustle going by graduation! How many times have you said any of these things? A thousand, I know.
But what do you do when a beautiful job in the Real World is suddenly yours, even before graduation? We find ourselves in no way prepared for that opportunity! Suddenly you have exams in class and deadlines at work, and you're forced to navigate two separate sets of reality that feel like they might be the end of you. But the secret is, you're totally capable! Here are some ways to juggle being both a student and a salaried employee.
1. Manage your time
Unfortunately, even working full-time doesn't mean you don't need your degree anymore. (Bummer!) Make sure you split your time wisely between work and school.
2. Prioritize
Order your task list from most important to least important for any given day. Dealing with two sets of deadlines demands twice as much focus and prioritization. Choose your day's tasks carefully based on their scope and due dates, for both work and school. Don't assume that work should take precedence because it makes you money.
3. Communicate with your supervisor
Stay in constant contact with your higher-ups. Let them know your commitment to the job, and be honest about the unique challenges you face as a student. Tell them when your exam weeks are and when projects are due that might pull you away from work. Also, get ahead on your workload before those times arrive to give yourself a cushion.
4. Take care of yourself
With all the new tasks and extra stress that come with juggling full- or part-time work with the pursuit of a degree, your body will need to be at its best. Do as much as you can to make sure your body stays strong—drink lots of water, try to have frequent, healthy meals (you can afford them now!), and get at least six hours of sleep on a semi-regular basis. Also try and do something for yourself at least once a week to release some stress. Taking good care of your body and mind can help reduce your chances of having the common cold, a failed exam, or a nervous breakdown!
5. Learn everything you can!
Know that this is your first Real Job, and that you will have more Real Jobs after this one. Get all the information you can, because this is your first chance to get an idea of what it's like to work in the Real World and prepare yourself for your career. Most people have to wait until after graduation, but you managed to get it before! Take advantage of that leg up over your classmates, and enjoy the journey!
