Study and Work Smart With These 10 Tips on Time Management for Students

Time management for students is already challenging with lectures, exams, reviewing, and extracurricular activities. Add a part-time job to the mix, and the stress piles up. How can one juggle a job and their studies?

Still, working students in the country are on the rise. Inflation, pricier college fees, and economic disruption contribute to the increasing number of students applying for part-time jobs. If you're thinking of doing the same, we have good news. Yes, it's possible to balance your studies and work with smart time management techniques.

A Good Time to Work Part-Time

Gone are the days of limited jobs that required you to report to the office daily. The COVID-19 pandemic and the country's K-12 system have brought about changes that made work more friendly and accessible to students. Here are the reasons why there are more student-friendly jobs today:

The Rise of Remote Work

The COVID-19 pandemic challenged businesses to continue operations through digitalization and work-from-home arrangements. Employers have become open to hybrid setups and even fully remote jobs. This means that now, you don't have to brave the traffic to go to work, which is costly, adds to your stress, and eats into precious time. Imagine studying and then transitioning to work without leaving your dorm or home!

Also read: Job Search For Students: Find Work You Love With These 7 Tips

More Job Choices

You can work for a local company—or a foreign one without leaving the Philippines! Fully remote jobs are expanding, which equates to more earning opportunities for you. Digital skills are especially in-demand, which is why IT (information technology) fresh graduates are among the highest-paid in the country.

Boosted Competence

Thanks to the K-12 system implemented in 2012, senior high school (SHS) graduates are equipped not only to enter tertiary education but also to work and start their own businesses. By choosing from tracks in academics, sports and arts, and technical-vocational-livelihood, SHS finishers develop mid-level skills that jumpstart their career or prepare them for higher learning like a master’s degree.

Skills Expansion

The more you work, the more skills you gain. As a working student, you get a head start in developing your skills, so get the most out of your on-the-job training. You become marketable with enough work experience, opening more career opportunities.

Also read: Get Any of These 10 E-Commerce Jobs for Career Growth Opportunities

10 Time Management Tips for Working Students

For employed students, time management problems are common and plentiful. The struggle is real when doing a balancing act of maintaining grades and fulfilling work tasks. Here are some tips to keep you focused on both areas while carving out time for much-needed rest and recreation.

1. Choose a job well.

Don't just grab the first opportunity you find. Not all part-time jobs are created equal, so it pays to find one that suits your needs and schedule. Assess your academic load and be honest with yourself. Which kind of work can you accommodate with your time and energy? Knowing what you can take on will make it easier to choose while job hunting.

Also read: How to Get a Job You’re Unqualified For in 10 Smart Ways

2. Follow a schedule.

Setting a schedule and following it is key to learning how to manage time for studying daily. Don't just plan tasks in your head; write it down on your phone or whiteboard. Step further by setting your phone alarm to remind you what you should be doing—feeling overwhelmed with your responsibilities? Break your whole-day schedule into 30-minute intervals to keep it manageable.

3. Set priorities.

Find ways to fit your work schedule in with school rather than the other way around. As soon as you receive word about an exam or work deadline, put it on your calendar immediately. When setting a schedule, prioritize non-negotiables and non-flexible tasks for school and work. Knowing which tasks are urgent, you can better plan your week, helping you feel prepared and in control.

4. Practice foresight.

Planning begins once you've received your school calendar, helping you keep track of class schedules, examination dates, and holidays. Off-school days are important because this is the time when you can squeeze in the most work. Try doing a weekly plan. Write down your tasks for the following days and list what you've done in the past week. This will give you a sense of progress.

5. Reduce procrastination.

Have you ever faced an enormous challenge that you spend more time worrying about than accomplishing it? When anxiety takes over, you feel debilitated and instead focus on less urgent tasks, such as watching Korean dramas or organizing your closet. The trick to avoiding anxiety and procrastination is to start small. Don't think about the big picture yet; first, break down the project into manageable steps. Taking things one day at a time gives you a better chance of making a dent in your to-do list.

6. Work smarter.

Working harder is different from working smarter. Working hard means spending extra time and effort to finish tasks. If you work smarter, you can finish the job in the least possible time. The key is finding new ways to accomplish work efficiently. An example is figuring out when your brain is sharpest. If you're a morning person, accomplish the most difficult tasks during that time. Another technique is to turn off social media notifications so that you will stay focused.

7. Avoid multitasking.

The world celebrates multitaskers, but it may be ineffective when it comes to being a working student. Try to separate work from your studies. Studying in the workplace keeps you unfocused and can result in costly errors. The same goes when you're trying to work in school. You can better boost productivity when you give each your undivided attention.

8. Seek support.

When juggling school and work is taking its toll on you, take a break and connect with people you hold dear. Seek emotional support from friends and family. Your teachers and student counseling office can also help you during this difficult time. If you fall short on your grades and school requirements, open up to your teacher and explain your situation calmly. Ask for extra time on projects and extension of deadlines if necessary.

9. Stay healthy.

Be aware of signs of burnout. It's easy to skip a meal and cram for an exam until late at night. Make an effort to keep healthy and fit to perform your best in school and work. When your body is well-rested, your brain is more alert. When your commitments get too much, take a step back and cancel some of them. Take breaks as often as you can to reclaim your energy and motivation.

10. Eye on the prize.

You may have a long-term goal in mind, but on the way there, it helps to set realistic mini-goals. When you achieve one, celebrate your accomplishment. Don't be too hard on yourself; being a working student is no small feat. Celebrate small wins, and constantly remind yourself of your goal to stay motivated.

Your commitment to getting an education and being employed will pose significant challenges. However, having the right time management skills will make it a lot easier.

Get That Part-Time Job!

Ready to dive into the exciting world of employment? Find the job that will help you achieve your goals. Visit JobStreet or download the JobStreet app on Google Play or the App Store to create or update your profile.