14 Things I’ve Learned From Working A Full-Time Job As A Full-Time Student
1. Use time off
Whether it be a morning or an afternoon, use that time off to do whatever is on your to-do list or syllabus.
2. Goodbye to full days off
When you have school two days a week, that leaves 5 days. Well, you still have 40 hours of work to do and work is 5 days a week
3. Netflix is not your friend
Netflix will distract you and will make you forget to do the reading. It’s a hole: once you start watching you don’t stop until it’s 3 hours until class and you still need sleep. Don’t do this! Limit yourself to one episode or movie.
4. Yoga is your friend
If you can manage to squeeze in the time to exercise, yoga is a great way to relax and free your mind.
5. Sometimes you have to say no
When your friends ask you to go out every weekend, but you get off at 8:30 at night, have a paper due on Tuesday, an exam to study for, and 4 chapters in a book to read, you should probably skip this weekend’s repeat of the last.
6. Watch the fast food
You can spend way too much and eat way too much fast food if you don’t pay attention to how many times you’ve gone. It’s easy and quick, giving you more time to do other things, but if you get used to stopping at these places, it will become a habit.
7. You need to see your family and friends
Yes, sometimes you need to say no, but not all the time. It’s necessary to make time for these people. They’ll give you a break from your crazy schedule, and love you no matter how much of a mess you are.
8. Cut travel time
I used to spend 30 minutes 5 days a week driving to work, and 30 minutes 5 days a week driving home from work. On the other two days I spent another 30 minutes driving to school and 30 minutes driving home from school. I lasted about 10 months doing this and finally moved closer to work and school. I now walk to school and have a 6 minute drive to work. I didn’t realize how much more time this gave me until I made the move.
9. Shop in between classes
If you don’t have any schoolwork to catch up on, and you have a break in between classes, now is your time to shop. Get whatever groceries, clothes, or necessities you need now. That way you don’t have to worry about it later.
10. Sleep at least 6 hours
I know, with all the homework, school, work, and everything else on your schedule, it’s hard to get a full 8 hours, but getting at least 6 is key. If you skip out on sleeping, nobody will want to be around you and your body will hate you.
11. Social networking is decreased
Since you’re usually always doing something, tweeting, instagramming, and facebooking fall to the back of your priorities. While sometimes you might go on a spree, you usually only get on these first thing in the morning and right before bed now. Don’t worry, you’re not missing much.
12. Make to-do lists
Write down what you have to do on paper that way you can organize what you have to do in order of importance and reduce the risk of skipping something. Be easy on yourself though, if you write too much it can be overwhelming and nothing on the list will get done.
13. Make time for what you love
Always make time for your hobby or something you love to do. Mine is writing; yours could be drawing, painting, or whatever you really like to do. Just make sure to do this. It will make you happy, I promise. Don’t put yourself last.
14. Laugh and relax
Don’t stress or freak out. If you forget about a paper the day of, take a breath and try to write it. If not talk to your professor. They’re human too and most of them will work with you (that doesn’t mean to skip every due date; this means one paper during your semester). If you stress over everything going on, you’re going to be put away, don’t go crazy. Love your chaotic busy schedule and realize how independent and responsible you’re being.