Often students want to work and study at the same time. But the majority of the time, it can become difficult to manage both. We all found ourselves a bit overwhelmed sometimes, so it’s important to set rules and focus on certain things. That’s why we bring you the top 8 pieces of advice to stay on top of things. From practical advice to psychological, we bring you what we think will serve you.

1. Stay organized 📝

A great organization is key to managing both college and work obligations. Find a way that fits you best. If it’s using old-school planners, go for it. If you love online organizers, calendars, and apps, great. These tools will help you manage your tasks and obligations and ensure you don’t forget or miss something.

2. Recognize the value and importance of your time ⏱️

Your time is valuable. That’s why you have to manage it well. Often, you don’t have to do everything at once. Prioritize tasks and do them one at a time. And don’t feel pressured by others to give your time to them if you’re not comfortable with it. You don’t have to choose between school or work, just be careful to appoint time slots for things that matter the most.

3. Avoid overloading yourself and prioritize your mental health 💆‍♀️🧠

We cannot stress enough how much mental health is important. We know that college and work can be both stressful and time-consuming. That’s why you should carefully plan and consider where you want to work and what kind of work is right for you. When you find the right job and the right company, you will see that they’ll put your well-being as a priority.

4. Make sure your employer knows your availability 📅

We all know that students aren't available as much when exam time comes rolling in. So, you must inform your employer that you won’t be working in the same capacity as before. Not only will they accommodate you, but they’ll know how to organize their work accordingly. And when you’re finished, it’s back to work as usual. Don’t be afraid to say that you have college obligations. Education needs to come first.

5. Use work to learn 🤔💡

Your job is an opportunity to learn everything that is not thought in class. Use your work to learn from more experienced colleagues and find out their tips and tricks. You’ll get a mentor that will guide you through, and you can always use this experience to further your knowledge and understanding of college classes. Try to soak up as much as you can and don’t be afraid to fail.

6. Trust in your abilities 🤓

Even though you’re just starting to work, have faith in yourself and your abilities. Your skills and knowledge are important and someone hired you for a reason. They see value in you and the potential to grow. Often, companies will invest so much into you that you’ll have a steady patch going from junior to senior.

7. Communicate and don’t be afraid to ask for help 🙋

Ask questions and don’t be afraid to reach out to others in your team. Open communication is key. You should not feel uncomfortable in your team. This is your chance to learn so use it wisely.

8. Celebrate even small wins 🥳🙌

You’re just starting your professional and educational career. Don’t put so much pressure on yourself. You have good days and bad days. Mistakes will be made, so it’s important to embrace it all and celebrate even the small wins. Each accomplishment is great and it should be viewed as that. What you do is important and every day is your opportunity to shine.