Simple Tips to Juggle Study And Work Effectively

Many students choose to work while they study to help with living costs and earn some extra cash. However, juggling work and study can be tough and can sometimes leave you feeling burned out and overwhelmed.

You’re not likely to have a mandated timetable from your university (unless you have some compulsory taught modules) at PhD level. Even though this means more freedom, PhD study is rigorous, and students are often expected to treat their research as a full-time job. You can identify times which are likely to be less busy than the rest to take on more work. You may want step back from work closer to the submission and viva dates.

They key to having a healthy work-study balance is to be open about your commitments and availability to both your faculty and employers. Your supervisor can guide you in making sure your studies are not taking a hit. It is good to keep your employer in the loop about when you think your PhD is going to get busy, preferably right at the start. Being open from the get-go will help you build the trust and understanding to negotiate more flexibility when the time comes.

Rest assured that you’ll not be the only one juggling study and work. You’ll find that many of your peers are in the same situation. Even though PhD research is primarily a solo job, having a support system goes a long way. Having someone understand the position you’re in can help tackle the feelings of isolation and keep you motivated