Slightly Controlled Chaos :: My Working Student Survival Guide

I know I'm not the only working student out there. I've got friends who do the same as I do--and some of them have it even harder than me! They've got kids, car troubles, or other troubles. I feel the struggle, but I know my struggle could be harder.

Now that that's out of the way, let's be real--being a working student sucks!

Unless you're one of those "naturally talented" people, university classes can be tough and time-consuming. They're stressful at times. Add into the mix two part-time jobs and the need to fully self-support, and you've got a very interesting recipe.

I have had people ask me how I do it. Usually I answer with, "I don't know, I just do." This is fairly accurate, but I realize that doesn't really answer the question. There's certainly a nutshell version, but that wouldn't make for a very fun blog post, now would it? ;)

So, how do I do it?

This was April 2016.... see what I mean? :)

A LOT of Planning and Time Management-- Work shifts from two separate jobs, classes, homework, shopping, chores, appointments, and various other things all require time. I used to schedule everything in Google Calendars, but I've found I do better with a large book-style planner. Everything is written in and a majority of it is color-coded so I can make quick assessments regarding my day, week, and month. I also write down my bills and their typical due dates, because those dates tend to creep up. I've also got notes for myself regarding the dispersal of my paychecks, so I can make sure that I save for everything I need. It's important to stay on top of my money as well as my time!


Open Communication-- I do not hide the fact that I juggle two jobs and university classes. Both of my employers are aware of my situation, and I make sure that all of my project group members, and even some of my professors (if necessary), know too. This way, if I am unreachable or hard to schedule, they know why. People aren't always happy to hear this, but they tend to understand.

Prioritization and  Sacrifice -- In order to perpetuate this organized chaos without having it fall apart, I have to prioritize and sacrifice. My priorities are 1. School 2. Work  3. Social Life. Truthfully, 1 and 2 flip-flop depending on my circumstances, though I try to keep school first so that I can get done with it faster. Outside of school and work, I don't socialize all that much. I'm usually at home studying, sleeping, or cleaning.

Balance-- I just listed school as my first priority, but the truth is that I am my first priority. If I don't strike a fair enough balance between all of the things on my calendar, things tend to go badly. If I work too much, I will get sick, get migraines, and/or get very depressed. If I get too wrapped up in schoolwork, I can go a little postal. This balance is a constant struggle, but the closer I get to it, the better I feel. The better I feel, the more likely I am to survive the day with any semblance of sanity.

Hollywood Undead as my Fall 2015 pre-game. Please excuse the sh***y quality pic!

Rewards-- Even though sacrifice is required, rewards are too. If I'm going to work my tush off day in and day out without rewarding myself now and again, I'm going to burn out and break down a whole lot faster. I like to set up some short-term rewards, like going to my favorite restaurant, seeing a movie, or getting a new purse or item of clothing (if I know I can afford it!). I also like my pre-game/post-game ritual with my school semester. Before semester starts and after it ends, I treat myself to a really nice dinner, a concert, or anything else (within reason). It helps me look forward to the semester, and it really feels good when semester ends! Really though, a reward doesn't have to mean going out. Sometimes, it's really rewarding to have a day where I can sleep in, or maybe I get to sit and watch my favorite show for a while, instead of doing homework. I can't constantly reward myself, but if I do it regularly enough, it helps me get through.


Relaxation-- It's really easy to get wound up when you're a working student. Double shifts, no weekends, long days, and endless homework can be taxing. So, I do my best to make sure I get to relax. Imbibing an adult beverage or three is one way, but it isn't the only way. I like to head to the aerial studio when I get a chance. I get to be around some great people and I get a little exercise, and I always feel better when I leave. Sometimes I will write, and there are just some days where it's nice to just lay down in a quiet room and just breathe. When you're always surrounded by people at work or at school, and your brain is always running between everything, it's nice to have a moment where you can calm it.

Also this. This happens when I lose it.

Just Lose It-- There are some days of exceptional stress where I lose it. I get angry that I'm always working and can't do somethings that I would like. I get stressed over what needs to be done. I get frustrated because I feel alone and like I'm never going to be done with this work-work-school-work scenario. I will break down in tears, and I let myself get mad, sad, frustrated--whatever I need to do. I can't keep it together all the time, and losing it for a little bit helps me keep it together the rest of the time.


Suck It Up, Buttercup-- After I've lost it, I remind myself that I still have a lot to do. It was OK that I lost it, but now I have to suck it up and keep going. The world hasn't stopped turning, and there is still homework to be done and bills to be paid. I don't like having to juggle this, but this is how it is and I've got to just pull myself together and get it done. No excuses.

My support network is. For sure.

Support Network-- This is, by far, the biggest reason I'm able to do the working student thing. Anyone who has to undergo this kind of stress needs to have someone, and hopefully a number of someones, to turn to in their darkest hours. I know that I can talk to my family and they will help me keep things in perspective and remind me that I CAN do this. I don't see my friends much anymore, but thankfully they understand what I'm doing and they've been there to listen and motivate on occasion, and their presence is a pick-me-up too. Just being around the ladies at the aerial studio is great, and the fact that they greet me so kindly every time they see me means a lot!  I know I could turn to them if I needed to. I've also founds some pretty great classmates who are great listeners and fun to be around. I also try to be supportive to others, because I'm so grateful to receive the support I do have. Listening to others helps me put my own things in perspective!


So there you have it! That's how I do it. I hope this helps you if you're going through this or are about to. I hope it gives perspective to those who don't have to do this.

It can be extremely stressful, but the rewards are that much greater. To all my working students--we got this! We can do this! :D