How to balance work and studying?

Working in IT during daytime studies can be tough and very overwhelming. However, gaining experience is crucial nowadays. Work provides us with an opportunity for practical development of our skills, which can have a significant impact in the future. So, how can we effectively navigate this delicate balance between work and study commitments? Let’s explore some strategies to thrive in this demanding but rewarding journey.

How to find motivation?

Ask yourself what truly drives you, what goals you want to achieve. However, remember that maintaining strength and motivation is easier when you break down goals into smaller steps. Then, achieving goals will be within your reach. Also, remember to let go of excessive perfectionism. It can be truly harmful and unfortunately often leads to the loss of our initial motivation, as we impose too much burden on ourselves. Give yourself space to make mistakes. After all, it’s just the beginning of your journey! For me, motivation also comes from the opportunity to pursue my passions through work. Work can be a place for us to develop our interests or even fulfill our dreams, but it can just as well serve as a gateway to achieving various personal goals that are not necessarily related to our job. Take, for instance, my passion for playing the piano and painting. These pursuits not only provide joy but also serve as creative outlets that enrich my life outside of work. Engaging in activities that bring us happiness and momentarily divert our attention from life’s everyday worries is invaluable for maintaining balance and well-being. Ultimately, discovering something we love deeply can help us stay positive when life feels uncertain. Whether it’s painting, sport, or learning new things, doing what we love makes us feel alive and gives us a sense of purpose. So, as we go through life, let’s accept that we’re not perfect, celebrate every small success, and treasure the happiness our passions bring us.

Choose a company wisely

Before making a decision, think about what type of company would be beneficial for you. Do you see yourself more in a start-up, or perhaps you want to immediately engage in corporate life? Remember, if your first choice isn’t right, don’t worry, making mistakes is also a learning experience! Dive deep into researching the company you’re considering. Gather information about its culture, values, mission, and vision. Look for reviews and opinions from current and former employees to gain insights into the company’s working environment, leadership style, and employee satisfaction. Look for a company where you can wear multiple hats and explore various roles and responsibilities. This flexibility allows you to gain diverse experiences and skills, which can be valuable for your career development. It’s essential to choose a company that offers opportunities for learning and growth. Be open to exploring new technologies, industries, and fields, especially early in your career. These various attempts will help you discover your interests and passions and will allow you to choose the direction you want to pursue more easily. I had many dilemmas, but I didn’t worry about it. I tried to learn as much as possible about different technologies and fields, so that in the end I could determine what I really want to do. By carefully considering these factors and being open to exploration and learning, you can choose a company that not only aligns with your values and aspirations but also provides opportunities for personal and professional development. Remember that career paths are not always linear, and it’s okay to pivot and adapt as you gain new experiences and insights.

Being organized

It’s an integral part of balancing working with studying. Organizing your day is essential to complete all tasks and still have time for rest. Try to list all your duties and plan them in the most optimal way. Every morning, I sit with my coffee and write down exactly what tasks are waiting for me during the day. It’s the perfect way to start the day with a clear mind. I’m an organizational freak, and if something isn’t on the list, it just doesn’t exist. As someone who values organization, I find immense satisfaction in having a detailed list to guide me through my daily duties. Also, try to focus on the current task. Nowadays, we have many distractions that can effectively scatter our attention. This will definitely prolong our study or work time, thus reducing our time for rest. Keeping a notebook and writing down our daily tasks can improve our concentration, as we don’t have to constantly focus on remembering important matters. We can simply write them down and have peace of mind, knowing that we won’t forget them.

Don’t overdo it! Rest is very important

The amount of tasks that accumulate when we take on work during studies can be really overwhelming and time-consuming. However, it’s important to remember how crucial rest is. When we give ourselves time to rest, we feel more energized and clear-headed. This helps us get things done faster and understand things better. It might seem strange, but taking breaks actually makes us better at our work in the long run. I know how hard it is to take care of rest, especially when we have studies, work, and daily duties on your plate. Overworking is truly a fast way to burnout, even at a young age.

So, it’s important to find moments to relax and recharge, even when we’re busy. Knowing that taking breaks isn’t just a luxury, but something our bodies really need, is key. By listening to our bodies and giving them the rest they need, we can stay healthy and set ourselves up for success in the future. Doing things like reading, watching movies, walking, hitting the gym, or swimming gives us a chance to relax and take care of ourselves. It’s important to make time for these activities because they help us feel better both mentally and physically. Whether it’s a quiet walk outside or reading a book, let’s remember to prioritize our health and happiness by doing things that make us feel good. Choose what brings you true joy.

Everyone has moments of weakness

Encountering moments of overwhelming uncertainty and confusion is a common experience that many of us face from time to time. However, it’s important to recognize that these feelings are normal and can be managed effectively. In these situations, it’s crucial to go back to basics. We need to take a moment and ask ourselves about our original goal and motivation. By reconnecting with these fundamental motivations, we can gain a renewed sense of clarity and purpose, which can help us navigate through even the most challenging circumstances. Focus on the goal while not forgetting the current path you’ve walked. Look back at how it was at the beginning and how it is now, how much progress you’ve already made or how much you’ve already learned. These don’t have to be big things, especially if you’re just starting your adventure in IT, but it’s important to recognize your progress and appreciate yourself. In my own personal experiences, I’ve found it beneficial to let go of negative thoughts and distractions, and instead, focus on my core goals, desires, and commitment. By realigning myself with these foundational elements, I’ve been able to regain my focus and determination, enabling me to overcome challenges and continue moving forward with confidence.

To sum up, don’t stress about being perfect. Focus on what makes you happy and gives you energy, like hobbies. Before you choose where to work, think about what kind of place would be best for you. Make a plan for each day so you know what needs to get done. Focus on one thing at a time and write down anything important so you don’t forget. Rest is important, even when you’re busy. It helps you work better in the long run. Don’t push yourself too hard; it can lead to burnout. It’s normal to feel uncertain sometimes, but remember why you started. Reflect on your progress and focus on your goals. Let go of negative thoughts and stay committed to what matters to you. By keeping these tips in mind, you can manage your workload and keep moving forward with confidence. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Whether it’s from friends, family, or colleagues, having a support system can make a big difference. Share your challenges and successes with others, and lean on them for advice and encouragement. Remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and having a strong support network can help you navigate through the ups and downs of balancing work and studies more effectively. These points helped me in organizing my time and adjusting to work in IT. I hope they will also be useful to you. And remember, you are born to succeed!