Have you recently started university and feel the need to earn extra income but don’t want to compromise your academic success? Reconciling studies with work is a challenge faced by many students, especially with the academic year starting in Portugal, around September.
The good news is that, with organization, discipline, and the right opportunities, it’s possible to study and work at the same time. With Timing, you can find temporary, part-time, and full-time jobs that allow you to reconcile studies with work in a flexible way.
In this article, we share 6 essential tips to help you manage this phase successfully and achieve both your academic and professional goals.
Reconciling studies with work can bring numerous benefits.
Besides gaining professional experience, which is essential for your future, you also gain financial independence, helping you cover living expenses when living away from home. Many students in Portugal find part-time jobs as the ideal solution for studying and working at the same time.
Additionally, working while studying helps you develop important soft and hard skills, such as time management and problem-solving under pressure. However, it’s crucial to choose a job that doesn’t interfere with your studies, so academic success remains the priority.
Often, opting for a part-time or temporary job can be the best solution.
6 Tips for Reconciling Studies with Work
1. Organize Your Time
Time management is key to success when reconciling studies with work.
You can use time management tools like Google Calendar or Trello to schedule your commitments and set weekly goals. Establish fixed schedules for work, study, and leisure to avoid overload and maintain a healthy balance.
When you have a structured plan, your routine becomes more fluid and organized, allowing you to avoid last-minute stress.
Useful Tools for Managing Work and Studies
Effective time management is crucial for those who work and study. Here are some tools that may be helpful:
- Google Calendar: Plan your study and work commitments, creating a clear vision of your week.
- Trello: Organize tasks and track the progress of your projects.
- Pomodoro: Boost your productivity by dividing your time into study blocks and breaks.
Check out the article on study tools to optimize your study and work routine.
2. Set Priorities
When studying and working simultaneously, you’ll notice that time never seems enough. Therefore, setting priorities is essential. Focus on what’s truly important and postpone less urgent activities for later.
Reconciling work with studies requires strict time management and the ability to clearly define your priorities. To avoid burnout, it’s essential to distinguish what’s most important at each stage of your life.
As much as extra income is a significant advantage, never forget the primary reason you enrolled in university: to complete your degree and pursue a career in your field of interest.
Choosing a job that doesn’t interfere with your studies should be a priority. Consider options that offer flexibility, such as part-time or temporary jobs, allowing you to adjust your work schedule according to the busiest periods at university. This way, you can continue progressing academically while gaining professional experience and increasing your financial independence without compromising your studies.
If you can stay focused on your academic goals and strategically balance work responsibilities, you’ll ensure that both study and work objectives are achieved without compromising your well-being.
3. Take Care of Your Health and Well-being
Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is just as essential as working and studying.
Physical exhaustion and stress can affect your performance both at university and at work, so make sure you dedicate time to rest and your mental well-being.
Engage in regular physical exercise, maintain a balanced diet, and ensure you get enough sleep. Take short breaks throughout the day using techniques like Pomodoro (which involves focusing for 25 minutes and taking a 5-minute break), which can help maintain productivity and prevent burnout.
This might seem like general advice, but often in the rush of daily life, we lose sight of who we are. Ensure you always reserve some time for activities that make you happy and fulfilled.
Mental and physical well-being is essential for ensuring you continue to perform your tasks at your best. Don’t ignore your responsibilities, but also don’t focus solely on work.
4. Take Advantage of Student Worker Status
Did you know you have the right to student worker status? This status provides several important benefits, such as flexible hours and time off during exam periods. It’s a crucial support for those who want to reconcile studies with work without compromising academic performance.
Communicate openly with your boss and professors about your situation. By clarifying your goals and responsibilities, you’ll make it easier to obtain more flexibility in your schedule.
You can find more information about student worker rights and how this status can help you better manage your responsibilities.
5. Eliminate Distractions and Create a Study Space
To ensure your time is productive, it’s essential to have a suitable, distraction-free environment. A proper study and work environment is key to maintaining concentration and productivity.
Start by eliminating all distractions: turn off your phone notifications, disconnect from social media, and create an organized, comfortable space dedicated exclusively to your tasks. A clean and well-structured space helps you stay focused and complete tasks more efficiently.
By removing elements that divert your attention, you’ll be able to make better use of your time and achieve better results in both studies and work.
6. Find Flexible Jobs
Timing offers a wide range of job opportunities tailored to your needs as a student.
You can opt for part-time or temporary jobs that allow you to gain professional experience without compromising your studies. These types of jobs are ideal for those with tighter schedules at university but still want to enter the job market.
Check out Timing’s part-time and temporary vacancies and find the perfect opportunity for you.
Benefits of Choosing Temporary Work
Many students choose temporary jobs to gain experience without compromising their studies. Temporary jobs allow you to try different areas and develop essential skills like soft and hard skills, which are highly valued by recruiters.
Moreover, temporary jobs have the advantage of being flexible, allowing you to continue studying without significant disruptions. They’re an excellent option for those seeking a balance between professional and academic life.
Benefits of Working with Timing
- Access to various job vacancies:
Find opportunities that help you reconcile studies with work, in various sectors and locations, from the north to the south of Portugal and islands. - Career support:
Timing offers guidance, support, and training to help you achieve your professional goals. - Professional development:
Participate in training and development programs to enhance your skills.
For more information, visit the Timing website.
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Reconciling studies with work is challenging but also an opportunity for personal and professional growth.
With the tips we’ve shared, we believe it’ll be easier to balance these two areas. So, learn more about Timing and explore flexible vacancies that fit your student schedule.
Explore opportunities to work while studying and shape your future.
Check out our available vacancies in Portugal, from the north to the south of the country and islands.