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How can a first-generation college student working while studying biomedical engineering and preparing for medical school, what steps should I prioritize now to stay competitive and avoid burnout?
How can a first-generation college student working while studying biomedical engineering and preparing for medical school, what steps should I prioritize now to stay competitive and avoid burnout?
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Suzi’s Answer
Hi, Rhoda!
How are you? I hope fine!
Balancing work and study is one of the biggest challenges of adult life — and also one of the situations where we most easily sacrifice mental health without realizing it.
It's important to prioritize what you need to do and not think that doing everything means you're doing better.
Here are some tips:
🎯 1. Prioritize what generates the most impact (without trying to do everything)
1.1 - Maintain performance at work (this is where your income comes from and pays your bills)
1.2 - Study what brings you a direct return to your work or desired career (applicable courses, relevant certifications, real-world practice.)
👉 The rule is: don't study everything; study what transforms.
🧠 2. Preserve your mental energy — this is your greatest asset
To stay competitive, you need to be whole, not exhausted.
For this, you need quality sleep (7-8 hours is the number 1 factor for memory, focus, and emotional regulation).
Always be in motion and disconnect from screens during the day, and at the end of the day, be screen-free.
👉 Remember that competitiveness doesn't come from doing more, but from having consistent energy.
⏱️ 3. Use micro-study habits (the secret of those with little time)
With little time, studying 45–60 min/day with focus is more efficient than studying for several hours when tired.
👉 Do as the runner does: be consistent and therefore intense.
🧩 4. Have “realistic” weeks — not perfect ones
Create a simple plan:
Week
3–4 study sessions per week
1 “mandatory” rest block (guilt-free)
1 weekly review of what worked or not
Day
Maximum of 1 real priority per day
Anything “extra” is a bonus, not an obligation.
🔥 5. Stay competitive without burning out
Always update your key skills, have the energy to learn, thus delivering your work well, and maintain healthy relationships.
In short: competitiveness = ability to perform + continuous learning + not breaking down in the process.
I try to do this constantly; it's not easy, but every day is a new day to start over!
How are you? I hope fine!
Balancing work and study is one of the biggest challenges of adult life — and also one of the situations where we most easily sacrifice mental health without realizing it.
It's important to prioritize what you need to do and not think that doing everything means you're doing better.
Here are some tips:
🎯 1. Prioritize what generates the most impact (without trying to do everything)
1.1 - Maintain performance at work (this is where your income comes from and pays your bills)
1.2 - Study what brings you a direct return to your work or desired career (applicable courses, relevant certifications, real-world practice.)
👉 The rule is: don't study everything; study what transforms.
🧠 2. Preserve your mental energy — this is your greatest asset
To stay competitive, you need to be whole, not exhausted.
For this, you need quality sleep (7-8 hours is the number 1 factor for memory, focus, and emotional regulation).
Always be in motion and disconnect from screens during the day, and at the end of the day, be screen-free.
👉 Remember that competitiveness doesn't come from doing more, but from having consistent energy.
⏱️ 3. Use micro-study habits (the secret of those with little time)
With little time, studying 45–60 min/day with focus is more efficient than studying for several hours when tired.
👉 Do as the runner does: be consistent and therefore intense.
🧩 4. Have “realistic” weeks — not perfect ones
Create a simple plan:
Week
3–4 study sessions per week
1 “mandatory” rest block (guilt-free)
1 weekly review of what worked or not
Day
Maximum of 1 real priority per day
Anything “extra” is a bonus, not an obligation.
🔥 5. Stay competitive without burning out
Always update your key skills, have the energy to learn, thus delivering your work well, and maintain healthy relationships.
In short: competitiveness = ability to perform + continuous learning + not breaking down in the process.
I try to do this constantly; it's not easy, but every day is a new day to start over!