5 answers
Eiley
Student
Roseau, Minnesota
3
Questions
Updated
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How do I balance school, work, and still have time to enjoy life?
I often feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day. Between school, sports, and having jobs, next year being in 4 college classes, I worry I won’t have any time for myself or to enjoy life. I want advice on how to manage my responsibilities while still having time to relax and do things I enjoy.
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5 answers
Patricia Enfanto
Senior Director Governance Risk and Compliance
6
Answers
Dracut, Massachusetts
Updated
Patricia’s Answer
Balancing school and work can be challenging and at times overwhelming. Keep in mind that by learning to manage your time wisely will set you up for success in the future.
I would suggest focusing on the priorities. Look at your studies and determine what is most important. You may have subject areas that come naturally for you and may not require the level of energy for subjects that you tend to struggle. Tackle the hardest first, then reward yourself when complete. That gives you back time to get through the subjects that you are most interested in.
When participating in sports, let that activity serve as a release and lean into the exercise and enjoy the activity with your teammates. During this time, try not to think about what else is on your plate.
If you plan ahead for your activities, it can reduce the stress and organizes your schedule. Try using a planner (electronic or paper). Sometimes seeing things on paper allows you to move things around to better accommodate the time away from school and work to enjoy time off. Build downtime into your schedule and make it purposeful. Planning ahead will also reduce the anxiety of last minute to dos.
Be sure to pay attention to your focus. You don't need hours of study time, but blocks of time that you plan to fully focus without interruption. Put distractions away while you are focusing. If you need quiet be sure to find the perfect spot that will provide the productive workspace you need. Take breaks in between to refresh your mind.
Last but most important, make sure that you are getting enough sleep and eat food that will fuel your energy. As you build out your planner, be sure to add time with friends into your schedule. At first, it may seem silly but if you plan it and follow through, you will feel less overwhelmed and more fulfilled about what you are able to accomplish. Balance isn't about doing more-it's about doing what matters while taking care of yourself.
I would suggest focusing on the priorities. Look at your studies and determine what is most important. You may have subject areas that come naturally for you and may not require the level of energy for subjects that you tend to struggle. Tackle the hardest first, then reward yourself when complete. That gives you back time to get through the subjects that you are most interested in.
When participating in sports, let that activity serve as a release and lean into the exercise and enjoy the activity with your teammates. During this time, try not to think about what else is on your plate.
If you plan ahead for your activities, it can reduce the stress and organizes your schedule. Try using a planner (electronic or paper). Sometimes seeing things on paper allows you to move things around to better accommodate the time away from school and work to enjoy time off. Build downtime into your schedule and make it purposeful. Planning ahead will also reduce the anxiety of last minute to dos.
Be sure to pay attention to your focus. You don't need hours of study time, but blocks of time that you plan to fully focus without interruption. Put distractions away while you are focusing. If you need quiet be sure to find the perfect spot that will provide the productive workspace you need. Take breaks in between to refresh your mind.
Last but most important, make sure that you are getting enough sleep and eat food that will fuel your energy. As you build out your planner, be sure to add time with friends into your schedule. At first, it may seem silly but if you plan it and follow through, you will feel less overwhelmed and more fulfilled about what you are able to accomplish. Balance isn't about doing more-it's about doing what matters while taking care of yourself.
Olivia Alford
I am a Strategic Initiatives Manager. My job is related to strategic planning and am a Project Manager.
61
Answers
Orlando, Florida
Updated
Olivia’s Answer
Hi Eiley,
The balancing act can definitely feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day, especially when you are juggling school, sports, and work. What I think could help is getting clear on your priorities and being realistic about your time. Not everything has to be done at once, and it is okay to say no to things that stretch you too thin. Sometimes, I manage my schedule by asking myself, “What’s needed for today?” keeping in mind that tomorrow will take care of itself.
It is a good idea to stay ahead on your schoolwork so you are not constantly stressed and to build a routine that works for you. Even with a busy schedule, you still need moments to relax, recharge, and reset. That might look like a quiet evening, time with friends, or doing something you enjoy. The goal is not to be busy all the time, but to create a rhythm where you can handle your responsibilities and still feel like yourself.
The balancing act can definitely feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day, especially when you are juggling school, sports, and work. What I think could help is getting clear on your priorities and being realistic about your time. Not everything has to be done at once, and it is okay to say no to things that stretch you too thin. Sometimes, I manage my schedule by asking myself, “What’s needed for today?” keeping in mind that tomorrow will take care of itself.
It is a good idea to stay ahead on your schoolwork so you are not constantly stressed and to build a routine that works for you. Even with a busy schedule, you still need moments to relax, recharge, and reset. That might look like a quiet evening, time with friends, or doing something you enjoy. The goal is not to be busy all the time, but to create a rhythm where you can handle your responsibilities and still feel like yourself.
Vianne Phan
Youth Development Teacher
296
Answers
San Diego, California
Updated
Vianne’s Answer
That feeling of “there’s not enough time” is so real, especially with everything you’re taking on. School, sports, work, and college classes is a lot for anyone, so it makes sense you’re worried about losing time for yourself. It doesn’t mean you’re bad at managing things, it means your plate is genuinely full. Wanting balance doesn’t make you unmotivated, it means you’re trying to take care of yourself too.
One thing that can help is letting go of the idea that every day has to be perfectly balanced. Some days will lean more toward work and school, and others can lean more toward rest and enjoying life. Instead of trying to “fit everything in” daily, try looking at your week as a whole. Even small pockets of time, like an hour to hang out with friends, watch something you love, or just relax, can make a big difference. Also, be realistic about your limits. If your schedule starts to feel overwhelming, it’s okay to adjust something instead of pushing yourself to the point of burnout.
One thing that can help is letting go of the idea that every day has to be perfectly balanced. Some days will lean more toward work and school, and others can lean more toward rest and enjoying life. Instead of trying to “fit everything in” daily, try looking at your week as a whole. Even small pockets of time, like an hour to hang out with friends, watch something you love, or just relax, can make a big difference. Also, be realistic about your limits. If your schedule starts to feel overwhelming, it’s okay to adjust something instead of pushing yourself to the point of burnout.
Gus S
Consultant
113
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Gus’s Answer
Especially in college, it can feel easy to prioritize school and jobs. But, it is also important to put yourself as a priority each week. Consider scheduling personal time for workout classes and treating it as non-negotiable. Use “filling habits” (workout, hobbies) to reset your energy weekly/ And lastly, focus on setting boundaries: defining school/work hours + unplug blocks to avoid burnout. It will feel hard to reset the focus, but your long-term health will appreciate it!
Eng. Farah M. Freihat
1
Answer
Niagara Falls, New York
Updated
Eng. Farah’s Answer
You’re not alone, many students in aviation feel the same pressure.
The key is not trying to do everything perfectly, but staying in control. Plan your week ahead, focus on your main priorities (school, work, and your health), and make sure you schedule even small time for yourself.
You don’t need a full day to enjoy life , sometimes even an hour to relax, exercise, or spend time with friends makes a big difference.
Also, learn to say no when needed. Not every opportunity or event is worth your energy.
This phase is temporary, but your career is long-term. Stay disciplined, stay organized, and don’t forget why you started.
The key is not trying to do everything perfectly, but staying in control. Plan your week ahead, focus on your main priorities (school, work, and your health), and make sure you schedule even small time for yourself.
You don’t need a full day to enjoy life , sometimes even an hour to relax, exercise, or spend time with friends makes a big difference.
Also, learn to say no when needed. Not every opportunity or event is worth your energy.
This phase is temporary, but your career is long-term. Stay disciplined, stay organized, and don’t forget why you started.