4 answers
Yaremys
Student
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Question
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What advice would you give to a first-generation college student who is trying to balance school, work, and family responsibilities while pursuing a career in business?
I am currently a college student and I am working hard to build a better future through education. As a first-generation student, I sometimes find it challenging to balance school, work, and personal responsibilities. I would really appreciate advice from professionals who have gone through similar experiences and can share guidance on how to stay focused and succeed.
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4 answers
Lindsey Kovalcik
Human Resources professional
2
Answers
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Updated
Lindsey’s Answer
Hi Yaremys - Thank you for the question! Believe it or not, you are building resilience now that will flow into your career later.
A few things to consider:
1. What type of job do you have? Depending on your financial needs/schedule, could it be possible to find a job where you could multi-task? In college, I had a desk job in customer service/answering phones so it was easier for me to study or work on an assignment until a customer needed assistance. Another good one was being a teaching assistant.
2. Utilize some type of planning tool. E.g. write everything down in a planner. This could include: homework/assignment due dates, practices, events, appointments (would include anyone you may be responsible for) - with times and locations. That way if you have any questions regarding the where and when, it is all in one place. This will give you a good snapshot of your week as well.
3. Prep ahead - make meals or prepare snacks on a day where you may have so free time so you can "grab and go".
4. Remember to carve out time for things you enjoy also. It is important to re-charge.
I hope this helps! Good luck to you!
A few things to consider:
1. What type of job do you have? Depending on your financial needs/schedule, could it be possible to find a job where you could multi-task? In college, I had a desk job in customer service/answering phones so it was easier for me to study or work on an assignment until a customer needed assistance. Another good one was being a teaching assistant.
2. Utilize some type of planning tool. E.g. write everything down in a planner. This could include: homework/assignment due dates, practices, events, appointments (would include anyone you may be responsible for) - with times and locations. That way if you have any questions regarding the where and when, it is all in one place. This will give you a good snapshot of your week as well.
3. Prep ahead - make meals or prepare snacks on a day where you may have so free time so you can "grab and go".
4. Remember to carve out time for things you enjoy also. It is important to re-charge.
I hope this helps! Good luck to you!
Ginny Lockhart
Corporate Financial Systems Consulting
2
Answers
San Jose, California
Updated
Ginny’s Answer
Balancing school, work, and personal life is something you'll always need to manage, not just during school. The good news is if you learn to do it now, it will be easier later on.
Keep it simple. Focus on 2-3 main priorities and be reasonable strict in keeping to them. For example, if going to the gym is important, treat it like an appointment and only skip it for special circumstances.
Communicate! Both your schedule and availability clearly. If someone tries to create a conflict with your plans, suggest other options. And, remember that you don't always have to explain to everyone why you're unavailable. Know your audience.
Take it easy on yourself. It's okay to leave chores for another day or to buy a cake instead of baking one. Ask for help with something you wouldn't normally.
Set priorities and remember they can shift. If school is more important this semester, maybe eat out more often. If health is a focus, add more fruits and walks into your routine, and use that time to connect with family or friends.
Stay organized. Use a schedule and to-do list in whatever way works for you.
With some practice, patience, and discipline, you can make it all work.
Keep it simple. Focus on 2-3 main priorities and be reasonable strict in keeping to them. For example, if going to the gym is important, treat it like an appointment and only skip it for special circumstances.
Communicate! Both your schedule and availability clearly. If someone tries to create a conflict with your plans, suggest other options. And, remember that you don't always have to explain to everyone why you're unavailable. Know your audience.
Take it easy on yourself. It's okay to leave chores for another day or to buy a cake instead of baking one. Ask for help with something you wouldn't normally.
Set priorities and remember they can shift. If school is more important this semester, maybe eat out more often. If health is a focus, add more fruits and walks into your routine, and use that time to connect with family or friends.
Stay organized. Use a schedule and to-do list in whatever way works for you.
With some practice, patience, and discipline, you can make it all work.
Jane Wang
4
Answers
Updated
Jane’s Answer
First of all, I want to say this honestly — what you’re dealing with is not easy. Trying to balance school, work, and family responsibilities at the same time is already a lot, and the fact that you’re still pushing forward says a lot about you.
I’ll share a few thoughts that I think might actually help, not just general encouragement.
One thing I’ve learned is that “balance” doesn’t always mean everything is equal all the time. Some weeks, school will take priority. Other times, family or work might need more of your attention. That’s normal. What matters is not being perfectly balanced every day, but staying on track over the long run.
Another important thing is to be selective about where you put your energy. You don’t have unlimited time, so you can’t afford to treat everything as equally important. Try to focus on what will really help your future. For example, a meaningful internship or a key class related to your career is usually more valuable than something that only takes your time but doesn’t add much in the long term. It’s not about doing more — it’s about doing what matters.
Also, don’t try to handle everything on your own. A lot of first-generation students feel like they have to figure things out by themselves, but that can make things much harder. Use the resources around you — talk to professors, reach out to seniors, visit your school’s career center. Asking for help is not a weakness; it’s a skill.
At the same time, try to give yourself a little bit of space to breathe. When you’re constantly juggling responsibilities, it’s easy to burn out. Even small things — taking a walk, listening to music, doing something you enjoy — can help you reset and keep going.
And maybe the most important thing: the path you’re on is harder than what many others go through, but it’s also meaningful. You’re not just building a future for yourself — you’re changing what’s possible for your family. The resilience and discipline you’re developing now will become real strengths later on. If you ever feel tired or uncertain, it doesn’t mean you’re not capable. It just means you’re doing something difficult. Take it one step at a time, and don’t stop.
I’ll share a few thoughts that I think might actually help, not just general encouragement.
One thing I’ve learned is that “balance” doesn’t always mean everything is equal all the time. Some weeks, school will take priority. Other times, family or work might need more of your attention. That’s normal. What matters is not being perfectly balanced every day, but staying on track over the long run.
Another important thing is to be selective about where you put your energy. You don’t have unlimited time, so you can’t afford to treat everything as equally important. Try to focus on what will really help your future. For example, a meaningful internship or a key class related to your career is usually more valuable than something that only takes your time but doesn’t add much in the long term. It’s not about doing more — it’s about doing what matters.
Also, don’t try to handle everything on your own. A lot of first-generation students feel like they have to figure things out by themselves, but that can make things much harder. Use the resources around you — talk to professors, reach out to seniors, visit your school’s career center. Asking for help is not a weakness; it’s a skill.
At the same time, try to give yourself a little bit of space to breathe. When you’re constantly juggling responsibilities, it’s easy to burn out. Even small things — taking a walk, listening to music, doing something you enjoy — can help you reset and keep going.
And maybe the most important thing: the path you’re on is harder than what many others go through, but it’s also meaningful. You’re not just building a future for yourself — you’re changing what’s possible for your family. The resilience and discipline you’re developing now will become real strengths later on. If you ever feel tired or uncertain, it doesn’t mean you’re not capable. It just means you’re doing something difficult. Take it one step at a time, and don’t stop.
Jerome Dees Jr.
Sales Professional and Networking Expert
854
Answers
San Francisco, California
Updated
Jerome’s Answer
This was a challenge for me at times. My parents had no experience with higher education, so I had to navigate much of it on my own. Prioritizing is super helpful. I live by my calendar these days, so plot things out and create a schedule for studying while also blocking off time for fun. School is your job, but your mental health is important too.
It can be a lot to juggle, but one day school will be a memory and the work you put in today will make you better tomorrow.
It can be a lot to juggle, but one day school will be a memory and the work you put in today will make you better tomorrow.