Attending school and having a job isn’t easy; it can feel like you have a lot on your plate. Consistently trying to meet the demands of society, outside of work and school can be hard. However, with that being said, it doesn’t have to be difficult as long as you have the right mindset to pull you through.
Here at Los Medanos College, students spend most of their days studying, but many also have a job that they hurry to after classes.
“Well for me, to manage school and work creating a schedule is a must. Knowing when and how much free time helps break down workloads,” said student Nathan Santos, as he emphasizes time management is crucial when it comes to school life and work. “Working and going to school full time isn’t easy but with enough determination, I push through. My biggest advice for other students would be to find that drive, that determination, that why. Ask yourself why you’re doing this, hold onto it, and just push through,” said Santos.
Stacy Guzman shares her experience, as she says that trying to work at her fast food job while going to school was probably one of the hardest things.
“I stopped sleeping as much so I could do my homework after work and would often catch myself drowsing off,” said Guzman. “I would recommend prioritizing school, your job is not forever even if it is a temporary source of income,” adds Guzman, mentioning that school should be a top priority.
Student Hailey Jackson works at a cafe and recommends getting school assignments done as soon as possible before clocking in at your job!
“I try to make sure that all of my homework is finished before I go to work since I’m usually out by 9-10 pm,” said Jackson. “My advice is to prioritize school first if possible, have a set schedule, and try to make it a habit to finish homework before work.”
Students like Nathanine Ravago suggest trying to incorporate your hobbies so that you won’t burn out.
“I have a lot of hobbies on the side and put that into my day. I try to hang out with my friends, and with homework, I try to take breaks in between so I don’t feel overwhelmed,” said Ravago.
When it comes to school and work, it is important to set your priorities straight, Briana Rose suggests focusing on school.
“I’d say my biggest advice is to know your priorities and prioritize your work for classes. Even if that means you have to cut your hours, so you can focus more on your schoolwork,” said Rose.
Overall students at LMC have their routines when it comes to managing school work and their jobs. Mental health is the most important when it comes to juggling school life and work life. Whether it helps to make a schedule, carry a planner, or cut your hours back at work so that you can focus on school. Whatever it may be just as long as you don’t burn yourself out.
