Let’s face it, obtaining a Master’s degree is a full-time commitment. Add working a full-time job on top of that and consider yourself teetering on the edge of feeling overwhelmed. Juggling both at the same time can be insanely stressful, but it doesn’t always have to be. Having obtained my Master’s degree while working full-time as a Forensic Scientist myself, here are #6 tips to help you balance grad school and your job like the badass you are!
Get real with boundaries and expectations
This is a tough, but necessary piece of advice for anyone trying to balance grad school and a full-time job. It is crucial to set boundaries with your significant other, family, and friends prior to even starting school to ensure everyone is on the same page. I felt an enormous amount of guilt for not being around as much for my significant other and having to say “no” to friends occasionally on weekends. Know that grad school is just a temporary blip in time and that you will be back to your regularly scheduled programmed life in no time!
Having tough conversations with loved ones isn’t always easy, but if they support you and your dream, they will learn to understand and step up when needed.
Prepare for each semester
Invest in a quality calendar and planner, get up close and personal with your syllabus, and take notice of deadlines and important exam dates. Take the time prior to the semester starting by notating in your planner upcoming assignments and exam dates. Each week you will have a clear understanding of what you need to accomplish. Knowing ahead of time what is due or what you need to study for will help you create your daily to-do lists, timelines, and plans with friends!
The best part about feeling prepared is that you can avoid cramming and pulling all-nighters…your well-rested and organized self will thank you later!
Create a routine
Establishing a routine from the start of the semester is one of the key ingredients to successfully balance grad school and your full-time job. Once you are aware of your class schedule, assignment dates, and exam days, it will be so much easier to determine which days of the week you will devote to a specific priority.
My days were pretty much the same every day for two years…go to work, get home and exercise, work on homework or study, eat dinner and relax, then bed by 9 or 10 pm.
Having structure while trying to juggle it all is sometimes the glue that holds everything together. Dedicating specific time blocks for homework or studying is what will keep you on track and organized during a chaotic time in your life.
With this in mind, you also need to go easy on yourself. There will be days when you feel burnt out or homework just isn’t your jam AND THAT’S OK! Allow yourself the time to rest and relax and hit the books hard the next day.
Utilize your lunch break…or any break
If you have any downtime at your job, utilize it to its full potential! Try squeezing in a homework problem or reading a chapter here and there. Maximizing your time efficiently and effectively will make you a successful student. If you can accomplish assignments ahead of schedule, this hard work on the front end will save you on the back end!
Pro Tip: For anyone out there who has a long commute to and from work, try listening to any recorded lectures while driving!
Exercise
I know you may feel that there is just simply not enough time in the day to squeeze in a workout between working a full day plus a full night of homework but trust me, make the time!
Balancing a full-time job plus grad school is no joke…the stress is going to build up and you will feel burnt out. Squeezing in 10-20 minutes of any kind of exercise will do your mind and body a world of good. While in grad school, I trained for a half marathon and I swear that was the reason I stayed sane during the semester! I was able to relieve stress and regain focus so that I could hit the books for the rest of my evening!
Give it a try!
Sunday is your free day
In order for you to maximize your potential as both a full-time employee and student, you need to build in a free day. Think of this day as your rest day! Do not think about school, homework, exams, etc.
Use this day to spend time with your loved ones or friends. Sunday’s are great because it allows you to get your mind right for the week ahead. Show yourself some much-needed self-care…you deserve it!
What are your top tips for surviving grad school while working full-time?
Happy studying!
If you are looking for more forensic related content, check out the Careers page for even more great tips!
