Managing College While Working? No Problem!

A few years ago, I decided to go to college while working. I made this decision fully aware that I would have to work when my friends were resting or hanging out, and go to class while my friends were busy enjoying themselves. “Study while others sleep, work while others are loafing around; get ready while others play, and dream while others only hope,” were the words of William Arthur that felt so relevant to my life at that time.

Going to college while working is not an easy thing to do. You have to divide your time and focus between two priorities that are equally important. In fact, managing time for just one focus is already difficult enough. Even so, that does not mean you have to give up. Apply these practical ways to manage your time while going to college and working:

1. Plan Your Daily Schedule

Planning the activities we will do in a day is important. Every night, before resting, I would take time to write down everything that had to be done the next day in my planner. What time I had to wake up, leave for work, do assignments, attend class, and rest, I planned it all in detail. 

Do not forget to include rest time in your schedule. Without enough rest, it will be hard for you to function at your best every day. Also make an effort to always eat nutritious food, exercise at least once a week, and take supplements if needed, so that your health stays well maintained. 

Above all, remember to always involve God in every plan you make. After writing down my schedule, I always prayed over each activity I had arranged, one by one, asking God to take part in everything I did. 

Commit your works to the LORD, and your plans will be established. – Proverbs 16:3

2. Make the Best Use of Your Time

There will be times when the things we plan cannot be carried out fully. Obstacles I often faced in the past were lecturers being absent, which left a lot of free time, or on the other hand, having far too many college assignments. At work, there were times when my supervisor asked for a task to be finished that very day, and I had to work overtime. 

To anticipate schedule imbalances like this, we need to use the time we have as effectively as possible. Seconds, minutes, and hours that have passed will never come back. When you have free time, do not stay busy checking social media accounts, playing games, hanging out aimlessly, or doing useless things. Use that opportunity to rest, do college assignments, take care of administrative matters, or whatever fits your needs. 

Remember, do not compare your schedule and lifestyle to those who only study or only work. You have a greater responsibility to use your time slots well. 

So be very careful how you live, not as unwise people but as wise, making the most of the time, because these days are evil. – Ephesians 5:15-16

God wants us to use every bit of time we have wisely. How have you been using the time you have so far? Have you made the best use of the 24 hours God gives each day?

3. One Focus at a Time

Dividing your time means dividing your focus. When it is time to do the activities you have planned, focus! When you need to work, give your full focus to your job. Do not think about college matters or anything else. Likewise, when you are in class, focus on learning and set your work aside for a while. 

A computer running two heavy applications will work more slowly than if it only has one application running, right? The same is true of people; our concentration and energy will be split if we think about two things at once. Mixed focus risks making both our studies and our work results less than optimal. Instead of finishing faster, both may end up falling behind.

Whatever you do, do it wholeheartedly, as for the Lord and not for men. – Colossians 3:23

This verse has helped me greatly to regain my spirit and focus when I need to do many things each day. When you give your heart and attention to one thing at one time, be assured: the result will be better, and you will go through it with joy.

4. Find a Supportive Community

As young people, of course we want to enjoy friendship in the midst of the busyness of college and work. Choosing the right community is the key. I joined the Zeal Campus, a community that helped my faith grow and gave me the opportunity to gain many friends. 

I am very grateful because during those difficult times, God sent friends to help me. There was one time when I had to go to a lecturer’s house to ask for a signature. However, not only did I not know the address, I also had no vehicle to get there. When I shared this confusion, several friends offered to help find information and accompany me there. More than that, friends from the community also helped me a lot through the process of going to college while working until I graduated. So, look for a community that can support you in carrying out both roles as a student and a worker.

Do not be deceived: Bad company corrupts good character. – 1 Corinthians 15:33

Time is something very precious and impossible to turn back. You can get through college while working by making daily planning, making the best use of your free time, staying focused in every activity, and joining a supportive community. May your studies and work be successful. Amen!

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