Balancing books and bills: how working students manage jobs and academic success

Let’s be honest—college life can be a whirlwind. Imagine trying to keep your grades up while clocking in hours at a job. For many students, working is no longer just a side gig; it’s a necessity to tackle those climbing tuition fees and everyday expenses. But how do they find that sweet spot between work and study? Let’s dive into some real-life stories and strategies from students who are mastering this balancing act.

The reality of balancing work and school

It’s eye-opening to see just how many students are managing jobs alongside their studies:

In 2020, around 40% of full-time college students in the U.S. were juggling work commitments.

Most of these students were clocking in between 15 to 35 hours weekly.

Roughly 43% of full-time and a whopping 81% of part-time students held jobs while pursuing their education.

Having a job can certainly offer some real-world experience and help pay the bills, yet it’s not without its downsides. Studies suggest that if you’re working more than 15-20 hours a week, you might see your grades take a hit. And for many low-income students, finding a job that aligns with their career goals can feel impossible when the priority is simply making ends meet.

Student stories: how they make it work

To get a better picture of how students balance it all, I chatted with a few working students about their journeys:

Maria’s journey: the art of juggling jobs

Meet Maria, a junior studying business. She’s clocking 30 hours a week across two part-time gigs just to stay afloat. “It’s definitely tough,” she shares, “but I’ve learned to be super disciplined with my time.” Maria swears by her calendar, which she fills with work shifts, class schedules, and study sessions. Those little moments between classes? Perfect for quick reviews of her notes.

James’ experience: flexibility in the workplace

Then there’s James, a computer science major who found himself overwhelmed trying to manage a rigid retail job while keeping up with his coursework. Luckily, he snagged an on-campus IT support role that came with more flexible hours. “Having a job that understands I’m a student first has made a huge difference,” he explains. “I can shift my hours when exams roll around.”

Sarah’s strategy: prioritizing self-care

And let’s not forget Sarah, who works as a nursing assistant while pursuing her BSN. She started burning out pretty quickly, and it took a wake-up call for her to realize the importance of self-care. “I made it a priority to schedule time for sleep and unwind,” she says. Now, she carves out breaks for meditation or quick workouts and reserves one entire day each week for herself.

Game-changing tips for success

Here are some practical strategies based on research and student experiences that can help anyone balancing work and school:

1. Get organized with a schedule

Use a planner to layout your work shifts, class times, study sessions, and personal time. Make it a habit to review and tweak your schedule weekly, as things can change rapidly.

2. Prioritize like a pro

Try using the Eisenhower Matrix to sort tasks by what’s urgent and important. Knock out the most critical assignments first to ease your workload.

3. Keep communication open with employers

Be straightforward about your status as a student and how it affects your availability. If exams or major projects are on the horizon, don’t hesitate to request a flexible schedule.

4. Leverage technology

Consider using productivity apps to keep tasks and deadlines in check. Use any downtime—like your commute or breaks—to study using mobile apps.

5. Don’t skip self-care

Schedule regular time for sleep, exercise, and relaxation. Stay connected with friends or explore activities that make you happy.

6. Seek support where you can

Start study groups with fellow working students for shared motivation. Tap into campus resources like tutoring or academic advising when needed.

Finding your balance

Balancing a job with your studies isn’t easy, but plenty of students navigate it successfully every day. It’s all about being deliberate with your time and keeping your well-being in check. With the right strategies and a bit of support, you can achieve that elusive balance between good grades and a paycheck.

As student researcher Sidney Paulson pointed out, “We must raise awareness about the hurdles working students face. It’s time to foster conversations around how we can better support their academic and work journeys.“

By sharing stories and strategies, students can empower one another to not just survive, but thrive in this balancing act of books and bills.