Balancing further study and part-time work
Many postgraduate students need a part-time job
to cover basic living costs - and to enjoy themselves! But how do you get the
right balance between study and work?
Evaluate how you spend your time and make sure
you manage it well. For instance, if you travel to work, could you change
shifts so that you don't have to make the journey quite so often or get a job
nearer home or the campus? If you have to pay for travel then you may be better
off working fewer hours at a job nearby.
Organise your time. Carry a diary or enter
information onto an e-diary so that you know when important course dates are
coming up, what dates and times you have agreed to work and what key social
events you don't want to miss.
Try to have a structured work pattern and don't
agree to work at a time when you have lectures, exams or tutorials scheduled.
Give your employer as much notice as possible that you will need more time
during key parts of the term and try to negotiate a solution.
And don't forget time to play
There are only 24 hours in a day and seven days
in a week and you need time to unwind and relax. Be realistic about what you
can do and don't promise something that you can't deliver or people will be
less sympathetic to your needs another time. You can rush around from pillar to
post for just so long but eventually you need to get enough sleep. In the end,
your health is the most important thing. If you do find yourself struggling to
produce coursework on time seek advice and support as early as you can from
your tutor. Deadlines can be extended in exceptional circumstances.
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