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Manage your time more effectively
Finding the perfect balance between study, work and a social life may be almost an impossible task, but effective time and task management will make it a lot easier.
Make your life more manageable by incorporating these tips into your life:
Prepare a schedule
Set out your school and work commitments as far in advance as possible so you can be aware of busy periods before they're on top of you.
By setting out your schedule in advance using a diary or a timetable, you can also see when you will have time to take a break, catch up with friends or do extra study. You may even find time to take on a voluntary position or work experience during your holidays.
If you find scheduling works for you, consider incorporating study plans as well. Setting aside more time for a school subject you find difficult, for example, will pay off in the end.
Plan ahead
Once your schedule is in place, think about what you can do to make it more manageable. Can you cut back your hours at work around exam time? Do you have time to go away for a long weekend?
Planning ahead will give you something to look forward to and it will also give you the peace of mind that you won't have to compromise quality in any area of your life. Your employer will also appreciate receiving early notice if you need time off.
Set short- and long-terms goals
Goals help you stay motivated and on track, particularly when it comes to study. Short-term goals, such as aiming to begin an assignment four weeks before its due, can help you reach long-term goals, such as improving your end-of-year marks.
Prioritise your tasks and commitments
If you find you have so many commitments that you can't keep up, it's time to start prioritising. Think about what commitments or tasks are important in reaching your goals and what is non-negotiable. Learning to prioritise isn't easy; for example, cutting back work hours is a lot easier to do when you're living at home compared to when you're supporting yourself.
Stop and think before you say 'yes'
Do you have the time to take on any extra commitments? Answer this question honestly and you may save yourself any extra stress. Committing yourself to too many things and making promises you know you'll want to keep will only stress you more in the long run.
When you're juggling study, work and life, there are always going to be times busy times. How you chose to prepare and manage these times will reflect on your level of success and how stressed you get. And if it all gets too much, ask for help.
Further information
- read Time and task management on The University of Melbourne website
- read 10 tips for better work-life balance on the MyCareer website
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