Shifting the Balance

August 22, 2024
by Patricia

School/Life Balance

Is it possible to work while being in grad school? Is there enough time to do my school work and study? Can I balance it all on top of trying to be an individual outside of all these roles? The answer to these questions is it depends on you and the reason I say that is because you are the best person who knows yourself. For me, being a full-time student, having two jobs, and living at home which if you know you know that living at home comes with additional roles (i.e., being a sister, a daughter, etc.) all while trying to remember that I’m still me is a lot. And balancing all these roles can be exhausting and throughout this semester-year I’ve learned how to set up my schedule to balance all I have going on. Here is a picture of my calendar in May, this was the start of the summer semester and looking back it was pretty packed.

My schedule is only a visual of what I have going on for the day, it doesn’t include the extra hidden items of what my days actually look like (e.g., studying, how I’m feeling, did I get enough sleep, etc.).

School
My school schedule is pretty consistent unless otherwise shared by the professors. What has been my biggest challenge is getting my school work and studying done because I do live at home. I stay on campus after classes are over either in the after hours support provided by the student support services or I find an available room at CHP. I’ve also stayed up late to get everything done which doesn’t sound as great, but it has worked for me. I also appreciate the early sign-ups on assignments, and or assignments that have a specific deadline, because I get to plan accordingly ahead of time. However, I will note that there have been unexpected moments (e.g., getting sick) that have side-tracked me. I’ve learned that communicating with your professors about what is going on in advance makes a difference. If you need help with the class material and/or assignments you should reach out earlier rather than later.

Work
My work schedule has been constantly changing since day one, but I have been very fortunate to have a job(s) that are flexible and accommodating to my student schedule. My job as a therapy aide is beyond amazing as I plan my work days carefully around the semester. My job as an ambassador is also flexible in understanding my role and priority as a student, if I’m not working in the office, I’m working remotely which is helpful to my schedule. I understand that not all workplaces are as flexible and accommodating. I do recommend you to guide your work days based on your class schedule, assignments, midterms, practicums, and finals. The first semester allows you to work more days but as you begin your spring semester, the immersion courses will add an additional day to your school schedule.

Life Outside of Work & School
I will admit I do take breaks in between it all and a huge thank you to my family and friends who constantly remind me to take care of myself. Sometimes I’ve gotten home from a long day and all I want to do is sleep and so I do. Take care of yourself, do what you need to do too, for instance engage in your favorite activities. Some of my favorite activities include playing video games, cooking, listening to music, sleeping, and spending time with my family members. I will engage in these activities before I start my school work or after, and it’s okay! Sometimes you just got to.

So after all that being said, is it possible to balance it all? I’m going to say, “yes.” I have done it this semester-year which is somehow unbelievable. But I also want to emphasize that you know yourself best! Balancing it all does have its challenges; it’s not perfect. I hope my sharing provides an insight to you all, as always I’m glad to answer any questions you may have. Fight On!

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