Understanding Work-Life-School Balance

Everyone has heard of the term "work-life balance," but for the modern student, there is a third factor thrown into the mix, and that is school. With The Star reporting that 9 out of 10 students work while studying due to the need for additional money, it is time to talk more about how to establish a "work-life-school balance" for the modern student.

The Positives of Work-Life-School Balance

Juggling the requirements of work, school, and personal life can pose challenges, yet it plays a pivotal role in your holistic success and mental well-being. This manual elucidates the significance of upholding a well-rounded equilibrium between work, life, and school, outlines the potential repercussions of neglecting this balance, and furnishes practical guidance on effectively organising your time and obligations.

No matter what your job and course are, finding a balance between the two to implement the things you love (the life aspect) is incredibly important for your mental wellbeing while also benefiting you personally, professionally, and academically.

Examples of this would be that by dedicating ample time to both sleep and exercise, you can enhance your ability to concentrate during classes and absorb more information from readings and lectures. Consequently, following this routine can decrease the time required for studying, thus simplifying the task of balancing academic and professional commitments.

It cannot be stressed enough how important it is for there to be not only a balance, but an appropriate balance. Consider, for example, dedicating time to indulge in your hobbies, such as reading or watching movies; this can effectively alleviate stress and boost motivation. Equally vital is socialising with friends or family, as a robust network of supportive relationships aids in navigating challenges across all facets of your life. Lastly, establishing clear goals and adeptly managing your time have the potential to alleviate anxiety and enhance the quality of your work.

The Negatives of Work-Life-School Balance

A danger when it comes to a life where there is work, school, and personal life in the mix is that we can fall victim to focusing on one thing way too much. When this happens, you subject yourself to various negative consequences, which is a potential outcome. For instance, numerous professionals opt to pursue further education to progress in their careers.

However, should you disregard the responsibilities of your job to prioritise studying, you risk facing demotion or termination. Conversely, if you fail to allocate adequate time to your academic pursuits, you may lag behind in classes and ultimately fail to attain a degree.

That's why a significant number of people who attempt to manage both work and school often compromise their personal well-being. This could manifest in poor dietary habits, reduced sleep, or less time spent with loved ones, negatively impacting their physical and mental health.

Increased vulnerability to illness and difficulties in handling stress and depression might become apparent. Contradictorily, even with a heightened time commitment to academic pursuits, there is a risk of diminished academic performance due to these adverse effects.

Therefore, it is important to understand that the perfect balance for someone else is not always perfect for you. So it is better to spend time figuring out the best balance for you than not doing so and risking the adverse effects of an inefficient and unbalanced lifestyle.

In the next article for this series, we will be speaking about the "10 Tips for Establishing a Lasting Work-Life-School Balance". So make sure to tune in!