By: Giselle Rafe
Working while being a full-time university student was never part of some big master plan for me. It started out of necessity, but over time, it became one of the most challenging and rewarding parts of my university experience. At one point, I was balancing two part-time jobs while carrying a full course load, and although it was overwhelming at times, it taught me lessons I could not have learned in a classroom alone.
One of the biggest challenges was time. Between lectures, assignments, shifts, and trying to have some form of a social life, it often felt like there were not enough hours in the day. What helped me the most was learning to be intentional with my schedule. I stopped seeing free time as something that would magically appear and instead planned my week ahead. Blocking off time for classes, work, studying, and even rest made everything feel more manageable and less chaotic.
Another important lesson was learning when to say no. When you are working two jobs, it can be tempting to pick up extra shifts or overcommit because you feel capable in the moment. I learned quickly that burning myself out helped no one. Protecting my energy was just as important as earning a paycheck. Setting boundaries with work allowed me to show up more present and focused both on the job and in my classes.
Working while studying also helped me develop skills that directly carried over into school. Being in customer-facing roles taught me how to communicate clearly, stay calm under pressure, and manage my time efficiently. These skills showed up in group projects, presentations, and even exams. I found myself more confident speaking up and more disciplined when it came to meeting deadlines.
One thing I did not expect was how much working helped me appreciate my education more. When time is limited, you start valuing it differently. I became more focused during lectures and more intentional with my studying because I knew every hour mattered. Instead of procrastinating, I worked smarter and more efficiently.
For students who are currently juggling work and school, my biggest advice is to give yourself grace. You do not have to be perfect to be successful. There will be weeks where things feel unbalanced, and that is okay. Stay organized, communicate with your employers when school gets heavy, and do not underestimate the importance of rest.
Managing two jobs while being a full-time student was not easy, but it shaped my discipline, confidence, and resilience. Looking back, I realize that the experience was not just about managing time, but about learning how to manage myself. And that is a skill I know will stay with me long after university.