For many college students, having to hold down a part-time or even full-time job is one that is a harsh reality. So how do you balance your job with everything else? Of course, above everything else is scheduling. Following are tips for balancing work with homework:

• Be sure your boss knows your class schedule and have a heart-to-heart with him or her about your time needs. Many workplaces are sympathetic to the plight of the working college student. Communication is essential to having a peaceful co-existence with your job and your schooling. Family-owned businesses tend to be much more understanding of the college student.
• Consider finding work on campus. Check the bulletin boards for jobs that will fit into your schedule or find the human resources department and inquire about available positions. Many colleges offer work in your field of study, which could prove to be invaluable. Working on campus eliminates travel time to an outside job and minimizes the stress of trying to coordinate classes with your job.
• Don’t try to take on too many hours. Studies show that students who work more than 15 hours at a part-time job while carrying a full load of classes experience more stress and have a larger chance of dropping out of school due to that stress. While it’s important to have income to offset expenses, it’s also important to concentrate on your studies.
• Take advantage of downtime. When you have a break, review your flashcards. On your lunch or dinner break, read a chapter while eating a sandwich. Talk to your employer about studying during lulls while on the clock. For example, if you work at a convenience store, see if your boss would be willing to allow you study time in between customers. When you take advantage of the time you’re given your success at balancing work and studies will increase greatly.
• If working gets to be too much, consider other routes for earning cash, or modify your budget. NEVER let work hold you back from achieving your dream of a college education. There are many resources available. Take advantage of them. Go to the financial aid office and discuss your situation with a counselor there. You might be surprised at the options you will have available, such as a work-study job, a job that includes tips (restaurants), or a job where you are self-employed by advertising your own services (proofreading, typing, tutoring, etc.).