Student life can be a juggling act… you’re likely to be familiar with the need to try to balance your studies, part-time jobs, and social life. With the rise of remote work opportunities, many students are discovering new ways to earn money and gain experience while maintaining the flexibility needed to succeed academically.
Let’s talk about some ways that you can create a flexible work schedule that works for you, so you can stay on top of your game and still have time for fun.
Understand Your Work Style
Before creating your productive new work schedule, it’s crucial to understand your work style. Are you a morning person who thrives with early starts, or do you find your stride in the later hours? Recognising your natural rhythm can help you create a schedule that aligns with your peak productivity and get the most out of your time.
Morning Larks vs. Night Owls
- Morning Larks: Plan demanding tasks for the early hours when you’re most alert.
- Night Owls: Schedule intensive work sessions for the evening when your creativity peaks.
Creating Your Flexible Work Schedule
- Understand Your Course Requirements
First things first, before committing to any work schedule, thoroughly review your course timetable, assignment deadlines, and exam dates. This forms the foundation of your schedule, around which you’ll build everything else.
- Utilise Work Hours Flexibility
Many remote jobs offer flexible working hours, allowing you to choose the times you want to work leading to a better work-life balance. Take advantage of this by:
- Spreading your work hours across the week to avoid long, tiring days
- Scheduling work during your less busy periods
- Leaving time between work and study for relaxation.
- Embrace Remote and On-Site Work Flexibility
Some roles may offer a mix of remote and on-site work. This hybrid model can provide the best of both worlds:
- On-site days for team meetings, collaborative projects, or tasks requiring specific equipment
- Remote days for focused, independent work that can be done from your accommodation or library
When negotiating terms with employers, discuss the possibility of remote and on-site work flexibility to create a schedule that suits both your needs and theirs.
- Use Digital Tools to Your Advantage
There is a whole range of resources available designed to aid productivity, organisation and efficiency. Leverage technology to keep your flexible schedule on track by using tools such as:
- Calendar apps: Google Calendar, Apple Calendar or Microsoft Outlook
- Task management tools: Trello, Todoist or Asana
- Time-tracking apps: RescueTime or Toggl
- Communication: Slack, WhatsApp or Microsoft Teams
- Set Clear Boundaries
With remote work, the lines between work, study, and personal time can easily blur. Establish clear boundaries:
- Designate a specific workspace in your accommodation
- Set “office hours” for work and stick to them
- Communicate your availability clearly to both employers and classmates
- Plan for Breaks and Self-Care
Don’t forget to schedule breaks and time for self-care. Regular breaks can improve productivity and prevent burnout. Include time for exercise, socialising, and hobbies in your weekly schedule.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity can boost your energy and reduce stress.
- Nutrition: Eat balanced meals to keep your brain and body fueled.
- Sleep: Get enough rest to stay focused and productive.
- Prioritise Your Tasks
Not all tasks will require the same priority. Learn to prioritise based on urgency and importance. The Eisenhower Matrix is a great tool for categorising tasks into four quadrants: urgent and important, important but not urgent, urgent but not important, and neither.
Eisenhower Matrix Application
- Urgent and Important: Immediate deadlines, exam preparations.
- Important but Not Urgent: Long-term projects, career planning.
- Urgent but Not Important: Minor tasks with deadlines.
- Neither: Leisure activities, social media browsing.
- Build in Flexibility
Life is unpredictable, and your schedule should reflect that. Build in flexibility to accommodate last-minute changes or emergencies without derailing your entire plan. Schedule short breaks between tasks to recharge so you feel refreshed to tackle the next job. Allocate extra time for key projects to handle unforeseen challenges.
- Time Blocking
Set specific blocks of time for classes, study sessions, work shifts, and well-deserved chill time. Make sure to include buffer times between tasks for breaks or any unexpected changes.
- Reflect and Adjust
Finally, regularly review and adjust your work schedule to ensure it remains effective. Reflect on what’s working and what needs improvement, and be open to making changes as necessary.
Weekly Reviews
- Assess Productivity: Evaluate how well you met your goals and deadlines.
- Identify Challenges: Recognise any obstacles and develop strategies to overcome them.
- Plan Adjustments: Make necessary adjustments to your schedule for the upcoming week.
Challenges and Solutions
While remote working offers many benefits, it can also come with certain challenges. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
- Isolation and Lack of Social Interaction
Solution: Schedule regular virtual coffee breaks with colleagues, join online professional networks, or work from a local café or library occasionally.
- Distractions at Home
Solution: Create a dedicated workspace, use noise-cancelling headphones, and communicate your work hours to housemates or family.
- Difficulty Separating Work and Personal Life
Solution: Establish a shutoff ritual at the end of your workday, such as closing your laptop and changing clothes, to signal the transition from work to personal time. Maybe take a walk to help unwind whilst getting some fresh air.
- Technical Issues
Solution: Ensure you have a reliable internet connection and necessary software. Have a backup plan, like a mobile hotspot or alternative workspace, in case of technical difficulties.
- Procrastination
Solution: Break daunting tasks down into smaller manageable chunks, remove distractions and optimise your study environment to boost productivity.
Conclusion
Mastering remote work and creating a flexible work schedule as a student is all about finding balance and being adaptable. By understanding your work style, setting clear goals, and leveraging technology, you can navigate the demands of academic and work life with ease. Prioritise tasks, build in flexibility, and maintain a healthy lifestyle to stay motivated and productive. With these strategies, you’ll be well-equipped to thrive in a flexible work environment, whether you’re working remotely, on-site, or a combination of both.
Remember, the optimal working environment is unique to each individual so the key to success is working out what’s best for you.