Doing multiple jobs at once as a student

As I’m currently in my final year of college and have multiple jobs, I like to imagine my life right now like that of Peter Parker from Spider-Man 2. At the beginning of the film, Peter is struggling with two different jobs (three if you count his job as Spider-Man). Similarly, on an average weekday, I run from work to college or vice versa and go home incredibly tired – knowing full well that I have to study and also finish my assignments from my other freelance jobs. I may not be a superhero like Peter, but trying to do all of this without breaking down often seems like a superhuman feat.

Still, it’s a feat that many university students have to accomplish. For most people, myself included, the biggest obstacle to working as a student is time management. As someone who used to “go with the flow,” I’ve had to learn to be more organized and plan my days more carefully. While I don’t always get the results I want, it helps to varying degrees.

Mariam Jannatul*, 23, who is currently studying for her Master of Arts at the University of Glasgow while also working in retail and teaching students, has a similar story about her time management: “I use a planner and plan my tasks for the week. I plan absolutely everything – even cleaning my house, calling friends, meal prepping and grocery shopping. I feel more in control of my schedule and I have peace of mind knowing that I have made time to get important things done.”

Of course, not everyone can plan their work and studies meticulously. Some people find that doing things in order of priority is a more effective way to manage their workload.

Hamidul Huda Stevan, 23, a freelance photographer and cameraman studying anthropology at the University of Dhaka, said: “I usually prioritise my tasks according to the opportunity. There are some clients whom I give top priority. However, if I have an exam, I don’t take on new clients. The ‘process of elimination’ always helps me organise my study or work schedule.”

Some people may find it convenient to spread their workload if they finish their studies regularly and leave nothing for home. Maruf Hossain*, 24, a recent graduate from the Independent University of Bangladesh, spoke about how this worked for him: “I think the best approach is to build a network of friends who have a similar work ethic. Try to make the most of your time on campus and work there so that when you return home, you have time for other things.”

Even if you try your best to keep a proper schedule or complete tasks in order of priority, overlap will inevitably arise and you may be vulnerable to burnout and stress. Personally, I find that going out or doing something you love at least once a week is a great way to relieve stress.

Luckily, I enjoy my work. Although I study computer science and engineering, my jobs mostly involve writing. From my own experience, I know that when you enjoy your work, you feel stressed but less dissatisfied. Still, it’s natural to experience burnout, especially if you can’t find time for leisure. Having supportive people in your life can help you alleviate this stress.

“I talk to my friends when I’m feeling stressed or insecure about something I do at work. And even if I end up just complaining and we don’t come to a solution to the problem, I find that complaining really helps – it frees me up to do other things,” Mariam added.

Setting boundaries and making time for yourself is also incredibly important and can help you reduce stress.

Nahian Jamal Joyeeta, 24, a graduate in public relations at the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh, said: “For me, it is crucial to set clear boundaries between work and personal life. I have separate phone numbers for work and personal life so that my work calls do not interfere with my free time.”

Motivation is ultimately key when it comes to juggling multiple jobs while studying. You may have to give up a lot of things, but at the end of the day, you need to make sure you hold on to the things that give you hope.

“I’m not saying that everything is perfect. When you work alongside your studies, it’s difficult to have a healthy social life. When I see my friends hanging out after classes, I often have to rush back to the office. However, when I get my salary at the beginning of the month, I find my inner peace and motivation,” says Khawja Masham Fahim, a content writer and business student at East West University.

Knowing that I can make my parents proud and become the person I was meant to be makes all the hard work worthwhile for me. At the end of the day, we all strive and work hard to make something of our lives; to achieve our dreams and transform ourselves into something better. But it’s OK to take a break every now and then and rein yourself in when you need to. You’ll get to where you need to be in due time.

*Names changed upon request