Three Tips for Balancing Work, Life, and School from an Intern’s Perspective
How often have you heard the term “work/life balance?”
More and more recently, it has been used as something all working people strive to attain—an equilibrium achieved between career work and personal life.
Those who are balancing both work and school know that this can be a bit more difficult to reach, as it’s a work/life/school balance, but it is not impossible.
As an intern at TransPerfect, I am still constantly adjusting my balancing act. However, there are a few things that have helped me stay sane while also accomplishing everything I need to.
1) Set a schedule (and stick to it!).
This one sounds pretty obvious, but I can’t stress how crucial my schedule has been for me.
I block out chunks of my day for the different things I need to do, such as work, school, homework, etc.
I also make sure to include time for simple tasks, like eating breakfast and lunch. Sometimes I will get so wrapped up in whatever project or assignment I have going on that I forget basic things, like taking time to eat a meal, drink water, or stretch my legs.
Using a schedule and plenty of post-it reminders has helped me to develop and maintain healthy personal habits that prevent me from getting to a point of burnout from my balancing act.
Being open and transparent with your supervisors and coworkers regarding your schedule is also super important. Here at TransPerfect, I have been lucky enough to have a supportive team that values education and allows me the flexibility I need to attend class and complete my coursework.
As hard as it may be to close your work email, stick to the schedule you have created for yourself, and remember to take time to breathe.
2) Take advantage of online classes.
Surely after the completely virtual year and a half that we just lived through most people are ready to ditch their screens and get back to in-person experiences.
While I completely understand the headaches that may come from Zoom fatigue, I also appreciate the advantages that come from online courses.
Even before the pandemic, I regularly took online classes because it saved time on transportation and allowed me to work at my own pace and on my own time.
Additionally, asynchronous classes can be goldmines for working college students.
If you are tired of being completely online, even just one online class can be a huge help.
3) Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
One of the most important resources that you can have as you navigate the balance between school and work is a strong support system.
This looks different for everyone, but it can include family, friends, and coworkers who help you to stay grounded.
My family and closest friends always knew when I was on the verge of crashing and burning and forced me to take a break and relax for a little while. Whether it was whisking me away to watch a movie or grab a bite to eat, the time to relax and unwind helped me tremendously.
On the other hand, there were times when they helped me stay focused when I had approaching deadlines.
Communication and transparency with the people closest to you makes all the difference, and it is okay to reach out if you are feeling overwhelmed. Remember, it doesn’t mean you are not capable; it means you are human.
If you are interested in interning at TransPerfect, check out our job openings.
