Carman Lee, a 23-year old student, has felt the pressure of handling school and part-time job responsibilities, but she's been able to find a balance.
Of course, some sacrifices had to be made. "The bad thing about doing both school and work is that I get stressed pretty easily and I don't really get to spend a lot of time with my family and friends," Lee says.
Saving up for her education was one of the main reasons why Carman began working part-time. She's not alone. According to Statistics Canada, 72 per cent of students hold part-time jobs while attending school. That's not surprising given that, since the early 1990s, tuition fees have seen an average annual increase of seven per cent.
"It's a common dilemma for students to try and balance school and a part-time job because they need extra money," says Jeanette Gascho, a counselor and teacher of individual and group study skills at the University of Waterloo in Ontario.
Gascho suggests finding a job on or close to campus to help save on travel time. "Traveling can be time-consuming, so if you can get a job on campus it's better. Also, most employers at or near the campus are more flexible and accommodating," she says.
Although Lee's job as a restaurant hostess isn't close to her school, it is fairly flexible. That's one of the reasons why she's kept it for over a year. She only works two shifts per weekend and when customers aren't coming in she's allowed do school work. "There are times when my tasks are done and there's nothing to do. My managers don't mind if I'm reading for school, as long as I attend to the guests when they come in," Lee says. "I'm glad that I can do that here."
Being organized about your time is essential to balancing work and school, according to David Berman, CEO of David Berman Communications. Berman has designed time management software for clients and speaks across Canada on time management issues. He says students practiced in the art of balancing school and work are developing skills they'll need in the future.
"Not only are you succeeding in school, you're also establishing patterns and habits that will help you succeed later on," Berman says. "People are drawn to people who do what they say they will. It's what's needed when you start a career, since this way you can establish trust."
Lee finds that writing things down helps her keep track of what she needs to do. "Using my agenda to write down my work schedule and assignments helps me prioritize," she says. "The good thing about working is that it pressures me to get my school work done sooner. If all that's done I even find free time later."
David Berman is an expert speaker on priority management, whose motto is: Get in the habit of planning tomorrow, today. Berman says there are three top ways students can learn to manage time:

1. Make two lists. One stating all of the things that must be done, in order or priority. Another is a list of things that should be done as soon as the first list has been completed.
2. Use computer software to keep track of appointments, work schedules and deadlines.
3. Get enough sleep (at least eight hours) so that your mind can function and retain information.

For more information and useful advice on time management visit PlanOrBePlanned.com. jp