Campus Living, Featured, Life on Campus

Tips for Managing Work While Earning Your Degree

Carla Adams

Trying to balance work with higher education? You’re not the only one. Whether you’re clocking in full-time or juggling part-time shifts, adding a degree program to your schedule can feel like throwing one too many balls in the air. There’s the coursework, the deadlines, the life stuff—and let’s not forget, actual sleep.

But here’s the good news: plenty are pulling it off. With the right plan and a realistic mindset, you don’t have to put your career on pause to keep learning. You just need the right approach, especially when time and energy are in short supply.

We share practical strategies to help you stay on track while balancing a job and an academic program. These tips are geared toward helping you move forward without burning out—whether you’re in a counseling program, a business track, or somewhere in between.

Choose the Right Program for Real Life

The program you choose can either make your life harder or help you breathe a little easier. That’s why flexibility should be a top priority.

Online degree programs are a solid choice for working students. They let you study when it fits your schedule, skip the commute, and pace your assignments around your work shifts. But flexibility alone isn’t enough—you also need quality.

That’s where accreditation comes in. For example, if you’re planning to enter the mental health field, you’ll want to explore CACREP accredited online counseling programs. These are recognized for meeting the professional standards required for licensure, which is essential if you plan to practice after graduation. These programs don’t just make room for your busy life—they prepare you to meet state licensing requirements with confidence.

And because they’re designed with working students in mind, you’ll often find part-time options, accessible instructors, and support services built to help you stay afloat, not fall behind.

Build a Routine You Can Stick With

Once you’re enrolled, routine is your best friend. It’s not glamorous, but it’s powerful. Without a clear plan for your week, school and work can quickly pile up and leave you scrambling.

Start with the basics. Lay out your weekly work schedule, then map your study sessions around that. Even short daily blocks—like 45 minutes in the morning or an hour after dinner—can make a big difference. When you show up consistently, you stay ahead.

Use tools that help you stay organized. Digital calendars, planning apps, and reminders can keep deadlines from sneaking up on you. And always leave some buffer time. Life rarely goes as planned, so build your routine to flex, not snap.

Be Honest With Your Boss

It’s easy to avoid the conversation, but talking with your employer about your academic goals early on can help. You don’t have to share every detail, but letting them know you’re in school shows initiative—and opens the door to possible support.

Some managers may be more flexible than you expect. They might adjust your schedule around midterms or even support you with tuition assistance. Even if they can’t change much, at least they’ll understand where your time is going—and you’ll avoid any surprise tension when your availability shifts.

Being upfront also shows you’re planning ahead. If your new degree connects to your current field, your boss might even see it as a long-term win.

Protect Your Time With Boundaries

When you’re balancing a degree and a job, time becomes less of a resource and more of a lifeline. And protecting it often means saying no—even when it’s uncomfortable.

Say your coworker asks you to cover a shift on Sunday. It’s tempting to agree, especially if you’ve done it before. But you’ve already blocked off that day to catch up on reading, prep for a quiz, and finally do some laundry. Saying yes might win you points in the moment, but it’ll cost you clarity and progress later.

Turning down that shift—or a weekend getaway, or a volunteer gig—isn’t about being selfish. It’s about being strategic. You’re not saying no forever. You’re saying, “Not right now. I’ve got something important in motion.”

When you protect your schedule, you protect your energy. That space gives you the breathing room to stay focused, complete your work with less stress, and keep burnout from creeping in. And that’s not just helpful—it’s essential.

Make Room for Rest and Recovery

Pushing yourself non-stop might work short-term, but long-term? It’s a recipe for burnout. Rest isn’t a reward. It’s part of the plan.

You don’t need hours of free time to reset. A short walk, a proper meal, or even a few minutes of quiet can go a long way. Keep your health on the list, not as an afterthought.

And if you’re headed into a field like counseling, this is even more critical. You’re learning to support others. That starts with supporting yourself.

Stay Connected, Even From a Distance

Even in online programs, connection matters. You might not sit in a classroom, but that doesn’t mean you’re alone. Participate in group chats, forums, or video meetups. These small interactions create a sense of belonging—and remind you that others are on this journey too.

Peers can offer more than just company. They’re sounding boards, study partners, and fellow problem-solvers. Faculty and advisors are also valuable allies. Reach out when you need guidance. Don’t wait until you’re underwater.

The more connected you feel, the more likely you are to stick with your goals, especially when things get tough.

Keep Your “Why” Front and Center

When your schedule gets messy and motivation dips, come back to why you started. Was it to grow your career? Help others? Challenge yourself?

Whatever the reason, write it down. Stick it on your wall. Keep it where you can see it. On the hard days—and there will be a few—it’ll help you stay grounded.

Balancing work and school isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being persistent. With the right tools, mindset, and support, you can move forward at your own pace—and build a future that works for you.