essay about working and studying at the same time

Working While Studying: Pros and Cons Essay

Modern students seek financial independence and opportunities to receive practical skills from an early age. Nowadays more than 57% of students worldwide work part-time to cover their living and tuition costs as well as to satisfy some higher personal demands (Richmond par.1).

Working while studying helps students to realize their potential and develop crucial professional skills. Only in the working environment, it is possible to gain invaluable practical experience and knowledge. Apart from financial rewards, students receive necessary team-working, organizational, planning, time-management, leadership, and decision-making skills. They learn how to deal with real situations, take full responsibility for their actions, and efficiently interact with their colleagues.

A person who is engaged in a busy working environment also develops interpersonal, communicational, and conflict handling skills (Department for Business, Innovation, and Skills 79). Moreover, employers are more favorable to those who already have working experience after graduation, especially if to speak about relatively prestigious positions (Wignall 21).

At the same time, working while studying entails many challenges. A student will face pressure and need to achieve the balance between work and studying process. The quality of his or her studies might deteriorate significantly, as well as social life. A working person faces the risk of nervousness and tiredness, which may affect his or her ability to retain and process information at the University. In some cases, over-exhaustion may even lead to health problems (Department for Business, Innovation, and Skills 78).

Thus, it is up to the student to decide whether he or she can combine studies with working. Working while studying might be exhausting and stressful, but it brings significant benefits to young people and facilitates their finding in the modern economically unstable world.

Works Cited

Department for Business, Innovation and Skills 2013. Working While Studying: A Follow-up to the Student Income and Expenditure Survey 2011/12 . Web.

Richmond, Leone. Student Part-time Work Increases . 2013. Web.

Wignall, Alice. The Guardian Postgraduate Guide . London, UK: Guardian, 2012. Print.

• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

IvyPanda. (2023, October 30). Working While Studying: Pros and Cons. https://ivypanda.com/essays/working-while-studying-pros-and-cons/

"Working While Studying: Pros and Cons." IvyPanda , 30 Oct. 2023, ivypanda.com/essays/working-while-studying-pros-and-cons/.

IvyPanda . (2023) 'Working While Studying: Pros and Cons'. 30 October.

IvyPanda . 2023. "Working While Studying: Pros and Cons." October 30, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/working-while-studying-pros-and-cons/.

1. IvyPanda . "Working While Studying: Pros and Cons." October 30, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/working-while-studying-pros-and-cons/.

Bibliography

IvyPanda . "Working While Studying: Pros and Cons." October 30, 2023. https://ivypanda.com/essays/working-while-studying-pros-and-cons/.

• Tuition: Is Higher Education Easily Accessible?
• My First Work Experience and Knowledge I Gained
• Importance of Education: Tuition Fees Role
• The Transition From School to Work
• Personal Career Plan: A Vision Statement
• MBA in International Business and Investment Management
• Multiple Career Choices in Biosciences
• "Life Experience" Diplomas: Ethics and Legality

• Newcastle University Home
• Study with us

What are the main advantages and disadvantages when working while studying?

8 December 2019

Working while studying can be really beneficial for a lot of reasons, but there are a few disadvantages ( as well as some important rules ) to be aware of too. However, they’re pretty easy to overcome with determination and efficient time management. With the advice we'll cover in this blog, you’ll be able to turn those disadvantages into advantages easily.

Let’s look into the advantages and disadvantages of working while studying abroad...  

Ready to read more about them? Just keep scrolling.

The advantages of working while studying

You can earn extra money during term and holiday time.

The most obvious advantage to working while studying is the extra money you'll be able to earn. Having a little bit of extra money in your pocket helps to make university life even more enjoyable. You’ll be able to spend more on the food you love, such as unique ingredients for those home-inspired recipes. You can even eat out more, experiencing more brilliant flavours in your chosen UK city. 

Having a little more money means you can do more activities. Is there an interesting sport you’ve always wanted to try? Is there a place in the UK you’ve always wanted to travel to? Having extra income can help you do these things. Finally, you could even start saving the money you make from a part-time job. Use this for something expensive like a new laptop or a holiday. You could also open a savings account and start planning for your future.

You’ll find more opportunities to network

A part-time job is a great way to meet people from different backgrounds and with different skills. There’s always someone to meet and something new you can learn. 

Networking opportunities are especially important if you find a part-time job that relates to your career. For example, if you’re studying law and you get an internship at a law firm, you can connect with people who can give you information and advice.

Before working, remember to create a LinkedIn profile that you can use to connect with other professionals online, building your credibility and knowledge of the sector. You can find information on how to create a brilliant LinkedIn profile here .

You can gain work experience and develop course-relevant skills

Working while studying is a great opportunity to gain work experience and useful skills. If it's a job related to your degree or the career you want to work in, you can put into practice what you’ve been learning on your course. This first-hand experience might even help you to complete your assignments to a better standard and perhaps even perform better in exams as you have direct experience to talk about.

Unfortunately, sometimes it can be difficult to find part-time work that is linked to your degree. Even if you don’t find a job that directly relates to your degree or the career you’d like to go into, the experience of working allows you to gain a number of transferable skills, including time management, money handling, leadership and teamwork. These can be applied to many different aspects of life.

You can add all the responsibilities and duties you have in your part-time job to your CV and talk about them in a way that employers will find impressive. Remember to consider the role you’re applying for and tailor these duties as things you can apply in any role. Include details of the relevant skills you gained and how you demonstrated them.

There is an opportunity for learning within any position and it’s up to you to make the most of any part-time job you find yourself in while studying.

You'll learn how to manage your money and time

Managing your time and money is something you’ll have to do for the rest of your life, so it’s a good idea to practise these things while at university.

A part-time job will give you extra money to handle and plan with. You’ll also have new responsibilities to fit alongside your social life and studying schedule. This can seem difficult but after a bit of practice, it'll soon become a lot easier.

By spending time working, you’ll learn how to better use your free time for other activities such as hobbies or sports. More importantly, you’ll learn to appreciate them more. If you’re working while studying, it’s a great idea to join a university society so you have a reason to go out and enjoy yourself with similar people.

Balancing work and play is such an important technique to learn and it will benefit you throughout your whole life.

The disadvantages of working while studying

You might have less free time.

When you’re studying abroad in the UK, your biggest priority is your degree. If you have a very important exam, essay or project to complete, you don’t want to spend all your free time working. 

This doesn’t mean it’s impossible to get the most from your job and your studies. It’s all about balancing your time efficiently. You can do this by creating a schedule for your week where you can plan your working hours, study hours and other responsibilities.

Newcastle University also offers a Jobs on Campus (JobsOC) service , where students can pick up work on a casual basis, meaning you can work flexibly around things such as exams and other commitments.

Working a part-time job also might mean that you have less time to spend with friends you’ve made in your accommodation or on your course.

However, it depends on how you structure your time. By creating a schedule for yourself so you can see when you have lectures and seminars to attend and shifts to work. That way, you can see how much time you have left over to study, complete assignments and socialise. 

You can also make friends at your job. A lot of part-time jobs in a student-friendly city will be employing other university students, so you’ll probably be surrounded by people your age and with similar interests or experiences.

Making friends at work can help the time pass more quickly and make the responsibilities become a lot more fun to carry out.

Extra work can be tiring

You can only do your best in your job or degree if you’re feeling well-rested and energetic. Working while studying has the possible disadvantage of tiring you out, which could impact your studies. To work and study effectively at the same time, there are a few things you could do:

• set yourself a schedule. That way, you’ll be able to see when you have lectures and seminars, shifts to work and how much time to privately study and socialise. This can help you prioritise your workload and be able to make sure you get enough rest
• make sure you’re getting a good amount of sleep every night - which is around six to eight hours. Coffee and sugar may seem like a good way to quickly find energy, but it’s not something you should rely on. After a brief period of feeling energised, you’ll go back to feeling tired. 
• try to eat a good breakfast and healthy food throughout the day to maintain your energy level.

There's the possibility of stress

Working while studying exposes you to new responsibilities, new faces and unfamiliar practices. These can make you feel overwhelmed, but don't worry - there are ways to handle this.

If you’re struggling at university, take some time to reevaluate whether your job is making you feel that way. If you need someone to talk to, UK universities offer helpful services to offer support. For example, Newcastle University provides counselling and other mental health and wellbeing support services .

You’ll also learn a few things about stress management through working while at university, like learning how to de-stress and calm yourself through post-work activities. You’ll get better at remaining calm under pressure.

These are things that you can come back to in whatever career you end up getting after graduation. Little things such as meditation, relaxing walks, movies and books can all help your mind slow down after a busy day.

There are many advantages and disadvantages when working while studying, although getting a job can be a beneficial experience overall. But what’s the best way to start your career journey? We’re here to help you with that.

Get work-ready with our support

Our Careers Services team offers invaluable support with CVs, personal statements, interviews and more - some of the important things you’ll have to create and experience on the journey to your successful future career. If you need access to career information or want advice on making the most of a job application, why not book an appointment today ?

Newcastle University Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RU

Telephone: +44 (0)191 208 6000

London | Malaysia | Singapore

Quick Links

• Freedom of Information
• Accessibility
• Policies & Procedures
• Photography Credits
• Slavery & Human Trafficking Statement
• © 2023 Newcastle University

• IELTS Scores
• Life Skills Test
• Find a Test Centre
• Alternatives to IELTS
• General Training
• Academic Word List
• Topic Vocabulary
• Collocation
• Phrasal Verbs
• Writing eBooks
• Reading eBook
• All eBooks & Courses

IELTS Essay: Teenagers working while studying

by Javed Malek (Rajkot,Gujarat, India)

Click here to add your own comments

Return to Writing Submissions - Task 2.

Before you go...

Check out the ielts buddy band 7+ ebooks & courses.

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

• Click on the HTML link code below.
• Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.

Band 7+ eBooks

"I think these eBooks are FANTASTIC!!! I know that's not academic language, but it's the truth!"

Linda, from Italy, Scored Band 7.5

IELTS Modules:

Other resources:.

• All Lessons
• Band Score Calculator
• Writing Feedback
• Speaking Feedback
• Teacher Resources
• Free Downloads
• Recent Essay Exam Questions
• Books for IELTS Prep
• Useful Links

Recent Articles

IELTS Essay: Loving Wildlife and Nature

May 10, 24 02:36 AM

Paraphrasing in the IELTS Test: Speaking and Writing

May 03, 24 10:26 AM

Fillers for IELTS Speaking: Avoid 'Eh', Uhm', 'You know'.

Apr 27, 24 05:48 AM

Important pages

IELTS Writing IELTS Speaking IELTS Listening   IELTS Reading All Lessons Vocabulary Academic Task 1 Academic Task 2 Practice Tests

Connect with us

Copyright © 2022- IELTSbuddy All Rights Reserved

IELTS is a registered trademark of University of Cambridge, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia. This site and its owners are not affiliated, approved or endorsed by the University of Cambridge ESOL, the British Council, and IDP Education Australia.

Suggestions

How Students Can Cope With Working and Studying at the Same Time

The need to survive and gain experience and knowledge for the future pushes students to consider working and studying simultaneously. The increased demands of education oftentimes make it difficult to thrive in the working world, and while loans can help make life easier in the short term, it can still be a challenge to survive on just a single source of income. You do have some options and alternatives, however; by considering a gap year, designing a personal plan, relying on technology, and making one task a priority, students can cope with working and studying at the same time with some help from flexible scheduling.

Considering a Gap Year

Taking a year off from studying can help students plan for a future in which they can both study and work. This critical undertaking allows learners to identify areas of specialization and develop plans that will benefit them. For example, while volunteering, students can get skills in different areas that they can apply in the future. Furthermore, with the time-management experience that learners can obtain during a gap year, they can figure out better ways to schedule their own time. Therefore, students can deal with working and studying with the help of insight obtained during the gap year.

Designing a Personal Plan

Having a carefully made schedule to achieve personal, professional and educational goals is essential when dealing with multiple tasks. Students should not have schedules that are too busy because stress will become inevitable, leading to a decline in performance. That is why more and more working students turn to assignment writing services to keep up with their studies. The expectations of both studying and working can be greatly affected by outside factors, rendering it critical to adopt a light schedule if possible. For instance, students can take the weekend off to recover from the burnout suffered during the middle of the week; ultimately, having a fresh mind while studying and working depends on personal planning.

Rely on Technology

The rise of technology-based platforms enables people to handle different tasks at the same time. When working from home is possible, some students might be able to use other online platforms to study simultaneously, especially since many learning institutions are offering e-learning courses. Moreover, dedicating the daylight hours to employment can ensure that students will have other times to accomplish their goals. With the help of technology, modern learners can complete multiple courses while in the workforce, since they can attend classes even at night. Thus, the available tools provided by technology can help students work and study simultaneously.

Picking Your Priorities

For some people, it may be better to prioritize studying over working. In this case, focusing solely on studying can allow the flexibility to attend to other, personal tasks without jeopardizing one’s education. It is possible that you will have to choose one or the other, or at the very least, be willing to deprioritize your work-life temporarily.

In conclusion, both working and studying are crucial to a student’s personal growth and development. Reaching a compromise between both tasks requires personal discipline and the ability to prioritize. Through personal planning, students can balance school and employment.

• essay writing service
• essay-writing services

Daniel Reed

Leave a reply.

Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Related Posts

5 Best Free Writing Software Tools (and One Paid) for Every Writer

How To Make a Good Thesis Statement

One Service To Improve Your Writing Grades

How To Choose Reliable Essay Writing Services

5 Most Common Mistakes in Academic Writing

How Can a Journey Across the Southern U.S. Help Your Essay Creativity?

Learn More About Common Types of Essays

AssignMaths.com: Review of the Quality and Reliability of the Services Provided

Don't miss.

Büşra Kayıkçı The Turkish Pianist Going ‘Places’

The Brilliance of Amy Sherman-Palladino’s Leading Ladies in Television

The impact of listening to indigenous voices in 2024 america.

Who Are P1Harmony?

Shakespeare, ‘Coriolanus’ and ‘The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes’

• TEFL Internship
• TEFL Masters
• Find a TEFL Course
• Special Offers
• Course Providers
• Teach English Abroad
• Find a TEFL Job
• About DoTEFL
• Our Mission
• How DoTEFL Works

Forgotten Password

• How to Study While Working: 11 Tips for Working & Studying
• James Prior
• No Comments
• Updated March 29, 2024

In a world where professional development and career development are heavily emphasized, finding a balance between work and study is becoming increasingly important. If you’ve ever tried studying while working a full-time job, you’ll know just how difficult this can be! In this article, we explore 11 practical tips to help you excel at working and studying simultaneously so that you can study while working successfully.

So, if you’re ready to level up your life and overcome the challenge of working and studying at the same time to achieve your goals, read on!

Table of Contents

11 Tips for Working and Studying at the Same Time

Whether you’re pursuing further education to advance your career or simply enhancing your skills, finding the right balance between your job and studies is crucial. It doesn’t matter if you’re doing an MBA after office hours or taking an online TEFL course so that you can teach English abroad, if you don’t manage yourself effectively it will be a struggle.

Fortunately, with effective time management and smart strategies, it’s entirely possible to excel at both work and study without compromising on either. Let’s take a look at some practical insights on how to successfully juggle working and studying.

Create a Detailed Schedule

Start by creating a comprehensive schedule that encompasses all your commitments, including work hours, commuting time, and other obligations.

Break down your day into manageable blocks of time and allocate specific slots for studying, making sure to account for breaks and relaxation. Consider using digital calendars or planners to keep track of your schedule and set reminders for important deadlines and tasks.

By having a clear overview of your time, you can effectively plan and prioritize your work and study sessions. If you can set aside a specific amount of time for deep work, study, and free time for every day or week you’ll be able to pursue your goals without feeling overwhelmed or getting burnt out.

Set Clear Goals

Establishing clear goals is essential for maintaining focus and motivation while balancing work and study. Take some time to reflect on what you hope to achieve in both areas and set SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals accordingly.

Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks with achievable deadlines. Having a clear roadmap will not only keep you on track but also provide a sense of accomplishment as you progress towards your goals. It also helps you to have a sense of purpose which will keep you motivated and focused, preventing procrastination and distractions.

Maximize Productive Hours

Everyone has their own peak hours of productivity, during which they feel most alert and focused. Identify these hours in your day and reserve them for studying or tackling complex work tasks.

Whether you’re a morning person or prefer burning the midnight oil, prioritize your most demanding tasks during these peak periods when you’re most energetic.

By aligning your study sessions with your natural energy levels, you can optimize your learning and productivity.

Utilize Commute Time

Your daily commute presents a valuable opportunity to squeeze in some extra study time. Instead of idly sitting in traffic or staring out the window, make the most of this time by listening to educational podcasts, audiobooks, or recorded lectures relevant to your studies.

With the advent of smartphones and audio streaming services, you can access a wealth of educational content right at your fingertips.

Turn your commute into a productive learning session and make progress towards your academic goals, even on busy days.

Prioritize Tasks Strategically

Effective prioritization is key to managing competing demands from work and study. However, you shouldn’t neglect one for the other.

Start by identifying tasks that are urgent and important, and do those first. If you stay inside your comfort zone doing simple, less urgent tasks it will only slow you down.

Make sure you focus on completing high-priority assignments for both work and study, and tackle less critical tasks during periods of lower demand.

Use techniques such as the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks based on their urgency and importance, and allocate your time accordingly.

By tackling high-priority tasks first, you can ensure that you address the most critical matters without feeling overwhelmed by competing demands.

Establish Boundaries

Setting clear boundaries between your work and study environments is crucial for maintaining focus and productivity.

Designate a dedicated study space that is free from distractions and conducive to learning. This could be a quiet corner of your home, a library, or a coffee shop where you can immerse yourself in your studies without interruption.

Similarly, establish boundaries between your work and study time to avoid multitasking and maintain concentration on the task at hand. If work carries over into your study time it can affect your academic performance, which is never a good thing.

Practice Time Blocking

Time blocking involves dividing your day into discrete blocks of time dedicated to specific tasks or activities. Allocate dedicated time slots for both work and study, ensuring that each block is uninterrupted and focused. Make sure to intersperse this with breaks for relaxation and rejuvenation. By segmenting your day into structured blocks of time, you can optimize productivity and prevent burnout.

Use tools such as digital calendars, online timers, or time management apps to schedule your blocks of time and set reminders for transitions between tasks. By structuring your day in this way, you can maximize your productivity and make steady progress toward your goals.

Stay Flexible and Adapt

While having a structured schedule is important, it’s also essential to remain flexible and adaptable in the face of unexpected changes or challenges. Recognize that life is unpredictable, and be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly.

It doesn’t matter if you work a part-time job or a full-time job, if a work deadline gets pushed up you need to be prepared to rearrange your schedule and reprioritize tasks as needed. Likewise, if a study assignment takes longer than expected it’s important to have a bit of extra time that you can allow yourself.

By maintaining a mindset of flexibility and adaptability, you can navigate unforeseen circumstances with ease and resilience.

Utilize Technology Wisely

Technology can be a powerful ally in your quest to balance work and study effectively. You can leverage technology tools and applications to streamline your workflow and enhance productivity.

For example, task management apps like Todoist or Trello can help you organize your to-do lists and track your progress on assignments. Similarly, note-taking apps like Evernote or OneNote can help you capture ideas and information across multiple devices.

Explore time management apps, task organizers, and note-taking software and experiment with them to find the ones that work best for you and integrate them into your daily routine. When used effectively they can help you to stay organized and on track with your goals.

Embrace technology as a valuable ally in your journey to balance work and study effectively.

Practice Self-Care

Prioritizing self-care is essential for maintaining your physical and mental well-being while juggling work and study. Make sure to carve out time for activities that nourish your body and mind, such as exercise, meditation, or spending time with loved ones.

Get enough sleep each night to ensure you’re well-rested and able to perform at your best. If you’re feeling tired it can have a negative impact on both work and school so it’s vital to establish a good sleep routine. If you don’t currently have this you should re-evaluate your schedule and make it a priority.

Remember that taking care of yourself is not selfish, it’s necessary for sustaining your energy and focus over the long term.

Seek Support and Collaboration

Don’t be afraid to reach out for support from your employer, colleagues, or academic advisors when needed. Communicate openly about your dual commitments and explore opportunities for flexibility or accommodations where possible.

Your employer may be willing to adjust your work schedule or provide additional resources to support your educational pursuits and career development.

Similarly, forming study groups or collaborating with classmates can help you share resources and ideas, enhance your learning experience, and provide a valuable support network as you navigate the challenges of balancing work and study. Remember, you don’t have to restrict yourself to a single study group, especially if you have more than one class. The more tips and support you can get the better!

Working, Studying, Winning

Balancing work and study requires careful planning, discipline, and resilience. By implementing the strategies outlined in this guide, you can optimize your time management skills and thrive in both domains simultaneously.

When it comes to knowing how to study while working, remember to set clear goals, prioritize tasks strategically, and maintain boundaries between work and study environments. Practice self-care to sustain your physical and mental well-being, and seek support and collaboration from your network when needed.

With determination and strategic effort, you can successfully navigate the demands of working and studying, ultimately achieving your desired outcomes and advancing both personally and professionally.

• Recent Posts

• How to Become a Digital Nomad: A Step-By-Step Guide - May 10, 2024
• How to Teach English to Young Learners: 9 Helpful Strategies - May 2, 2024
• Is Teaching English Abroad Worth It? A Teacher’s Perspective - May 1, 2024

More from DoTEFL

11 Great Companies That Let You Teach English Online From Home (2024)

• Updated January 8, 2024

Technology or Technologies? What is the Plural of Technology?

• Updated July 9, 2023

How To Advertise Tutoring Services & Get More Students

• Updated February 26, 2024

Why Should You Take a TEFL Course?

• Updated January 3, 2023

21 Synonyms for Communication Skills to Use on Your Resume

• Updated February 14, 2024

Do You Really Need a TEFL Certificate to Teach English Abroad?

• Updated August 14, 2023
• The global TEFL course directory.

• LEARNING SKILLS

Top 10 Tips on How to Study While Working

Search SkillsYouNeed:

Learning Skills:

• A - Z List of Learning Skills
• What is Learning?
• Learning Approaches
• Learning Styles
• 8 Types of Learning Styles
• Understanding Your Preferences to Aid Learning
• Lifelong Learning
• Decisions to Make Before Applying to University
• Top Tips for Surviving Student Life
• Living Online: Education and Learning
• Critical Thinking Skills
• Critical Thinking and Fake News
• Understanding and Addressing Conspiracy Theories
• Critical Analysis
• Study Skills
• Top Tips for Study
• Staying Motivated When Studying
• Student Budgeting and Economic Skills
• Getting Organised for Study
• Finding Time to Study
• Sources of Information
• Assessing Internet Information
• Using Apps to Support Study
• What is Theory?
• Styles of Writing
• Effective Reading
• Critical Reading
• Note-Taking from Reading
• Note-Taking for Verbal Exchanges
• Planning an Essay
• How to Write an Essay
• The Do’s and Don’ts of Essay Writing
• How to Write a Report
• Academic Referencing
• Assignment Finishing Touches
• Reflecting on Marked Work
• Revision Skills
• Revision Skills and Learning Style
• Avoiding Distractions While Revising
• Last Minute Exam Revision Tips
• Top Exam Preparation Tips
• 7 Tips to Boost Your Confidence in Exams
• Avoiding Common Exam Mistakes
• Staying Healthy During Exam Time
• 6 Skills You Learn in School That You Use in Real Life
• Writing a Dissertation or Thesis
• Research Methods
• Teaching, Coaching, Mentoring and Counselling
• Employability Skills for Graduates

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter and start improving your life in just 5 minutes a day.

You'll get our 5 free 'One Minute Life Skills' and our weekly newsletter.

We'll never share your email address and you can unsubscribe at any time.

For many, the idea of going back to college or university (or considering a certification) while working a full time job can be daunting.

Handling a full time job and your studies at the same time requires a good level of planning and prioritisation. While some students would choose not to work while furthering their education, there is a massive group of students who are balancing a job while studying for a degree. There are various reasons for this but, generally speaking, money is key.

Studying while working gives you the confidence you need as you have financial control as a student. At the same time, the professional qualifications that you can acquire over time will give you a good head start in developing your career.

To help you juggle your two lives with a breeze, here are our top 10 tips on how to study while working.

1. Create a Plan

At the start of every semester, get all your syllabi and record all the examination schedules along with the deadlines for the papers required.

Use a different marker for each of your classes to see easily when these due dates are coming up for every course. Likewise, make sure to mark any company meetings or work deadlines you may know of in your planner.

See our page on Organising Skills for more information.

2. Update Your Employer

Assure your employers that you can manage your work schedules.

It is also a way to get their attention, and consider you to be really eager to work for them. If possible, sacrifice holidays and breaks to show that you are serious about your job.

If you prove your dedication, it will be easy to negotiate with them a more study-friendly schedule.

3. Use Your Free Time Productively

If you are studying and working at the same time, it may seem that you have no free time at all.

However, it’s important that you use the free time that you do have constructively as this will help you balance your day job and your course work more effectively.

For example, you can read a book on the way to work if you are a commuter. Also, use a few minutes of your lunch or break time to study.

4. Look After Yourself

Having a heavy work schedule and studying will inevitably cause you to stress out every now and then.

Therefore, you should be able to handle your stress in a positive way. Exercise at the gym or go for a walk a couple of times a week, because physical exercise is an effective stress reliever .

You can listen to music, write in a journal , have a massage, visit the salon, etc. Try to devote at least 30 minutes of your day to doing something you enjoy as a way to reduce stress.

See our pages: Top Tips for Managing Stress and Looking After Your Mind for more information.

5. Don’t Overdo It

Be realistic about the time you need to spend studying and work.

If you think you can only take one study course at a time together with your workload, then focus on that course. For example, if you are studying to become an accountant you may want to take the AAT course first before you look at other options.

If you work full-time, determine exactly how many classes you can take for every semester. When it comes to work or study, people tend to bite off more than they can chew. Having a full time job in any industry can have its challenges and expectations. If you add education to an already busy schedule, it will just increase the amount of pressure.

Keep in mind that you can only do what you are able to do.

6. Take Advantage of Technology

Class notes are essential. In spite of this, many students do not know how to take down notes properly.

Avoid jotting down every single word, as this will just get you far behind and miss out on important details. Find your own way of abbreviating words and phrases, so you can keep up with your teacher.

Take advantage of the technology today and use the necessary study apps. There are plenty of programs available that help students with every aspect of studying.

You may also find our page on Note Taking helpful.

7. Find Your Comfort Zone

With regards to the ideal place and time to study , everybody has their own idea.

Whether it is at the library after school, at a quiet coffee shop or your bedroom at night, find your study area and a suitable time for studying that will work for you.

Make sure you stick to it.

Where you opt to study is equally as important as the way you study. Remove any distractions such as turning off your phone. Have everything you need once you start, so you do not need to stop just to look for a pen.

See our page: Getting Organised for Study for more tips and advice about this.

8. Make Sure You Get Enough Sleep

Do not cut back on sleep.

You can wake up at 5 a.m. and study for about an hour, rather than burning the midnight oil, then go back to sleep until 7 a.m. You should wake up feeling reasonably rested. Doing this is much better than waking up and feeling tired from staying up half the night. In addition, you should take breaks when you are studying, especially if you are feeling worn out .

In any case, working or studying for too long can reduce your performance.

Learn more about sleep on our page: The Importance of Sleep .

9. Turn off the TV

Procrastination is definitely not one of our top tips.

At times, finishing your favorite TV series, taking a nap or chatting with friends will seem more interesting than starting or completing a course assignment. But bear in mind that the earlier you begin, the sooner you are done.

Check out your project and do the easy part first. As you begin to build momentum, the more difficult parts will just flow.

Get more tips on our page: Avoiding Procrastination .

10. Eat Properly

A hectic day at work requires endurance and focus. It means that you cannot let yourself go 8 to 10 hours without eating a healthy meal.

Take care of your body and it will also take care of you. Avoid eating foods that are high in saturated fats and calories, such as pastries, cakes, pies and meat products in order to address your hunger pains. This can contribute to the increase of your cholesterol levels, affect your metabolism and increase your weight.

See our page on Diet and Nutrition and also explore the relationship between Stress and Diet and Nutrition .

Further Reading from Skills You Need

The Skills You Need Guide for Students

Develop the skills you need to make the most of your time as a student.

Our eBooks are ideal for students at all stages of education, school, college and university. They are full of easy-to-follow practical information that will help you to learn more effectively and get better grades.

Living both the student and professional life can be tough and put a lot of strain on your personal life. Then again, you can turn this strain into motivation and get great results.

Apply these top 10 tips and you will benefit in the long run.

About the Author

Matthew Marley is the content specialist at ICS Learn, one of the UK's leading distance learning providers.

ICS Learn are pioneers in teaching skills and qualifications at a distance for over 125 years, giving students the opportunity to learn while earning and to fulfil their ambitions

Continue to: Stress Management Study Skills Tips

See also: Study Smart - Infographic Essential Strategies to Succeed with Online Learning from Home Time Management Tips for International Students: Balancing Academic work, Paid work, and Social Life

• PRO Courses Guides New Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade Sign In
• EDIT Edit this Article
• EXPLORE Tech Help Pro About Us Random Article Quizzes Request a New Article Community Dashboard This Or That Game Popular Categories Arts and Entertainment Artwork Books Movies Computers and Electronics Computers Phone Skills Technology Hacks Health Men's Health Mental Health Women's Health Relationships Dating Love Relationship Issues Hobbies and Crafts Crafts Drawing Games Education & Communication Communication Skills Personal Development Studying Personal Care and Style Fashion Hair Care Personal Hygiene Youth Personal Care School Stuff Dating All Categories Arts and Entertainment Finance and Business Home and Garden Relationship Quizzes Cars & Other Vehicles Food and Entertaining Personal Care and Style Sports and Fitness Computers and Electronics Health Pets and Animals Travel Education & Communication Hobbies and Crafts Philosophy and Religion Work World Family Life Holidays and Traditions Relationships Youth
• Browse Articles
• Learn Something New
• Quizzes Hot
• This Or That Game
• Train Your Brain
• Explore More
• Support wikiHow
• About wikiHow
• Log in / Sign up
• Education and Communications
• Study Skills

How to Work and Study at the Same Time

Last Updated: May 31, 2023 Fact Checked

This article was co-authored by Christopher Taylor, PhD . Christopher Taylor is an Adjunct Assistant Professor of English at Austin Community College in Texas. He received his PhD in English Literature and Medieval Studies from the University of Texas at Austin in 2014. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 374,446 times.

There are some definitive benefits of working while you’re getting a degree. Among the most obvious, you’ll be earning a paycheck. Additionally, the structure provided by balancing two or more schedules may actually help you be more productive generally. However, working while going to school can also be challenging, and can prevent you from fully devoting yourself to your studies. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to find the perfect balance of working and studying.

Working While You’re in School

• Working for the department in which you are studying is also a great way to expose yourself to the faculty and students in the department, and stay-up-to-date on any opportunities relevant to your course of study.
• Alternatively, ask your favorite professors about good entry-level jobs with relevance to your interests. They may even know of a few gigs that other students with your interest have held previously, and may be able to point you in the direction of a potential employer!

• Not only are these positions designed for students, they are also more likely to fit into a student’s schedule. Your superiors will be well aware that you are also a student, and will likely take this in to account when scheduling and other specific issues arise.
• Examples of positions you may be eligible for as a student include working at the library or in a residential hall.
• Keep an eye out for a position that may even offer the opportunity to study while on the clock!
• You can likely register on an email list that will notify you when new student positions are posted.

• If a weekly part-time job seems to be a bit too much, you could always work during breaks in your academic schedule.

• If you're studying within an extremely competitive program wherein your success will likely determine the quality of the job you get, it’s likely worth prioritizing your studies. Depending on your discipline, the job you'll end up landing could potentially make short work of your debt.

• Even if your work and studies are completely unrelated, work is still providing you with experience prioritizing responsibilities, communicating, etc.

Going to School While You’re Working

• Some students work full time while attending school part-time. This may work especially well for supplementary degrees.
• Talk to a counselor at whatever school you’re considering about class or program options that will work for your work schedule.

• For instance, if your job requires you to monitor the business’s social media account, you can likely apply the knowledge you’re acquiring at work to a marketing assignment in a business class.
• You may even be able to select topics for assignments based on your job. For example, if you are assigned a project on designing a new marketing campaign, you could model the campaign on the business you’re already working for, and win points with both your professor and your boss in the process.

• For instance, lots of service industry positions can allow for evening-and-weekend-only work schedules. Accordingly, they may also allow you to take an extra class.
• Consider a job bartending or serving at a popular restaurant or bar. These positions, though sometimes challenging, have the potential to earn you a high hourly wage, and are potentially less likely to be a source of distraction when you’re not at work.

Keeping A Routine to Enhance Productivity

• At the start of the term, transfer everything from each class’s syllabus into your calendar, so you know exactly when important dates are coming up.
• One good practice to try out is studying for an hour or two either right before or after each shift you work.
• Once you’ve got a good week plan in place, try to stick to it. For example, don’t pick up a shift if it will cut into time you intended to study, unless you know you can make up that study time the next day.

• Include cooperative studying sessions in your weekly schedule – perhaps at the campus café every Thursday evening?
• Make use of group message boards, which are often even facilitated by the class itself. If one does not already exist, make one and invite your classmates using their school email addresses.

Staying On Top of Your Studies

• Make sure to avoid rooms with televisions or other things that may draw your attention away from studying.
• Turn your phone off, and put on headphones if other people are around. If you listen to music, choose music without lyrics to help you focus.
• Get in the practice of keeping everything you need to study all together, perhaps in the place you study or in a backpack.

• To keep sessions consistent, get in the habit of studying at the same time four or five days a week.
• The regularity that results from a consistent study schedule will also make your study sessions more productive. Your mental focus will be improved, as your brain will anticipate focusing on schoolwork for that part of the day.
• Having regularly scheduled study sessions also means you can occasionally miss a study session as long as you get back into the routine as quickly as you’re able.

• Since more emotional and mental effort will be required to comprehend challenging material, address it first while your mind and body are fresh and focused. More routine, busy work can be accomplished as you coast through the later part of a study session.
• Revisit your class notes before starting an assignment. It’s very important to fully understand the specific requirements, as well as the learning objective, or assignments before you begin.

Maintaining Mental and Physical Health

• Even on especially busy days, take breaks. Go for a walk around the block, and leave your phone at home. Try not to think about what you’re working on. Instead, appreciate the way the sun and air feel on your skin, the color of the leaves, or the angles of a building you’ve never noticed before.
• Try working for about 50 minutes, and taking a 10 or 15 minute break before hunkering down for another 50 minute session of focused studying or working.
• Plan a trip – whether to Vegas, or a campsite just out of town – to follow an especially busy period of time. Not only will the trip allow you to decompress, it will provide something for you to look forward to in the meantime.

• Though it may be challenging to include exercise in your routine initially, stick with it! You’ll soon be looking forward to each session!

• Find the specific amount of sleep you need by sleeping without an alarm for three days in a row the next chance you get. The amount of time you naturally sleep for on the second and third nights is likely what your body requires.
• Try to get at least seven hours of sleep a night.
• If you find yourself sleeping in on the weekends, this is a sign you need more sleep during the week.

• Eat breakfast. Not only will this help sustain you throughout the day, it keeps your metabolism in a healthy rhythm. Try whole grain granola with Greek yogurt, sweetened with honey or fruit.
• Keep healthy snacks with you. Raw or lightly salted nuts are a great option.

Supercharge Your Studying with this Expert Series

Expert Q&A

You Might Also Like

• ↑ http://www.thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk/preparing-to-go/student-jobs-working-part-time/
• ↑ http://www.studylink.govt.nz/applicants/working-and-studying.html
• ↑ https://www.cdu.edu.au/launchpad/future-study/six-tips-balancing-work-and-study
• ↑ https://studyonline.rmit.edu.au/blog/the-importance-of-time-management-for-working-students
• ↑ http://www.educationcorner.com/habits-of-successful-students.html
• ↑ https://learningcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/taking-breaks/
• ↑ http://www.helpguide.org/articles/exercise-fitness/easy-ways-to-start-exercising.htm
• ↑ https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_resting_more_can_boost_your_productivity
• ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/foods-linked-to-better-brainpower

About This Article

Working while going to school can be challenging, but with a little practice, you can strike a balance between working and studying. Let your boss know about any school commitments you have far in advance so you can avoid conflicts. It’s also important to keep a planner so you can schedule enough time for studying in-between shifts. Make sure to take time out of each day to decompress and rest, since spending all your time working and studying can be overwhelming. If you feel like you still don't have enough time for school, consider asking your boss to cut your hours for the semester. You could also work more during school breaks to make up for lost hours. To learn how to find the best place to study, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

• Send fan mail to authors

Reader Success Stories

David Angelo Villanueva

Apr 20, 2017

Did this article help you?

Nov 10, 2016

Jul 1, 2017

Aug 2, 2016

Syed Zain Shah

Jul 28, 2016

Featured Articles

Trending Articles

Watch Articles

• Terms of Use
• Privacy Policy
• Do Not Sell or Share My Info
• Not Selling Info

Don’t miss out! Sign up for

wikiHow’s newsletter

• Listening Tests
• Academic Tests
• General Tests
• IELTS Writing Checker
• IELTS Writing Samples
• Speaking Club
• IELTS AI Speaking Test Simulator
• Latest Topics
• Vocabularying
• 2024 © IELTS 69

Is working and studying at the same time good for students ? Why or why not

IELTS essay Is working and studying at the same time good for students? Why or why not

• Structure your answers in logical paragraphs
• ? One main idea per paragraph
• Include an introduction and conclusion
• Support main points with an explanation and then an example
• Use cohesive linking words accurately and appropriately
• Vary your linking phrases using synonyms
• Try to vary your vocabulary using accurate synonyms
• Use less common question specific words that accurately convey meaning
• Check your work for spelling and word formation mistakes
• Use a variety of complex and simple sentences
• Check your writing for errors
• Answer all parts of the question
• ? Present relevant ideas
• Fully explain these ideas
• Support ideas with relevant, specific examples
• ? Currently is not available
• Meet the criteria
• Doesn't meet the criteria
• 5.5 band Reduce consumption of fuel resources by increasing the rate of fuel In today's contemporary era, it is rare to find the country who is untouched with the problem of fuel consumption, its presence can be felt in all over the world across evry nation and community. Some people suggest that increase in rate of fuel can only be the solution. There are numerous reasons ...
• 6 band peoples says that music is a good way of bringing peoples of different groups and age groups It is argued that Certain persons believe that music is a great way of connecting people of various cultures and age groups. I agree with the above statement because music is used for promoting love, emotions and it plays a vital role in improving the relationship of humans. on the one hand, music ...
• Language is wine upon the lips. – Virginia WoolfInspirational quotes for language learners Virginia Woolf
• 6 band What can the high gap between poor and rich people cause and what are the solutions? As you may have noticed, nowadays the gap between rich and poor people is rising wildly. Consequently, it has become the focus of political debates over these years. In fact, it is unquestionable that this inequality has some impacts in our society and also the economic growth. In this essay, I am g ...
• 6 band Some people believe that only university education can ensure success whereas others think the opposite of this view. In this essay, I would Some people believe that only university education can ensure success whereas others think the opposite of this view. In this essay, I would discuss both the views before commenting on my opinion. Focusing on education provided by universities, it is irrefutable to the fact that higher education gi ...
• Language is not a genetic gift, it is a social gift. Learning a new language is becoming a member of the club – the community of speakers of that language. Frank Smith
• 5 band with the development of online education during covid, students will never have to attend physical classes anymore Covid 19 pandemic is spreading around the world Consequently many classes are canceled. In order to guarantee that students do not miss out on their studies. Online learning is definitely the best way to solve this issue. Since the technology improvements, online learning can bring many benefits suc ...
• 6 band What should people do with their money? It is argued if people should apend their money when they have earned it however other individuals have a different point of view on it who believe earned money should be saved. This essay agrees with that money has to be saved because to not buy unnecessary materialistic things and for doing furthe ...
• Do you know what a foreign accent is? It’s a sign of bravery. Amy Chua

Working while Studying: Positive and Negative Sides

Introduction, working while studying is harmful for students, working while studying is an additional opportunity to succeed.

Education is the guarantee of a prestigious job in future. Many people try to get a good education, possess more skills and experience in the field they want to work in. But, high tuition is one of the main barriers for most students on the way to their education. To get a good education, students should pay a lot and some students cannot afford it. The problem is solvable and many students willing to study further decide to work while education. Working while studying, students may be both positively and negatively affected. Working in the area of study, students can get practical skills in the field. Otherwise, they are unable to cope with work and study, therefore, they fail to present good results in both activities.

Working and studying do not allow students to possess all necessary knowledge which they have to. Many students must work to pay their tuition. Students should work in the evening, when a home task should be prepared, or at night, when they have to sleep for getting ready for the next day. Weekend is another time, when students can work. Students are unable to have a rest properly. Studying hard at the University, writing different papers or reading numerous books, students are unable to relax.

Inability for students to have a rest leads to their nervousness and irritability. Working and studying at once is a great pressure on students’ physical abilities and mental opportunities. After some time of such life, students are sure to harm their health greatly. Lack of rest and sleep may lead to health problems in future. Being young and energetic, students think that they can pull up trees, but they do not think of the consequences of their activities.

Furthermore, students cannot cope with all the amount of information that is given in the University, they are unable to do all the tasks and, consequently, they lag behind the class. Students who work while studying will never be able to deal with these two activities perfectly, so one of the sides will suffer. Writing essays or performing other educational tasks, students will not try to do them properly, so they lose an opportunity to receive qualitative knowledge. In fact, students can perform these two activities at once, but their health will suffer greatly and in future students will see the consequences of their double life.

When students have decided to earn money for their tuition, they may choose the sphere they have already been studying at. The combination of theoretical knowledge that students get at the University and practical abilities that they are sure to achieve while work may give them an opportunity to succeed. Studying at the University, students get some knowledge they may easily use in practice. Moreover, when students work, they receive practical skills which are impossible to get while studying. So, it may be concluded that working while studying is one of the ways to become successful if students will be able to use knowledge got in different fields properly.

While working, students value money they pay for education and they cannot play truant. Working students understand that money was got by means of hard work and they must study well in order to be able to cover their costs with received knowledge. Students who work will not spend their money in vain as they know how hard it is to earn them. When students work, they study harder. It is impossible to say better, as they have to spend some time at work, but they really try harder and study qualitatively, as they do not want to lose the opportunity to get an education. Working students become older in the meaning that they reason like adults. Dwelling upon different things, they may look at them from the perspective of a person who has achieved something in this world.

In conclusion, the question of whether it is good or bad to work while studying is rather complicated and it is impossible to answer firmly on it. On the one hand, students have to work hard and they do not have the opportunity to study much. On the other hand, students receive practical abilities in the field they study, which will never be received in the University. It is possible to prove these both opinions, but still I suppose that working while studying is a way to get more than lose.

Cite this paper

• Chicago (N-B)
• Chicago (A-D)

StudyCorgi. (2021, November 30). Working while Studying: Positive and Negative Sides. https://studycorgi.com/working-while-studying-positive-and-negative-sides/

"Working while Studying: Positive and Negative Sides." StudyCorgi , 30 Nov. 2021, studycorgi.com/working-while-studying-positive-and-negative-sides/.

StudyCorgi . (2021) 'Working while Studying: Positive and Negative Sides'. 30 November.

1. StudyCorgi . "Working while Studying: Positive and Negative Sides." November 30, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/working-while-studying-positive-and-negative-sides/.

Bibliography

StudyCorgi . "Working while Studying: Positive and Negative Sides." November 30, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/working-while-studying-positive-and-negative-sides/.

StudyCorgi . 2021. "Working while Studying: Positive and Negative Sides." November 30, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/working-while-studying-positive-and-negative-sides/.

This paper, “Working while Studying: Positive and Negative Sides”, was written and voluntary submitted to our free essay database by a straight-A student. Please ensure you properly reference the paper if you're using it to write your assignment.

Before publication, the StudyCorgi editorial team proofread and checked the paper to make sure it meets the highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, fact accuracy, copyright issues, and inclusive language. Last updated: November 9, 2023 .

If you are the author of this paper and no longer wish to have it published on StudyCorgi, request the removal . Please use the “ Donate your paper ” form to submit an essay.

• Search Close

• Why Collegiate
• Student Advice
• Advice for Parents
• Southampton
• The Experience
• Lifestyle Collections & Services
• What Students Say
• International Students
• Documents & Downloads

13th August 2020

Study and work at the same time

Studying and working at the same time is something that many students are choosing to do. Many carry out both activities at the same time due to the need to balance accounts: paying tuition and the expenses of university life. Others, however, take it as a personal choice, as a sacrifice to achieve a higher level of independence as it is giving them the qualifications and confidence they need to gain a good head start during their career years .

If you are considering looking for a job compatible with your studies, this article will give you top tips on how to study while working, to help you be able to balance the two.

Tips for studying and working at the same time

Each case is different: the standard of living in the city, the versatility of each person, the requirement of each job … But whatever your situation, the following list of tips will come in handy if you are going to study and work at the same time .

1. Prioritise studies

It is something basic, but it should not be forgotten: although you are going to study and work at the same time, the most important activity is the first, while the second is only complementary. Don’t lose sight of it! Therefore, your job must revolve around your classes . Choose a job that does not make you miss class and that does not physically exhaust you, so that you can perform 100% during the course and during exam time .

2.Don’t sacrifice your time

The job you find should not only allow you to go to class, but also enjoy free time daily or, failing that, weekly to be able to do what you like: see your friends, play sports, escape to your place of origin… If your routine is only made up of study and work without rest, you will be letting go of unforgettable moments , which are only lived in the university era.

3. Set yourself realistic goals

You don’t need to start obsessively saving for your first home now or plan your trip around the world traveling in your first year. Setting realistic goals will help you to not decrease the amount of pressure, as it will be so easy to bite off more than you can chew. Setting up a realistic budget which looks for the balance between saving for the future but also keep in mind that you can only do what you are able to do.

4. A career-related job

Most of the jobs that will be presented to you during your college years will be little more than a simple source of income for your expenses. But if you are lucky enough to find something related to your studies, much better . Of course, your University will have a company internship management department, but they are usually focused on students in the last years of their studies and with a rather low remuneration. In any case, do not give up and, if you are presented with a well-paid and enriching job, take the opportunity.

5. Become a fellow at your own University

One of the most recommended options for those who want to study and work at the same time is to become a fellow of your faculty. They are usually simple jobs, not physically demanding, two steps from your class and with schedules fully compatible with your career. And to the surprise of many, they are not underpaid. Get informed on your campus .

6. Working from home, option for the future … and for the present

Working from home is here to stay . And when you fully enter the labor market, it will be one more option for many employees, with a fully developed regulatory framework. If you want to try it, make sure you have the right means to do it: computer or tablet, a quiet space like a workplace and a good Internet connection. These facilities and many others will be at your disposal in Collegiate AC , where you can enjoy the tranquility of private spaces and also common spaces designed for all the needs of students .

7. Everything in order, please

Okay, there are still many years left until your retirement, but if you’re going to study and work at the same time, make sure everything is legal . If the hours you work in this period are going to mean, for example, half a year of contribution in your career, you will appreciate it later. And if something unforeseen occurs, having everything in order will guarantee adequate coverage.

Have you taken good note of these recommendations on how to study and work at the same time? Well, you can also take a look at other more specific tips about our student residences in Madrid and Valencia . You will find content of interest to you in our student news section . Have everything ready for these momentous years in your life!

Related Posts

Where to Study Spanish in Madrid Chamartín?

April 23, 2024

How to Search Student Residence in Madrid

April 3, 2024

Halloween in Madrid | The best plans for the scariest night of the year

October 21, 2021

LOG IN TO YOUR ACCOUNT

Not a member…join up now.

   Home » Articles & News » How to Balance Working and Studying at the Same Time Without Burnout

How to Balance Working and Studying at the Same Time Without Burnout

• Further Higher Education

Mental Health

• University and Graduates
• Vocational Education

If you want to work AND go back to school, that’s amazing. Jess offers tips on how she stayed clear of burnout, balanced her time and asked for support when she needed help.

Do you dream of going back to school, but you don’t want to – or can’t – give up the security of a regular paycheck? Are you working part time and itching to fill the rest of your hours with something meaningful? Perhaps you want a degree but are scared of getting into debt? Don’t worry – it’s actually totally possible to work and study at the same time and still have a life too! Read on if you’re thinking of taking the leap…

Be realistic about what you can take on

The other week, I idly Googled “can you do a second Masters and a PhD at the same time?” (The answer, for anyone curious, is “just because you technically can does not mean that you should.”)

I am a master of taking on just a bit too much, and have to rein myself in from constantly running after fifteen shiny new projects. So believe me when I say: you need to be realistic!

You can’t, in fact, work full time AND go to university full time. Nor can you (probably) study fifty hours a week on top of your job and neglect sleeping, childcare, your partner, your friends, your hobbies or your mental health .

It’s much better to do things more slowly than to burn yourself out. Be realistic about how much time you have, if there’s anything you can cut back on (more on that in a minute,) and what else you can fit in.

Find small pockets of extra time in your day

I do so much of my PhD reading on the train to and from work. Something about the ambient noise and the rumble of the train just lulls me straight into my focus zone. Some people are at their best first thing in the morning – if this is you, get up an hour or even thirty minutes earlier to grab some studying time before anyone else is awake. If you’re more of a night owl, then what about setting aside a little bit of “study time” every evening. Perhaps after dinner? Or, if you prefer to do your studying in one long session rather than short bursts, set aside a few hours one evening or weekend to get through several hours of work in one go. Put this time in your calendar and keep it, as you would an appointment with your doctor or a meeting with a friend.

Be honest with yourself about what you can cut back on. Do you absolutely need to watch two hours of TV? Is scrolling through social media a great use of your time?

A more drastic approach, if you can afford it and your employer will let you, is to cut down on your hours at work (either permanently or just for a while.) Don’t do something like this without putting a lot of thought into it, though! An extra few hours in your week isn’t a good trade-off if you can’t study effectively because you’re worrying about money.

Things not to scrimp on include: eating, sleep, exercise, spending time with loved ones, and doing hobbies that truly nourish you.

Find a support network

There were a lot of brilliant things about doing my MSc long distance (seminars from bed, anyone!?) One of the things I did find hard, though, was the lack of regular and close connection with my classmates. After doing an Undergraduate degree full of in-person seminars, group work and critique circles, it was a shock.

If you’re doing your course at a physical location, you’re in luck! Make friends with some of your classmates, and try to support each other. This could be offering edits on each other’s work, bouncing ideas around, or even just socialising over coffee.

If you’re studying online or remotely, it can be harder. Luckily, modern technology is at hand! Use #WritingCommunity or #DistanceLearning on Twitter to find others in a similar position. Join a Facebook group – or even set one up! Connect with your classmates through email, webinars and your Virtual Learning Environment if possible. You could even set up an online critique group to share work and help each other.

Ask for help

There’s no shame in asking for help – in fact, it can be one of your greatest strengths. So don’t be afraid to ask for what you need!

Ask your partner to take care of dinner this week (or order in, if you can afford it.) Ask your mum or neighbour to watch the kids after school if you have kids or younger family that needs to be cared for. Ask your boss if you can take some short-notice time off, if you have the annual leave days left or can afford to take it unpaid. Ask your super-smart friend to give your essay a quick read and tell you what you can improve.

People who care about you want to see you succeed. They’ll most likely be happy to help, especially if you’re struggling or up against a deadline. One of the best simple things my partner has ever done for me, which still stands out in my mind years later, was leaving me to work and bringing me coffee and a stack of pancakes as I struggled through my Masters thesis, days away from crunch time. Tell your loved ones if you’re having a hard time or just need a helping hand. Ask for what you want!

Compartmentalise – put work, study and relaxing in different boxes

If at all possible, don’t work and study in the same physical place… and certainly don’t do either of these things where you relax! This means no bringing essays to the office, and no bringing work from your job home with you if you can possibly avoid it.

I find that clearly designated spaces can really help. My office, a train ride away, is where work happens. My home office is where studying and writing happen. And my living room and bedroom are where I relax. It sounds simple, but you can “trick” your brain into being ready for work just by getting it used to the idea that “when I am in this location, work happens.”

Of course, this is harder if you work from home all the time, or if you have very limited space available. If all else fails, a simple change of scene – writing in a coffee shop, or reading in the park on a sunny day – can make all the difference.

Don’t let your job suffer due to your studying… or vice versa!

It can be very tempting, when you start a new course of study, to start slacking off at work or bringing less of yourself to work. Don’t do this!

It won’t do your standing with your boss or your career any good. Try to think of “work time” and “study time” as two separate mental spaces, two different “zones” that you get into.

On the other hand, if you’re studying and working a part time job to support yourself, don’t take on so many extra shifts that you can’t fit in time to do your essays or are too tired to go to that 9am lecture.

Remember: the key is balance.

Working and studying at the same time can be incredibly rewarding and can open up opportunities that might not have been available otherwise. I would never have been able to afford to do my Masters and PhD full time (funding for Doctorates in Creative Writing isn’t abundant, funnily enough.)

Thanks to part time study, the miracle of distance learning, and some supportive managers, I’ve been able to make my work/study life function brilliantly. With a little preparation, planning and some easy tricks, you can make it work for you too!

5 Top tips on how to start a business while you are still studying

Tagged in: Wellbeing

Discover Youth Friendly Employers

Give me more! I am a…

Email us at [email protected] or call 01536 513388.

Take Part In The Youth Voice Census

This national online survey is YOUR chance to say what matters to you and what support you want to get in life. Take part today!

Careers Advice

See All Careers Advice

Build Your Skills

Job Hunting Tips

Work Experience

Youth Friendly Places

Youth Friendly Employers

Career Guides

[su_button url="https://www.youthemployment.org.uk/careers-advice-help/cv-advice/" style="flat" background="#00aeef" size="6" radius="round" icon_color="#fff" color="#fff"]CV Tips [/su_button]

[su_button url="https://www.youthemployment.org.uk/careers-advice-help/interview-tips/" style="flat" background="#00aeef" size="6" radius="round" icon_color="#fff" color="#fff"]Interview Tips [/su_button]

[su_button url="https://www.youthemployment.org.uk/career-quiz/" style="flat" background="#00aeef" size="6" radius="round" icon_color="#fff" color="#fff"]Career Quiz [/su_button]

[su_button url="https://www.youthemployment.org.uk/careers-advice-help/choices/getting-a-job/" style="flat" background="#00aeef" size="6" radius="round" icon_color="#fff" color="#fff"]Job Hunting Tips [/su_button]

Build Skills + Confidence

Want a big boost in your life and work skills sign up to our free online young professional programme today.

Young Professional Programme

Get FREE skills training when you sign up. Get support with your personal confidence, positive attitude and coping with change!

Self Belief | Communication | Teamwork | Problem Solving | Self Management

FREE Online Courses

Boost your skills and careers confidence with FREE online courses . Complete them your own pace and get a certificate for your CV! Sign in as a Young Professional to get automatically enrolled.

Get Jobs + Experience

Find Opportunities

Looking for jobs and opportunities near you? Sign in as a Young Professional to see the latest jobs, apprenticeships, grad schemes, CV workshops, career events and early career opportunities in your area!

Latest Careers Help

Breaking Down: Digital Marketing – 21st May | London Digital Jobs And Skills Hub

• London Digital Jobs and Skills Hub
• Opportunities

How to get into Tech via Free Bootcamps – 14th May | London Digital Jobs and Skills Hub

Be yourself.

Stay Curious

Overcoming Barriers

For Students

Student Guides

For Teachers

Teacher Resources

Teachers - see how to use the Young Professional programme in your school or college, with lots of free teaching resources at your fingertips.

IELTS Mentor "IELTS Preparation & Sample Answer"

• Skip to content
• Jump to main navigation and login

Nav view search

• IELTS Sample

IELTS Writing Task 2/ Essay Topics with sample answer.

Ielts writing task 2 sample 182 - teenagers have jobs while they are still students, ielts writing task 2/ ielts essay:, in some countries, teenagers have jobs while they are still students. do you think this is a good idea support your opinion by using specific reasons and details..

• IELTS Essay

IELTS Materials

• IELTS Bar Graph
• IELTS Line Graph
• IELTS Table Chart
• IELTS Flow Chart
• IELTS Pie Chart
• IELTS Letter Writing
• Academic Reading

Useful Links

• IELTS Secrets
• Band Score Calculator
• Exam Specific Tips
• Useful Websites
• IELTS Preparation Tips
• Academic Reading Tips
• Academic Writing Tips
• GT Writing Tips
• Listening Tips
• Speaking Tips
• IELTS Grammar Review
• IELTS Vocabulary
• IELTS Cue Cards
• IELTS Life Skills
• Letter Types

• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy
• Copyright Notice
• HTML Sitemap

Sample details

Related topics.

• Writing Experience
• Free education
• English Language
• Character education
• Purpose of Education
• Importance Of College Edu...
• Importance of Education
• Right to education
• Growth Mindset
• Multicultural education
• Technology in Education
• Writing process
• Philosophy of Education

Should We Work and Study at the Same Time?

Grammar mistakes

Redundant words

Originality

Readability

Nowadays is very important and essential for everyone students to have and manage their own money. They have busy lives, especially someone who has to juggle more than one task per day. The people in particular that I am talking about are college students, that is why most them decide to work and study at the same time. But, sometimes to do both things at once can bring some cause that can affect different aspects of their life. There is no single right way to balance their classes with their job responsibilities.

Study and work at the same time could make students unable to focus on their study, stress and restless, less time for their families and friends to do activities and less time for time for themselves. All the things we do in life are to improve the way we live. We study, work, play sports, and make choices just to have a better social life. People who challenge themselves to work and study full-time will end up with a very bad social life especially those who are ESL students because of their English barrier.

ready to help you now

Without paying upfront

Regarding our university duties: we try to do as much as we can to carry out all the homework and assignments we have, but sometimes we do not have enough time to do them. Maybe, we have to stay awake late at night for hours just to finish one work or to study for a huge test and the results are not always good, even though we have put a lot on effort it. We do not have enough time to do their homework correctly; their mind is full of mixed ideas and worries and also they suffer from physical exhaustion.

College students usually go out of their house to attend University early in the morning and come back late after doing their work in the evening or night, depending on your schedule. Our lives will be routine as living in a circle, waking up, going to school, going to work, coming back home, doing homework, sleeping, waking up, going to school, and so on. We do not have much time to share with our family or visit our friends and at some point that we are boring because we do not want to go out or do not visit them, but they do not understand that is not because we do not want to be just because we do not have the time.

We are too tired to do it, but that does not mean that we do not care about them. Lack of sleep is another biggest problem that working college students experience. They work eight or more hours a day, come back home, spend four or more hours doing schoolwork, and then they try to sleep for three or fewer hours a day. Doing this every single day will harm their health and their brain. Lack of sleep is the major cause of heart disease and high blood pressure. It kills the mood too. Working students will be having bad headaches and tiredness all the time.

They will be having bad moods even talk to their families and friends. Lack of sleep impairs attention and thinking. Plus working students will not be able to comprehend easily. They will be all the time in bad mood, under stress, and in extremely bad health The most important thing in life we have is time: without maintaining it, life will not exist. Studying and working at the same time will burn your time and will make you busy all the time to the point you will not feel yourself to be living. It will make you busy all the time; thus, it will also be a complicated duty; to control school and work.

For example, suppose you have some tests and a lot of homework, so you will have to skip some classes and take some days off work so you can study and do schoolwork. Sometimes you will have to skip classes because you didn’t have chance to do the homework. Other times you will skip classes because you have a test and you didn’t study for it. Working students get fired because they try to take advantage of their free minutes at work to do schoolwork. So lack of time will ruin both of them and you will not succeed on either one.

We believe that working is important for people nowadays but it may affect the students when they do part-time job and study at the same time. That was the biggest challenge, to manage your time between college and work. But, there is no magic trick: time management is the only way to achieve. There is no more than 24hours per day and even if we wished for more hours, it won’t happen! In the other hand, having a part time job while attending school helps students in being better prepared for the real world. Students also improve at multitasking and taking charge of their own life affairs.

Robinson stated that most students didn’t work for financial reasons but because they liked the independence their job gave them, the enjoyment they derived from their work, and those who were employed were more likely to be happy with many aspects of their lives such as money and social life than those who didn’t have a part time employment. Part time jobs give the students an opportunity to enhance their learning. Moreover, students who hold part time jobs are also better prepared to handle surprises and setbacks in the beginning of their professional career due to their more realistic expectations and understanding of work culture.

Cite this page

https://graduateway.com/should-we-work-and-study-at-the-same-time/

You can get a custom paper by one of our expert writers

• Brown V Board of Education
• Study skills
• Special education
• Active listening
• Critical Thinking
• College Education
• Higher Education
• Educational Goals
• Health education

Check more samples on your topics

Work is workship, workship is not work.

Parminder Kaur Abstract: Work means action which involves effort and exertion; It is the essence of life. No action means no life. Worship means giving reverence to some power. All enjoyment, all achievement and all progress come from this magic word 'work'. It is the primary thing around which whole life revolves. It also means the

‘A Woman’s Work’ By Dorothy Nimmo ‘Woman Work’ by Maya Angelou Analysis

Maya Angelou

Both poems that we were asked to look at focus on the roles of women and their work.However, the subjects of each poem are very different, and both authors are writing their poem from different perspectives that border completely different cultures. Even though both the poems are about the roles of women, the idea of

James Sheehy’s A New Work Ethic: Implications of Work Ethics

Social Issues

Ignoring small beginnings in life can potentially lead to the loss of gaining the explosive prospects that are surfacing. Cheesy reports the typical attitudes that are in work environments today. In my experience according to Cheesy, the work environment has a strong consistency of contempt for customers, indifference to quality and service, unrealistic expectations about

Japanese Work Ethics vs American Work Ethics

"For an American to consider the Japanese from any viewpoint for any reason, it is important for us to remember that they are products of a unique civilization, that their standards and values are the results of several thousand years of powerful religious and metaphysical conditioning that were entirely different from those that molded the

A Study on Quality of Work Life Among Employees

MSMEs play a vital role in driving economic growth and fostering equity in the workforce. These enterprises constitute over 95% of businesses in numerous economies, and they are recognized for their pivotal role in job creation, as well as their substantial contributions to industrial productivity and exports. Human beings, especially Indigenous workers, possess a diverse array

A Study Of God, man and nature through William Blake’s work Research Paper

William Blake was not respected in his era for his work, but to this day, we respect his work as having been some of the most influential and society-changing ever. He was perhaps the first ever artist to publicly think out of the box at a time when it was risky to do so, and

A Study of the work of William Blake “A Cradle song”, “Infant joy” and “Blossom” Analysis

The poem 'a cradle song' may best be characterised as a rhapsody of sleep and innocence. In his encounter with these states, the narrator receives a strong reminder of the divine; which as we see throughout the 'songs', can be seen for Blake only in human form.Although the subject matter of this poem may seem

Social work – Integrative Practice Study

My work placement was a statutory project situated within North Lanarkshire Council. North Lanarkshire council is one of the largest new unitary authorities in Scotland with a population of over 326,000, which 1.3% of the population are from a minority ethnic group, compared with 2% for Scotland as a whole. The area has a range

Study Abroad or Study Locally

International student

Study Abroad

Choosing to pursue further education after high school is a crucial decision that holds great significance. It is frequently regarded as a pivotal moment with the ability to mold an individual's future achievements or setbacks. Although I have my own reservations about this notion, I acknowledge the substantial influence that obtaining a degree or diploma

Hi, my name is Amy 👋

In case you can't find a relevant example, our professional writers are ready to help you write a unique paper. Just talk to our smart assistant Amy and she'll connect you with the best match.

Thousands Believe Covid Vaccines Harmed Them. Is Anyone Listening?

All vaccines have at least occasional side effects. But people who say they were injured by Covid vaccines believe their cases have been ignored.

Shaun Barcavage, 54, a nurse practitioner in New York City, said that ever since his first Covid shot, standing up has sent his heart racing. Credit... Hannah Yoon for The New York Times

Supported by

• Share full article

By Apoorva Mandavilli

Apoorva Mandavilli spent more than a year talking to dozens of experts in vaccine science, policymakers and people who said they had experienced serious side effects after receiving a Covid-19 vaccine.

• Published May 3, 2024 Updated May 4, 2024

Within minutes of getting the Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccine, Michelle Zimmerman felt pain racing from her left arm up to her ear and down to her fingertips. Within days, she was unbearably sensitive to light and struggled to remember simple facts.

She was 37, with a Ph.D. in neuroscience, and until then could ride her bicycle 20 miles, teach a dance class and give a lecture on artificial intelligence, all in the same day. Now, more than three years later, she lives with her parents. Eventually diagnosed with brain damage, she cannot work, drive or even stand for long periods of time.

“When I let myself think about the devastation of what this has done to my life, and how much I’ve lost, sometimes it feels even too hard to comprehend,” said Dr. Zimmerman, who believes her injury is due to a contaminated vaccine batch .

The Covid vaccines, a triumph of science and public health, are estimated to have prevented millions of hospitalizations and deaths . Yet even the best vaccines produce rare but serious side effects . And the Covid vaccines have been given to more than 270 million people in the United States, in nearly 677 million doses .

Dr. Zimmerman’s account is among the more harrowing, but thousands of Americans believe they suffered serious side effects following Covid vaccination. As of April, just over 13,000 vaccine-injury compensation claims have been filed with the federal government — but to little avail. Only 19 percent have been reviewed. Only 47 of those were deemed eligible for compensation, and only 12 have been paid out, at an average of about $3,600 .

Some scientists fear that patients with real injuries are being denied help and believe that more needs to be done to clarify the possible risks.

“At least long Covid has been somewhat recognized,” said Akiko Iwasaki, an immunologist and vaccine expert at Yale University. But people who say they have post-vaccination injuries are “just completely ignored and dismissed and gaslighted,” she added.

In interviews and email exchanges conducted over several months, federal health officials insisted that serious side effects were extremely rare and that their surveillance efforts were more than sufficient to detect patterns of adverse events.

“Hundreds of millions of people in the United States have safely received Covid vaccines under the most intense safety monitoring in U.S. history,” Jeff Nesbit, a spokesman for the Department of Health and Human Services, said in an emailed statement.

But in a recent interview, Dr. Janet Woodcock, a longtime leader of the Food and Drug Administration, who retired in February, said she believed that some recipients had experienced uncommon but “serious” and “life-changing” reactions beyond those described by federal agencies.

“I feel bad for those people,” said Dr. Woodcock, who became the F.D.A.’s acting commissioner in January 2021 as the vaccines were rolling out. “I believe their suffering should be acknowledged, that they have real problems, and they should be taken seriously.”

“I’m disappointed in myself,” she added. “I did a lot of things I feel very good about, but this is one of the few things I feel I just didn’t bring it home.”

Federal officials and independent scientists face a number of challenges in identifying potential vaccine side effects.

The nation’s fragmented health care system complicates detection of very rare side effects, a process that depends on an analysis of huge amounts of data. That’s a difficult task when a patient may be tested for Covid at Walgreens, get vaccinated at CVS, go to a local clinic for minor ailments and seek care at a hospital for serious conditions. Each place may rely on different health record systems.

There is no central repository of vaccine recipients, nor of medical records, and no easy to way to pool these data. Reports to the largest federal database of so-called adverse events can be made by anyone, about anything. It’s not even clear what officials should be looking for.

“I mean, you’re not going to find ‘brain fog’ in the medical record or claims data, and so then you’re not going to find” a signal that it may be linked to vaccination, Dr. Woodcock said. If such a side effect is not acknowledged by federal officials, “it’s because it doesn’t have a good research definition,” she added. “It isn’t, like, malevolence on their part.”

The government’s understaffed compensation fund has paid so little because it officially recognizes few side effects for Covid vaccines. And vaccine supporters, including federal officials, worry that even a whisper of possible side effects feeds into misinformation spread by a vitriolic anti-vaccine movement.

‘I’m Not Real’

Patients who believe they experienced serious side effects say they have received little support or acknowledgment.

Shaun Barcavage, 54, a nurse practitioner in New York City who has worked on clinical trials for H.I.V. and Covid, said that ever since his first Covid shot, merely standing up sent his heart racing — a symptom suggestive of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome , a neurological disorder that some studies have linked to both Covid and, much less often, vaccination .

He also experienced stinging pain in his eyes, mouth and genitals, which has abated, and tinnitus, which has not.

“I can’t get the government to help me,” Mr. Barcavage said of his fruitless pleas to federal agencies and elected representatives. “I am told I’m not real. I’m told I’m rare. I’m told I’m coincidence.”

Renee France, 49, a physical therapist in Seattle, developed Bell’s palsy — a form of facial paralysis, usually temporary — and a dramatic rash that neatly bisected her face. Bell’s palsy is a known side effect of other vaccines, and it has been linked to Covid vaccination in some studies.

But Dr. France said doctors were dismissive of any connection to the Covid vaccines. The rash, a bout of shingles, debilitated her for three weeks, so Dr. France reported it to federal databases twice.

“I thought for sure someone would reach out, but no one ever did,” she said.

Similar sentiments were echoed in interviews, conducted over more than a year, with 30 people who said they had been harmed by Covid shots. They described a variety of symptoms following vaccination, some neurological, some autoimmune, some cardiovascular.

All said they had been turned away by physicians, told their symptoms were psychosomatic, or labeled anti-vaccine by family and friends — despite the fact that they supported vaccines.

Even leading experts in vaccine science have run up against disbelief and ambivalence.

Dr. Gregory Poland, 68, editor in chief of the journal Vaccine, said that a loud whooshing sound in his ears had accompanied every moment since his first shot, but that his entreaties to colleagues at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to explore the phenomenon, tinnitus, had led nowhere.

He received polite responses to his many emails, but “I just don’t get any sense of movement,” he said.

“If they have done studies, those studies should be published,” Dr. Poland added. In despair that he might “never hear silence again,” he has sought solace in meditation and his religious faith.

Dr. Buddy Creech, 50, who led several Covid vaccine trials at Vanderbilt University, said his tinnitus and racing heart lasted about a week after each shot. “It’s very similar to what I experienced during acute Covid, back in March of 2020,” Dr. Creech said.

Research may ultimately find that most reported side effects are unrelated to the vaccine, he acknowledged. Many can be caused by Covid itself.

“Regardless, when our patients experience a side effect that may or may not be related to the vaccine, we owe it to them to investigate that as completely as we can,” Dr. Creech said.

Federal health officials say they do not believe that the Covid vaccines caused the illnesses described by patients like Mr. Barcavage, Dr. Zimmerman and Dr. France. The vaccines may cause transient reactions, such as swelling, fatigue and fever, according to the C.D.C., but the agency has documented only four serious but rare side effects .

Two are associated with the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, which is no longer available in the United States: Guillain-Barré syndrome , a known side effect of other vaccines , including the flu shot; and a blood-clotting disorder.

The C.D.C. also links mRNA vaccines made by Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna to heart inflammation, or myocarditis, especially in boys and young men. And the agency warns of anaphylaxis, or severe allergic reaction, which can occur after any vaccination.

Listening for Signals

Agency scientists are monitoring large databases containing medical information on millions of Americans for patterns that might suggest a hitherto unknown side effect of vaccination, said Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, director of the C.D.C.’s National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.

“We toe the line by reporting the signals that we think are real signals and reporting them as soon as we identify them as signals,” he said. The agency’s systems for monitoring vaccine safety are “pretty close” to ideal, he said.

Those national surveillance efforts include the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS). It is the largest database, but also the least reliable: Reports of side effects can be submitted by anyone and are not vetted, so they may be subject to bias or manipulation.

The system contains roughly one million reports regarding Covid vaccination, the vast majority for mild events, according to the C.D.C.

Federal researchers also comb through databases that combine electronic health records and insurance claims on tens of millions of Americans. The scientists monitor the data for 23 conditions that may occur following Covid vaccination. Officials remain alert to others that may pop up, Dr. Daskalakis said.

But there are gaps, some experts noted. The Covid shots administered at mass vaccination sites were not recorded in insurance claims databases, for example, and medical records in the United States are not centralized.

“It’s harder to see signals when you have so many people, and things are happening in different parts of the country, and they’re not all collected in the same system,” said Rebecca Chandler, a vaccine safety expert at the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations.

An expert panel convened by the National Academies concluded in April that for the vast majority of side effects, there was not enough data to accept or reject a link.

Asked at a recent congressional hearing whether the nation’s vaccine-safety surveillance was sufficient, Dr. Peter Marks, director of the F.D.A.’s Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, said, “I do believe we could do better.”

In some countries with centralized health care systems, officials have actively sought out reports of serious side effects of Covid vaccines and reached conclusions that U.S. health authorities have not.

In Hong Kong, the government analyzed centralized medical records of patients after vaccination and paid people to come forward with problems. The strategy identified “a lot of mild cases that other countries would not otherwise pick up,” said Ian Wong, a researcher at the University of Hong Kong who led the nation’s vaccine safety efforts.

That included the finding that in rare instances — about seven per million doses — the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine triggered a bout of shingles serious enough to require hospitalization.

The European Medicines Agency has linked the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines to facial paralysis, tingling sensations and numbness. The E.M.A. also counts tinnitus as a side effect of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, although the American health agencies do not. There are more than 17,000 reports of tinnitus following Covid vaccination in VAERS.

Are the two linked? It’s not clear. As many as one in four adults has some form of tinnitus. Stress, anxiety, grief and aging can lead to the condition, as can infections like Covid itself and the flu.

There is no test or scan for tinnitus, and scientists cannot easily study it because the inner ear is tiny, delicate and encased in bone, said Dr. Konstantina Stankovic, an otolaryngologist at Stanford University.

Still, an analysis of health records from nearly 2.6 million people in the United States found that about 0.04 percent , or about 1,000, were diagnosed with tinnitus within three weeks of their first mRNA shot. In March, researchers in Australia published a study linking tinnitus and vertigo to the vaccines .

The F.D.A. is monitoring reports of tinnitus, but “at this time, the available evidence does not suggest a causal association with the Covid-19 vaccines,” the agency said in a statement.

Despite surveillance efforts, U.S. officials were not the first to identify a significant Covid vaccine side effect: myocarditis in young people receiving mRNA vaccines. It was Israeli authorities who first raised the alarm in April 2021. Officials in the United States said at the time that they had not seen a link.

On May 22, 2021, news broke that the C.D.C. was investigating a “relatively few” cases of myocarditis. By June 23, the number of myocarditis reports in VAERS had risen to more than 1,200 — a hint that it is important to tell doctors and patients what to look for.

Later analyses showed that the risk for myocarditis and pericarditis, a related condition, is highest after a second dose of an mRNA Covid vaccine in adolescent males aged 12 to 17 years.

In many people, vaccine-related myocarditis is transient. But some patients continue to experience pain, breathlessness and depression, and some show persistent changes on heart scans . The C.D.C. has said there were no confirmed deaths related to myocarditis, but in fact there have been several accounts of deaths reported post-vaccination .

Pervasive Misinformation

The rise of the anti-vaccine movement has made it difficult for scientists, in and out of government, to candidly address potential side effects, some experts said. Much of the narrative on the purported dangers of Covid vaccines is patently false, or at least exaggerated, cooked up by savvy anti-vaccine campaigns.

Questions about Covid vaccine safety are core to Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential campaign. Citing debunked theories about altered DNA, Florida’s surgeon general has called for a halt to Covid vaccination in the state.

“The sheer nature of misinformation, the scale of misinformation, is staggering, and anything will be twisted to make it seem like it’s not just a devastating side effect but proof of a massive cover-up,” said Dr. Joshua Sharfstein, a vice dean at Johns Hopkins University.

Among the hundreds of millions of Americans who were immunized for Covid, some number would have had heart attacks or strokes anyway. Some women would have miscarried. How to distinguish those caused by the vaccine from those that are coincidences? The only way to resolve the question is intense research .

But the National Institutes of Health is conducting virtually no studies on Covid vaccine safety, several experts noted. William Murphy, a cancer researcher who worked at the N.I.H. for 12 years, has been prodding federal health officials to initiate these studies since 2021.

The officials each responded with “that very tired mantra: ‘But the virus is worse,’” Dr. Murphy recalled. “Yes, the virus is worse, but that doesn’t obviate doing research to make sure that there may be other options.”

A deeper understanding of possible side effects, and who is at risk for them, could have implications for the design of future vaccines, or may indicate that for some young and healthy people, the benefit of Covid shots may no longer outweigh the risks — as some European countries have determined.

Thorough research might also speed assistance to thousands of Americans who say they were injured.

The federal government has long run the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program , designed to compensate people who suffer injuries after vaccination. Established more than three decades ago, the program sets no limit on the amounts awarded to people found to have been harmed.

But Covid vaccines are not covered by that fund because Congress has not made them subject to the excise tax that pays for it. Some lawmakers have introduced bills to make the change.

Instead, claims regarding Covid vaccines go to the Countermeasures Injury Compensation Program . Intended for public health emergencies, this program has narrow criteria to pay out and sets a limit of $50,000, with stringent standards of proof.

It requires applicants to prove within a year of the injury that it was “the direct result” of getting the Covid vaccine, based on “compelling, reliable, valid, medical, and scientific evidence.”

The program had only four staff members at the beginning of the pandemic, and now has 35 people evaluating claims. Still, it has reviewed only a fraction of the 13,000 claims filed, and has paid out only a dozen.

Dr. Ilka Warshawsky, a 58-year-old pathologist, said she lost all hearing in her right ear after a Covid booster shot. But hearing loss is not a recognized side effect of Covid vaccination.

The compensation program for Covid vaccines sets a high bar for proof, she said, yet offers little information on how to meet it: “These adverse events can be debilitating and life-altering, and so it’s very upsetting that they’re not acknowledged or addressed.”

Dr. Zimmerman, the neuroscientist, submitted her application in October 2021 and provided dozens of supporting medical documents. She received a claim number only in January 2023.

In adjudicating her claim for workers’ compensation, Washington State officials accepted that Covid vaccination caused her injury, but she has yet to get a decision from the federal program.

One of her therapists recently told her she might never be able to live independently again.

“That felt like a devastating blow,” Dr. Zimmerman said. “But I’m trying not to lose hope there will someday be a treatment and a way to cover it.”

Apoorva Mandavilli is a reporter focused on science and global health. She was a part of the team that won the 2021 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service for coverage of the pandemic. More about Apoorva Mandavilli

Advertisement