It’s no new on how the tech industry thrives on fresh talents, and many students looking to join the space to either learn, earn or build their portfolios sometimes find themselves drawn to its exciting possibilities.
But these paths are not always smooth, they can be rough and tough, especially when juggling academics alongside the heavy lifting of tech responsibilities can feel like walking a tightrope.
In this article we’ll explore some of the setbacks students face in the tech ecosystem and also look at some of the strategies one can put in place to achieve a sustainable balance.
Setbacks on the Balancing Act:
- Time Management:
Students struggling to equate studying for tests and exams while battling with project deadlines is a complete hot sauce recipe for stress. The unpredictable nature of both academic and tech work throws schedules into disarray.
- Cognitive Overload:
Switching between technical problem-solving and academic thought processes can be mentally draining. Maintaining focus and concentration becomes a constant battle.
- Skill Juggling:
Balancing the development of hard tech skills like coding with the soft skills honed in academia, like communication and critical thinking, can feel like a zero-sum game.
- The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO):
The fast-paced tech world is constantly evolving and the fear of falling behind in industry trends is real and can lead students neglecting their academics or vice versa.
Strategies for a Smoother Ride:
- Master the Art of Planning:
Calendars and to-do lists should be your best friends. Schedule dedicated study blocks for academics and prioritize tech work tasks based on deadlines. Leverage time management techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to maximize efficiency.
- Learn to Say "No":
Don’t be afraid to say no to additional commitments, especially those you can’t handle, both academic and professional. Learn to prioritize tasks that align with your overall goals and cut out any frivolous distractions.
- Leverage Technology for Organization:
There’s a countless number of apps specifically designed and dedicated to task management, scheduling, and note-taking. Opt into these tools to keep yourself organized and on track.
- Narrow Down Your Focus:
Set clear boundaries between your academic and tech work environments. Designating specific workspaces or using different devices for each are some simple ways to walk around this.
- Communicate Openly:
Whether it’s with professors regarding workload adjustments or with employers about flexible work arrangements, open communication propels understanding and can ease work overload
- Keep Learning:
Seek opportunities that are flexible and can easily integrate with your academic pursuits with your tech career. Research projects in your field of study can translate into valuable skill development.
- Make Self-Care a Priority:
A healthy mind and body are both essential in terms of maintaining focus and keeping motivation high. Learn to break from work or academia by setting up scheduled breaks for exercise, healthy meals, and social interaction to avoid both physical and mental burnout.
Remember:
On days when achieving the perfect balance feels impossible, don’t be afraid to adjust your schedule as needed and according to your strength. Also celebrate small wins and prioritize your well-being as well.
