Are you feeling overwhelmed and burnt out as a working student this semester? If so, this post will help you explore your options to help you recover from burnout so you can continue chipping away at your college classes while keeping your job.
The structure will include a How we Got Here, a Pros and Cons list of each option, and how to make a decision based on your own pros and cons list.
Let’s begin!
How we got here.
When I returned to college after dropping out (the 2nd time), I started taking a full class load while working full-time.
Each semester at my college is 9 weeks, so a full load of classes is 2 classes a semester. I was able to sustain this load, because I took Organizational Communication, and Western History.
The topics were easy for these classes last semester.
However, my current semester, I’m struggling a bit more.
I’m taking Government and Accounting I. My government professor has much more stringent standards when it comes to assignments, and I must take extra time to study accounting since it’s basically a new language.
I was burning out hard and fast, and I had to somehow figure out how to keep my job and still make progress towards my degree.
If this sounds like you, keep reading to find out what to do to resolve this problem.
What to do.
There were a couple options I could pick. I could either pause my college classes altogether for a semester, or keep a full class load for next semester, or just take a partial load.
I can’t quit my job right now, even though a break would be nice.
I made a pros and cons list in my head to see what decision would be best:
Take no classes next semester
| Pros | Cons |
| Get a full break from studying. | I may not go back, haha. |
| I’ll forget what I’ve learned when I take Accounting II. | |
| No progress will be made towards my degree. |
Take a full class load next semester
| Pros | Cons |
| Stay on the timeline to get my degree. | My burnout was already the highest it has ever been. If I push more with no relief in sight, I might crash and burn. |
| I’ll remember what I’ve learned when I take Accounting II, since I’m taking it right away. | No recovery = higher chance of lower grades in my classes. |
| Pushing through may lead to me losing my job or quitting classes anyway because I can’t keep up right now. |
Take one class next semester
| Pros | Cons |
| Get a partial break from studying with half the class load, which means recovery. | Slower progress to obtaining my Associates degree next year. |
| By taking just Accounting II next semester, I’ll be able to stay fresh, and solely focus on the material in the course. | |
| I know I can manage one class next semester and keep my full-time job. | |
| I’ll be a happier person because I’m still chipping away at classes, but not overwhelmed. |
The Verdict.
The verdict was to just take one class next semester. When enrollment comes around, I decided to take Accounting II to make sure I can finish the accounting course sequence requirements, while still progressing to my degree.
Since I made that decision for myself, I have been able to look forward to the light at the end of the tunnel. I have seen great recovery in my burnout, and I’m looking forward to the end of the semester.
Final suggestions for you as a working student.
If you’re at those crossroads where you feel overwhelmed by your job, your class load, and life, it might be time for you to decrease your course load next semester as well.
Make a pros and cons list for each option you have available to reduce burnout. These options must be feasible for you. In other words, don’t quit your job if you don’t have savings or current income prospects – especially in this job market.
Then, based on your pros and cons list, make a decision that will help you regain the spark in your life, as you work towards completing your degree.
Many times, that might be a middle ground decision like it was for me: taking one class, rather than my normal two classes or taking no classes at all. If you’re having a difficult time choosing, consider what the middle ground options might be.
Having trouble deciding? Consider asking other people in your corner for advice.
You can also consult your academic advisor (a good resource), to see how you can shift your class schedule, if needed.
If you still need another voice of reason to help you decide, ask your significant other if you have one. They should have your best interest in mind. I ask my husband when it comes to topics like this, and he gives me a perspective I would not have considered before.
If you’re needing more support to balance work, school, and life, I invite you to join the Next Level IRL email list below to gain tips on how to feel in control of your time and energy as a working student in this season.