EXPERT VOICE: How to balance school, work

I am a first year student at university. Recently, I got a job with a local company and the pay is good. My worry is that it might affect my chances of getting a first class degree since it’s very demanding. What should I do? Ninsiima Joyce Kirabo Managing your schedules well can help you find a balance between your studies, work, social life and physical wellness. Here are a few tips on how to do your job well without sacrificing your academics. Plan your school and work schedules in advance. If your job has a lot of downtime and your boss has no objection, use slow periods like break-time and part of your lunch-time hours to do schoolwork. Also, be attentive in class, have all the notes and join class discussion groups to keep on course with the rest. Talk about your schedule with your family and teachers. It is easier to help you if they know your situation than if you keep them in the dark. The good thing with working is that it helps you understand the job market and, therefore, enable you to choose the best career. Work also trains you to become committed, manage time, be responsible and organised, all of which are important life skills. Kindly remember to look for individuals within that work environment that might inspire or teach you new skills. Furthermore, your current job will show future employers that you have the ability to do so many things at the same time which is a good trait. The other advantage is that your colleagues could serve as very important contacts that could help you get a better job after school. My advice, therefore, is that you should work very hard if you are to pull it off. Also befriend your classmates and parents. **************************************** YOUR: DEBATE Yvonne Nyirahabineza Yvonne Nyirahabineza, a teacher Your studies should always be the priority. It’s good to have a job but a good degree is more important. I would only advise you to do both if you don’t have any other source of school fees. Emmanuel Simon Emmanuel Simon, broker Do you really think you can fail to get a job if you have a first class degree? Of course it is hard to leave a job especially in this era of high unemployment levels. However, only pursue work and school if you are very bright. Gilbert Hategikimana Gilbert Hategikimana, a teacher It would be wise to first assess how much that job adds to your wellbeing. If you think you can still survive comfortably without the salary, please leave the job and study. Josephine Tumukunde Josephine Tumukunde, university student You are not the only student who is working so that should not be a problem. What matters most is how you manage your time and how hard you work. The ball is entirely in your court. By Dennis Agaba

Education

EXPERT VOICE: How to balance school, work