How I juggle between 1 full-time job, 3 part-time jobs, and summer school

Since my first year of undergraduate studies at the University of Toronto in 2022, I've been immersed in work alongside my education. Initially, I was deep-diving into the intricacies of the university’s technology as a Technical Support Specialist. This early experience was eye-opening; it taught me that significant learning often occurs outside the traditional classroom.

This isn’t to suggest that academics take a back seat in my life; rather, I strive for a balanced approach. This summer, for instance, I’m managing four jobs while also tackling my course load in summer school. My daily routine is a testament to this balance: I wake up at 5 AM for a workout, enjoy a hearty breakfast and my essential coffee, then head to my classes which run from 9 AM to noon on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. After class, I quickly reheat a pre-prepped lunch from the weekend, and then it's off to one of my various workplaces.

I aim to wrap up my workday by 4 PM, allowing for an hour to decompress before I switch gears into study mode. I have two dedicated study sessions each day: from 5 PM to 8 PM, and then from 9 PM to 11 PM, with the weekends reserved for maximizing study time. It might sound overwhelming, but I thrive on the daily hustle. It fuels me, and I truly believe it’s possible for anyone willing to stay the course. The real secret? Never give up.

If I can do it, then you can do it too! Here’s a list of tips that help me maintain a balanced lifestyle throughout the year:

• Manage time and plan your schedule using softwares such as google calendar.
• Make sure that you have a set monthly budget which takes care of your overall well-being, grocery, recreation, and coffee runs (most important haha).
• Prepare your meals well before time. This way, you never have to think about what you’re going to eat for your next meal, and will always consume a balanced quantity of all nutrients.
• Take breaks. As humans, it is easy to forget about taking a break, but a healthy mind always works better.
• Lastly, be stress-free. Always work with a calm mind.

These 5 tips will help you be focused and keep a balanced lifestyle.