.png)
Balancing School, Work & Social Life Like a Pro: Advice to Ensure Success
- Shay Sadat
- Nov 18
- 5 min read
Written by Shay Sadat
Most of us have been there; a time in our life where we were overwhelmed due to school and work overlapping. When I was 15, I started working in customer service at Sobeys. I did not have the luxury of my parents lending me any source of income once I reached high school like most people had, so I decided that I needed to make my own. Between balancing shifts, keeping my grades up, and still trying to have a social life, I quickly learned how challenging it can be to juggle multiple priorities. But over time, I also discovered that balance is not about doing everything perfectly, it is about being intentional with your time and energy.
One of the biggest lessons I learned early on was the importance of setting boundaries. It is tempting to say yes to every shift or every social plan, especially when you do not want to disappoint others, but burnout comes fast when you do not give yourself room to rest.
Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 2000) explains that humans thrive when they experience autonomy, competence, and relatedness. Saying “no” when necessary is an expression of autonomy: it helps you feel in control of your own choices rather than being pulled in every direction. Learning to politely decline or reschedule taught me that saying “no” is not a sign of weakness, but rather a form of self-respect. Setting boundaries is not selfish, but it is a protective factor against burnout and emotional exhaustion (Maslach & Leiter, 2016).
In fact, a 2022 survey by the American Psychological Association found that 81% of Gen Z adults report feeling stressed by work or school responsibilities, and those who practice boundary setting report significantly lower levels of chronic stress. Closer to home, a 2023 Mental Health Research Canada survey found that 56% of Ontarians aged 18–29 reported feeling overwhelmed by stress related to work or school, with many citing the pressure to balance multiple commitments as a major contributor. Protecting your mental and physical health allows you to show up more fully for the things that matter most, creating a schedule that feels balanced and sustainable instead of overwhelming.
Another key factor is time management: research shows that poor time management is directly correlated with academic stress and reduced life satisfaction among students (Misra & McKean, 2000). Most students leave things to the last minute and submit work that could have been much better if they utilized their time more efficiently. I used to procrastinate with school work as my job tended to take the majority of my study time, causing me to rush in order to meet deadlines. But, planning ahead made all the difference. Whether it is using a calendar app, writing a to-do list, or setting timers for study sessions, having a clear plan can help you stay accountable. Even dedicating just 30 minutes a day to study or self-care adds up over time: consistent routines are associated with higher GPA and reduced anxiety (Britton & Tesser, 1991).
Having an agenda is essential in my life, as it helps me keep track of what is coming up to ensure I am not missing any deadlines or over-scheduling myself. People do not believe me when I say that I use my agenda as it may seem like an excuse to look more organized, but as tedious as it sounds, it makes all the difference. My tip to anyone who is struggling with time management is to head over to Winners/Homescense (they have the best agendas) or Staples and buy yourself a planner. Pick one that makes you want to use it! I always think the actual visual of the agenda matters as it will encourage you to utilize it: the more “aesthetic” the more you will reach for it. I noticed I was pulling my agenda out more this year than my previous one because I liked the way it looked.
Something else I have learned is to give yourself grace. There will be days when you are exhausted, distracted, or just not feeling motivated. THAT IS OKAY! The goal is not to be perfect; it is to keep going. Self-compassion theory (Neff, 2003) highlights that treating ourselves with kindness during setbacks leads to greater resilience and emotional well-being. Studies show that students who practice self-compassion experience less procrastination and lower academic stress (Williams et al., 2008). Remind yourself that balance looks different every week. Some days school will take priority, and other times, work will. What matters is that you are doing your best to stay grounded through it all.
My last advice is crucial: remember to celebrate small wins. Balancing work and school is no small feat, and even finishing an assignment on time or showing up for an early shift is something to be proud of. Recognizing small accomplishments increases intrinsic motivation and overall life satisfaction (Seligman, 2011). Celebrating progress keeps you motivated and reminds you that every step forward counts.
Comments