If you’re a college student with a graduation date in the not-so-distant future, it’s possible that your stress levels are starting to peak. Juggling the present reality of school with the future possibilities of your career can be tricky, but there are ways to achieve balance, no matter how overwhelmed you feel. Try these guidelines, and you’ll find your way to a less stressful season as you plan your future.
Create a Master Schedule
You may already use a calendar, but do you have a detailed schedule with time blocks? Assigning specific tasks to one-hour slots makes your day feel more manageable. For example, if you’re in class Monday through Thursday, set aside an hour on Fridays to craft your resume. Color coding can also help you visually compartmentalize your day, so your brain feels less cluttered. With each area of your life color-coded and mapped out, you’ll reduce mental overload.
Don’t Set Too Many Goals at Once
While it’s tempting to dive deep into job hunting, try not to overwhelm yourself with too many goals while still in school. A big-picture mindset is helpful to keep your career vision clear, but focusing on too many details can weigh you down. Focus on one or two achievable goals and defer the specifics of other plans for after graduation.
Take Breaks
Your go-getter attitude might resist taking breaks, but it’s essential to step back from the hustle at some point each week. Whether it’s a weekend excursion, daily workouts, or taking evenings off to relax, make sure you’re carving out time to disconnect. Your future, employed self will thank you once you’re fully immersed in the busyness of your career!
These three tips are just a few of the countless ways to strike balance as a student planning your future career. Whether you’re planning for a career in cybersecurity, engineering, or accounting (to name but a few), it’s imperative to preserve your sanity and mental health. Enjoy the newfound balance you achieve along the way!
