Studying and working at the same time: tips for balancing education and employment

"Learning never exhausts the mind," said Leonardo da Vinci. Studying prepares us for personal and professional growth, yet this process does not always take place in ideal conditions. More and more people are combining study and work, finding ways to keep moving forward in the midst of busy daily lives.

Those who have lived this reality know what it means to come home exhausted, to squeeze every minute out of the calendar, or to see their hours of rest dwindle. Working and studying simultaneously is a demanding challenge, but also deeply rewarding. It brings independence, provides early experience in the job market, and strengthens self-confidence. Often, it is precisely this dual responsibility that sparks genuine growth both inside and outside the classroom.

This balance reflects a way of understanding education as an inseparable part of life. At Planeta Formación y Universidades, this vision is shared: learning is not just about accumulating knowledge, but also about growing with every step.

Is it a good idea to study and work at the same time?

Combining study and work has always been the subject of debate. Some see it as an unnecessary burden, while others view it as a natural step in anyone’s education. The truth is, there is no universal answer: it depends on each person’s goals, circumstances, and stage of life. What is clear, however, is that more and more people are choosing this option.

In many cases, the decision is not driven solely by financial need, but also by the desire to accelerate professional growth and gain autonomy. Studying and working at the same time allows you to learn at a different pace—where theory blends with practice, and daily effort becomes a kind of endurance training.

Benefits of combining education and work

Gaining professional experience while studying

Universities and training centers provide essential knowledge, but the workplace has its own rules. Those who balance both worlds quickly see how skills are tested outside the classroom: communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and meeting deadlines.

In addition, early work experience helps to define interests. Many people discover through their first jobs which areas appeal to them most—and which ones they would rather avoid.

Financial independence and time management skills

Earning your own income changes the way you approach your studies. Beyond covering basic expenses, it means taking charge of everyday decisions: paying rent, managing transportation, or setting aside money for materials.

Time becomes an even more valuable resource. With so many responsibilities, organization stops being just a recommendation and becomes a necessity. Your schedule fills with tight timetables, to-do lists, and priorities. Learning to manage this complexity may feel exhausting at first, but over time it becomes second nature—a skill useful in both personal life and any profession.

Competitive advantage in the job market after graduation

An academic degree is a major achievement, but it is not always enough to stand out in a hiring process. Working while studying offers an extra advantage: proven experience, practical skills, and a network of contacts that can open doors to future opportunities.

Employers especially value candidates who are already familiar with workplace dynamics: punctuality, goal orientation, adaptability to different contexts. This competitive edge is not built overnight, but through accumulated hours of effort, mistakes, learning, and improvement throughout your studies.

Challenges of working and studying at the same time

Mental and physical load: the risk of burnout

Constant effort comes at a cost. The build-up of tasks and lack of rest generate both physical and mental fatigue. Over time, this strain can sap motivation, affect academic performance, and even impact health.

Recognizing your limits is essential. Not everything can be sustained at the same intensity. Keeping up a relentless pace for months without a break can lead to burnout. That’s why self-care tools are vital: sleep routines, healthy eating, and short breaks that allow you to recharge.

Lack of free time, social life and rest

Leisure is often the first thing to be sacrificed. Evenings with friends, cultural activities, or weekend trips shrink drastically.

The lack of rest also has obvious consequences. Interrupted or insufficient sleep directly affects memory, concentration, and the ability to learn. It’s not just about missing out on free time—it’s also about protecting health and well-being.

Tips for studying and working at the same time without burning out

Organize your schedule: the key is in the calendar

Planning the week allows you to anticipate the busiest days, identify free slots, and distribute your energy more evenly. Many find it helpful to combine digital and analog methods: apps that send alerts about important deadlines, and physical planners that let you visualize your day at a glance. This dual approach helps maintain control and reduce anxiety.

Set realistic priorities and weekly goals

Time is limited, and trying to do everything with the same intensity only leads to frustration. The key is to distinguish what is truly essential from what is not. Setting specific weekly goals—rather than vague or unrealistic ones—enables steady, measurable progress.

Tools like the Eisenhower Matrix can help you decide what needs immediate attention and what can wait. This prioritization lightens the mental load and prevents the feeling that everything is urgent.

Choose a study format that fits your lifestyle

Today’s educational offerings are highly diverse: in-person, blended, and online programs, with both recorded and live classes. Each format offers different levels of flexibility, and choosing the one that best suits your situation can save you a great deal of stress.

Choosing a flexible model doesn’t mean lowering quality, but adapting the way you learn to your circumstances. This choice often makes the difference between simply surviving this stage and truly making the most of it.

Conclusion

Currently in Spain, about 15.5% of young people between the ages of 16 and 24 who study also work. In the age group up to 29 years old, this figure rises to 24.5%. These numbers show that combining work and study is no longer unusual: it is an increasingly common reality among young people.

This phenomenon reflects a shift in priorities and in how we understand the transition to adulthood. Education is no longer experienced in isolation: the professional world enters the picture even before graduation. Working while studying not only provides income, but also offers a new perspective on what it means to apply knowledge in real contexts. In many cases, this bridge between classroom and workplace shortens the path to employability.

At Planeta Formación y Universidades, we know what it means to balance study and work: effort, perseverance, and the will to grow. That’s why we offer flexible, up-to-date programs tailored to different career stages, designed to support those who want to progress without having to give anything up.