How do you cope when you work many more hours than usual?

Question

I go to school full-time, and for the past year, I've not worked more than 15 hours per week, but on average, only about 5. It was just because my employer had very little hours to give out, but I got used to it. I recently switched jobs, and I've been working a lot more. I told them in my interview that I couldn't work more than 20 hours per week because of school, but for the next four weeks, I work more than 30 hours each week! I know it's not that bad for most people, but I'm starting five classes next week, and it's just not something I'm used to. What do you guys do to cope when you're suddenly schedule many more hours than you usually work?

And please, I don't need anyone lecturing me about work ethic and how I'm "lazy" because I think 30 hours is a lot. I understand full-time is 40 hours or more, but remember, I'm going to school full-time as well. All I am looking for is advice on how to get through these next few weeks with ease.

Thanks in advance!

Answer 1

30 hours is a lot during school.  I think i was told my freshman year you are supposed to spend two hours outside of class studying or what not for every one hour of class time.  I don't think I have done that every week, but if you think about it that then doubles the amount of time you spend on school. So if you spend 15 hours in class a week, then technically you should be spending 30 hours outside of class which is 45 hours just on school, plus your 30 hours of work so yeah thats alot....anyway.  When I have to work a lot like that I pick two- three nights a week if possible to do absolutly nothing, and try to have fun, even if it means you will be tired the next day, getting out for a night while do a lot of good to get your mind of everything.  Then I make sure I buckle down the other nights and get everything done, and then I get a reward with a night off.  

I found that this not only motivates me to get my work done the rest of the week, but also helps get my mind off being so busy.  

Answer 2

Dear friend, unfortunately there are only so many hours in the day and with a plate as full as yours managing your school-work-life balance is going to be challenging.  Try making a list of priorities and sort the list starting with what is most important to you.  School may seem paramount, but your health should actually go first.  That is correct, if you are not eating right, exercising, and getting enough rest everything else will be for naught.  After completing your list of priorities, get a day/month planner and schedule your activities.  You may find that you can still get 8 hours of sleep, go to all your classes, work a few extra hours and have sufficient time to study if you give up your favorite TV show, some internet time, or the half hour you spend in the coffee shop every morning.  You can still have “FUN,” but you may have to combine your fun with other activities.  For example, invite the long winded friend who ties you up on the phone for an hour talking about her boyfriend problems to the gym with you so you can get your work out while you visit with her.  Take a voice recorder with you to class so you can listen to lectures while you are doing chores.  You get the picture.  If you find this advice useful please share it with your friends.  Your friends here at Yahoo! Answers want to see you succeed and will always be here to help.  Take care!

Answer 3

Is your employer under staffed?

Did someone quit?

What did the employer say about the hours in the interview?

Do you like your job?

I know that I have fired several people for not following through with what they said they were available for in the interview.  A lot of people will say whatever to get a job.  

If you like your job, work it out and schedule your day accordingly.  If not- find one that better suites your schedule.  Remember, we have a business to run.  I don't want this to sound rude, but we really don't care what is going on in your personal life.

Answer 4

To answer your question, you have to find time for all your required activities, so make a list of everything that is REQUIRED.  

1.  Class time. Iinclude the time needed to go to and from classes

2.  Study time.  REAL study time.  You may have to teach yourself to be more efficient when you study to get max benefit from time spent studying (we all take more time doing "un-fun" activities so get rid of the wasted time).

3.  Work time, including travel time, etc.  If you are scheduled to work and want to keep your job, you have to accept that time as REQUIRED.

4.  Sleep time.  No matter how little you THINK you need, you have to sleep to stay well (and alive).

5.  Personal care time, including eating, personal hygiene, etc.

6.  Family time, depending on your family obligations.

7.  Relaxation and entertainment time.  This is the least required of all and can vary greatly.  You should try to work it into your life, but sometimes it can be postponed until you complete all your unchangable activities.

NOW FOR THE ANSWER TO YOUR REAL QUESTION (the one your didn't ask):

If working so many hours is causing you grief, the only way to change that is to have a serious discussion with your boss.  Explain that you like your job and want to continue working but that your schedule right now is so hectic that you have to give up something, and working fewer hours seems to be the most appropriate way to relieve your current time crunch.  You should be polite, mature and willing to work with the boss to help both of you fix the situation.

I would approach the boss with this question:  "My life is so busy right now, I need your help to make it possible for me to continue my schooling and my job.  Is there any way I could work fewer hours without causing you any problems?  I really like working here but my school work is taking more time than I can handle."

I have a hunch that your boss will be flattered by your request for his/her help and do whatever is needed to help you.  The boss may not even realize you would like fewer hours and may think he's doing you a favor by "allowing" you to work more.