Hey there! If you’re juggling classes, assignments, and maybe even a part-time job, you’re not alone. Being a work-from-home student can feel like a wild ride, but it’s also a chance to gain valuable experience and skills. Plus, it gives you the extra cash for rent, groceries, and making memories as a college student.
Ready to know what it’s really like to work from home while studying? Well, you’re about to find out! And as a little bonus, I’ll also share some tips I’ve learned to make it all work!
Working While in School
Let me share a bit about my own experience. My work-from-home gig has been pretty unique since I actually work for a family member. While the job isn’t directly related to my studies, it’s been an excellent opportunity to pick up skills I can definitely use down the road.
Depending on the season, my workspace shifts—sometimes, I’m at Sunni’s office, and other times, I’m logging in from a completely different state while on vacation. Honestly, it’s been a blast! My classes have felt a bit lighter compared to some of my friends’ loads, so when we study together, I can balance my job alongside my studies without too much stress.
Plus, working from home means I get to spend more quality time with my dog. He’s always right by my side, which is way better than being gone for long hours at a traditional job!
Pros and Cons of Working from Home
So, let’s get into the ups and downs of working from home. The pros are great! But, like with everything, there are downsides to working from home as a college student. Consider the following:
Pro: More Flexibility
One of the best parts? I can manage my time way better since I’m not commuting anywhere. That extra time really adds up!
Con: Feeling Isolated
On the flip side, I do miss the camaraderie of being around coworkers. It can get a little lonely sometimes. But I make it work by working in public spaces or visiting my aunt/boss’s house most weeks.
Pro: No Uniform
And let’s talk about the freedom to dress how I want! Without a uniform, I can express my personality through my outfits. It’s nice to wear something that makes me feel confident and comfy while I work.
Con: Work is Always on My Mind
Let’s be real—when you work from home, it’s easy for work to linger in the back of your mind, even during downtime. But don’t worry too much– Read on for tips on how I constantly improve my work-life balance.
Pro: Traveling Between Home and School
With a remote job, I can easily visit family back home. It’s about a four-hour drive. Then, I continue to work while fitting in plenty of time with family and old friends.
Con: Harder to Focus
That said, it can be tricky to stay focused when your couch is calling your name. The flexibility is nice, but it also requires self-discipline and accountability.
Pro: Expanding Digital Skills
Ultimately, this experience has helped me expand my digital skills, which is a huge plus!
Tips for Work-From-Home Students
- Time Management: Keep a planner or use apps to organize your tasks and deadlines.
- Planning Ahead: Always have a game plan for your week to balance work and school.
- Work-Life Balance: Set boundaries so you can switch off from work when it’s time to study or relax.
- Establish a Routine: Try to stick to a consistent schedule to create some normalcy.
- Have a Dedicated Workspace: It doesn’t have to be your dorm! For a change of scenery, try working at the library or a local coffee shop.
What’s the Best Work-From-Home Job for You?
Finding the right work-from-home job really comes down to a bit of self-reflection and research.
Here’s a quick guide to help you:
- Assess Your Skills and Interests: What are you passionate about? Make a list of your strengths.
- Determine Your Work Style: Are you more of a self-starter, or do you thrive in a team? This can help narrow your options.
- Research Potential Job Types: Look into roles like freelance writing, online tutoring, virtual assisting, or social media management.
- Utilize Job Boards and Resources: Websites like FlexJobs and Remote.co are gold mines for remote job listings.
- Network: Connect with others who work remotely. You never know who might have a lead on a great job!
- Consider Company Culture: Look for companies that share your values and have a positive remote work environment.
- Apply and Test: Don’t hesitate to try freelance or part-time work to see what fits you best.
- Evaluate and Reflect: After trying out a job, think about whether it’s meeting your needs.
The Best Online Jobs for College Students
If you’re wondering what kinds of jobs are out there, here are some solid options:
- Freelance Writing
- Online Tutoring
- Virtual Assistant
- Customer Service Representative
- Social Media Management
- Transcriptionist
- Online Surveys and Market Research
- Graphic Design
- Affiliate Marketing
- Content Creation (YouTube, Blogging, Podcasting)
- Online Reselling
- Data Entry
The Work-From-Home Student Experience
So there you have it! Being a work-from-home student has its ups and downs, but with the right approach, you can find a balance that works for you. Just remember to stay flexible, keep exploring, and enjoy the journey!
– Isabella Shuck
Simply Sunni Office Administrator
Isabella has been working with Simply Sunni since the start of 2023, initially as a social media/content creator and now as an office administrator. Her passion for helping others is evident in her work creating and posting, where she gets to apply several of her skills. Bella plans to graduate from college in 2024 and is also keen on supporting the deaf community by getting more involved. Isabella also covets all things ballet or music-related and hopes these have a place in her career.
We Hope you enjoyed this special topic from the heart of one of our incredible team members. Check back in on the second Friday of each month to see more off-brand and out-of-the-box topics from the diverse team of Simply Sunni!
