Steph’s Grad School Survival Guide: Working (Full Time)

 
Most people call me crazy, but I am balancing a full time job while in my first year in the genetic counseling program at Pitt. It’s been a lot, but the good news is I am living proof that it can be done! I won’t lie, it’s hard, can be chaotic, and some days I am solely powered by caffeine and sheer willpower. In my experience so far, it has been totally worth every late night and early morning. Full disclosure, I am working as a GCA and have been in my position for almost 4 years. I am extremely fortunate to work with amazing genetic counselors and other staff who fully support my decision to work and go to school. For me, choosing to work while in school was a no-brainer, but it has not been easy.  It stretches your time, your energy, and a lot of your sanity, but it has also been rewarding in ways I did not expect. My survival guide boils down to three things: time management, self-care, and a planner that will become your second brain.

1. Time Management Isn’t Optional… It’s Survival

When you’re working 40 up to hours a week and tackling grad-level coursework, time becomes your most valuable currency. You can’t afford to “wing it.”
A few strategies that saved me:

• Time Boundaries: Assign specific hours for work you and school you and stick to it. Having clear boundaries helps me to not feel overwhelmed. When I am at work, I try not to focus on school and vice versa. You also need to build in dedicated hours outside of work or class for YOU. Use that time for errands, fun, and rest.

• Use Every Spare Moment: Those 20 minutes between work or before class add up. I use that time to tackle quick tasks like reviewing notes, checking emails, or even just preparing for the next day or week ahead.

The goal is to make every moment of the day intentional.

2. Self-Care Is Non-Negotiable

When life gets busy, self-care is usually the first thing to go. Ironically, it’s the one thing that keeps you functioning. When I met with Jodie right before starting my first semester, the first thing she asked me when I told her I would be working full time was what my plan was for self-care. Luckily, I have found that self-care doesn’t have to be elaborate:

• Walking from work to class instead of taking the bus helps me to clear my head

• Having a consistent sleep schedule

• Saying “no” to optional commitments (it’s ok if you just want to lay on the couch for a night!)

• Eating real meals instead of surviving on caffeine and adrenaline (which I will admit I’m working to get better at this – shoutout to my wonderful husband for making sure I stay fed!)

• Get the sweet treat!

Burnout is real, and when it hits you, it comes without warning. Protect your peace.

3. A Good Planner Will Save Your Life

This truly is the secret weapon. For me, if I don’t write it down, it’s not happening. Having a planner makes sure I never miss an assignment or deadline. A planner also helps me feel organized, which reduces stress. I use my planner to:

• Track weekly homework deadlines

• Plan ahead for heavy weeks

• Plan time with friends or for something fun!

The key is consistency. If it’s not written down, it doesn’t exist.
Working full time while going to grad school full time is intense, but it’s also been incredibly empowering once I found my rhythm. I’ve learned to prioritize, communicate, and manage my energy, all skills that will make me a stronger genetic counselor!