'It's challenging to balance remote job with studies. How do I stay focused on both?'

Dear Haya,

I'm an undergraduate student struggling to focus on my studies with a remote job. I try to manage my own expenses including the fee for my university, so not having a job is not an option. While studying, I try my best to keep focused, but lately haven't been able to draw a boundary with regards to my work. At times it gets really tough to say no because it's often urgent tasks that I can't refuse to look into.

Lately, I noticed that this work-over-studies situation has gotten out of hands and I fear falling back on my grades. I'm also afraid to lose this job because I have been doing it for a while and finding a new one will take ages. I'm extremely worried because I don't know how to handle this situation. Please help!

— A struggling student

Dear struggling student,

Managing studies and a job at the same time is no small feat. Balancing academic pressure with the financial responsibility of supporting yourself is incredibly demanding, and I want you to recognise the resilience and commitment you're showing just by showing up every day.

You sound overwhelmed — and that's absolutely natural. Your concern about things getting out of hand is valid. Remote jobs can blur boundaries, and without structure, it can feel like you're always working.

From what you’ve shared, it sounds like you’re carrying multiple layers of emotional pressure:

• The fear of falling back on your grades.
• The fear of losing your job.
• The comfort your job brings because it's familiar and stable.
• And the mental load of knowing you can’t afford to choose just one over the other right now.

So, we need to look at each of these aspects one by one — acknowledging them and creating a plan to help ease your overwhelm.

Let’s take a breath and explore some strategies to help you regain your footing.

First things first. Reprioritise your why.

Why are you doing what you're doing? What is your long-term payoff?

From what you’ve shared, it sounds like your studies are tied to your bigger goals — and your job, while essential, is a short-term cushion helping you get there. When everything feels urgent, it’s easy for long-term priorities (like studying) to get sidelined by short-term demands (like work tasks). That said, no one can pour from an empty cup. When your academic focus starts to suffer, it’s a sign that the current system needs some adjustment — not because you’re failing, but because you’re human.

Below, are some practical strategies for you to explore and implement :

1. Set 'office hours' for work

Even though your job is remote, treat it like an on-site role. Block specific hours in your day that are only for work, and communicate those clearly to your employer. This helps you build a boundary without saying "no" to everything — just "not right now".

2. Structure your week visually and intentionally

Use a calendar or planner to map out your week in advance. Colour-code it — one shade for study, one for work, and one for the remaining or personal time. Allocate clear blocks for each activity, and be sure to leave buffer time (a couple of hours) between studying and work. This visual structure can reduce mental clutter, help you stay focused, and make it easier to spot when you’re overcommitted or need to adjust your boundaries.

2. Talk to your employer

Since many of the work tasks feel urgent, could you gently speak to your manager about setting clearer expectations during your academic hours? Most reasonable employers appreciate honesty when it is paired with accountability. Let them know you are balancing studies at the same time and how it is currently impacting you, so you can reach a middle ground.

3. Create a triage plan for work interruptions

When work pops up during study hours, ask:

• Is this truly urgent, or just time-sensitive?
• Can I respond briefly now and follow up later?

You don’t always have to say no. A simple, "I’ll get to this after 4pm when I’m back at my desk" goes a long way.

4. Start a gentle backup plan

If the fear of losing your job is weighing on you, begin exploring part-time roles that are more flexible — even if you don’t apply right away. Sometimes just knowing you have options brings immense relief.

5. Be kind to yourself

This is a tough season — but it won’t last forever. The skills you are building now — resilience, time management and emotional intelligence — will serve you for years to come. Pause every now and then, breathe, and honour how far you’ve come.

Try this and see how it goes. Good luck!

— Haya

Haya Malik is a psychotherapist, Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) practitioner, corporate well-being strategist and trainer with expertise in creating organisational cultures focused on well-being and raising awareness around mental health.

Send her your questions to [email protected]

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