Juggling full-time work as a land surveyor while being in school is no joke. Some days, it feels like there aren't enough hours to get everything done. You wake up with a game plan- and then the phone calls roll in. After pushing through projects until quitting time, you get home and it's back to work, studying and completing assignments. It's exhausting, but it all has to fit into 24 hours somehow.
Time management isn't just a nice skill to have; it is essential. Without it, deadlines start to creep up, stress piles on, and suddenly, you're running on Red Bull and four hours of sleep (if you're lucky). The key is figuring out how to make your schedule work for you.
One of the biggest game changers is a plan, ahead of time. When balancing multiple responsibilities, you can't afford to just "wing it." Incorporating a little bit of structure, like setting up your schedule for the week or setting aside dedicated study time, can make all the difference. It helps prevent last-second struggles when you're trying to finish a project or study for an upcoming test.
Prioritization is an asset that I quickly learned as I progressed in my career. Not everything that lands on your desk needs to be done immediately. Some jobs are urgent, while others can wait a bit. Recognizing the difference lets you focus on what truly matters instead of feeling overwhelmed by everything at once. It also means learning to say no when necessary. It's easy to feel obligated to take on extra tasks at work or agree to every invitation from friends, but sometimes you have to make that tough call and put yourself first.
That being said, managing time well doesn't mean ignoring breaks altogether. Rest is just as important. Pushing yourself too hard without downtime leads to burnout. Having spent my high school years in Magnet programs like STEM, that feeling is all too familiar. Reaching that point brings absolutely no benefits and can impact your state of mind and quality of work.
Balancing work and school isn't easy, but it can be done. The days might be long, and the workload might feel endless at times, but with the right approach, staying on top of your responsibilities is possible.
I would like to sincerely thank everyone at our Terrain office. From the start of my internship during my senior year of high school until now, they have welcomed me with open arms and offered endless support. Their guidance has been invaluable, and I truly wouldn't be where I am today without them. I'm excited to continue working alongside them and growing as a team. A huge thank you as well to the Howell office for providing the support and resources that allow us to keep learning and advancing.
