Is Academic-Work Life Balance a Myth?

This article is a collaborative effort, with contributions from Kathleen Anne D. , AI Sourcing Manager at TELUS International - AI Data Solutions.

According to the latest data from the National Center for Education Statistics, 74% of part-time undergraduate students and 40% of full-time students in the U.S. were employed in 2020. In the UK, a 2023 survey by the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI) reveals that 55% of university students are now working paid jobs alongside their studies, up from 45% in 2022. And the major driving force behind the need to work is to earn extra money to support their studies. Others are in it for work experience and personal development. 

But balancing the demands of being a student and maintaining a job is quite a challenge. One day, you might ace an exam only to find yourself lagging at work; another day, your job performance shines while your assignments pile up. Managing their academic responsibilities while also holding a job is a difficult feat for students, but not impossible. It’s a matter of finding the right opportunity for you, and it is the role of the AI Community by  TELUS International to bring these opportunities to you.     

Why Students Struggle to Juggle Their Commitments

These are the common reasons why students are having a hard time studying while trying to earn a living. 

Academic Pressure

Students face immense pressure to perform academically. High expectations from educational institutions, the need to maintain good grades for future opportunities, and the constant barrage of assignments and exams make balancing work and study particularly challenging.

Work Demands

The demands of the job, whether it’s the number of hours required, the nature of the work, or the inflexibility of schedules, can clash with academic commitments, creating a tough balancing act. 

Personal Life

Beyond work and study, students have social obligations and family responsibilities. Friendships and relationships require time and effort, and familial duties can add another layer of complexity to their already busy lives.

Mental and Physical Health

The stress of juggling multiple responsibilities can lead to burnout. Students often sacrifice sleep, good food, and exercise, which can adversely affect both their mental and physical health. 

Strategies for Successfully Balancing Work and Study

1. Manage your time wisely. Prioritizing tasks, using planners, and scheduling tools can help you allocate your time efficiently. Breaking down tasks into manageable chunks and setting realistic goals are key components of this strategy.
2. Look for flexible freelancing opportunities. Finding part-time or flexible jobs can significantly help you manage your workload. Freelance jobs offer the flexibility needed to balance work and academic commitments, allowing you to set your own schedules and work from anywhere.
3. Don’t forget self-care. Prioritize your mental health above all else. Adopt relaxation and stress management techniques, such as meditation, exercise, and hobbies.

Find flexible freelance opportunities at TELUS International

TELUS International, through our diverse AI Community, offers remote, part-time job opportunities for students, providing flexible schedules that help them balance their academic responsibilities while achieving financial independence. 

We prioritize student applicants through our AI Express Hiring events, a speed-hiring format tailored to quickly connect students with suitable job opportunities. On top of these hiring events, we conduct meet-and-greet sessions with our campus partners. These 30-minute sessions give students an overview of what TELUS International AI Community is, the opportunities we offer, and how these roles can benefit them. 

The demand for our flexible freelance opportunities has surged dramatically. In 2023, we received over 19,000 applications from students across 33 countries. So far in 2024, we have received 32,461 applications from students in 40 countries—a significant 69.54% increase. This reflects the earlier statistics that more and more students are looking for opportunities to earn while completing their studies. 

Here at TELUS International, we help students achieve academic-work-life balance and ensure that they have the opportunities to excel in all aspects of their lives. We are committed to supporting students in their quest for flexible work that complements their student life, providing them with pathways to financial freedom and professional development.