Hello Creator, and welcome to my very first blog post! This is something I’ve wanted to do for a while, but writing has never been one of my strengths. I’ve always avoided it because I didn’t think it was my thing. But recently, I’ve had some amazing people in my life remind me of why I started my business and design journey. They’ve encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and do things I never thought possible. So, here I am pushing myself to write and share with you my experiences.
Today’s topic is something that’s close to my heart: Balancing Business with School. As a business owner and a full-time college student, I’ve learned some valuable lessons along the way. In this post, I’ll be sharing the tips and tricks that help me stay inspired, work efficiently, and manage my time. I hope some of these insights will help you if you’re in a similar situation, trying to juggle multiple responsibilities.
My Journey: How It All Started
Let’s rewind to 2021 when I first launched my business. At the time, I was also a full-time student in Graphic Design, having just completed my first year of studies. This was a transformative year for me. With my newly learned design skills and experience with software, I started experimenting with custom clothing, stationery, and other design products. I even started testing out freelancing and working with clients — something that felt exciting and challenging at the same time.
Fast forward to last year, when I hit a major roadblock in my graduate animation program. I had to retake the semester after failing, and that was a tough pill to swallow. The January intake was canceled, and the summer program wasn’t offered, so I had to wait until September to try again. Looking back, I realize a lot of my setbacks could have been avoided if I had prioritized my time and responsibilities better.
This experience taught me a valuable lesson: Done is better than perfect. It’s easy to get lost in the pursuit of perfection, but sometimes you just have to finish what you start and move on to the next thing.
Tips & Tricks for Balancing Business with School
Here are the strategies I use to keep everything on track and make the most out of my days. Hopefully, you’ll find them helpful too!
1. Time Management: Make It Work for You
A typical week for me includes one class every day, Monday through Friday, with assignments ranging from small tasks to large projects. Balancing this with running a business can feel overwhelming at times, but I’ve learned to use tools that keep me organized.
My go-to apps are ClickUp and Google Calendar. These apps work seamlessly across all my devices — desktop, iPad, and mobile — making it easy for me to manage assignments, meetings, and important project files. I can quickly edit my schedule and stay on top of both school and business tasks.
2. Prioritize School, But Don’t Overwhelm Yourself
I always prioritize projects based on their due dates. However, I also try to work on other assignments bit by bit, so I’m not leaving everything to the last minute (I’m still learning to get better at this!).
A trick that helps is breaking down tasks into small, manageable goals. Taking breaks and focusing on one thing at a time is key to staying productive. And remember, mind over matter! Yes, exam week is always stressful (I've been through it seven times), but it’s a sign that you care about your work, and you can absolutely handle it.
3. Business Projects: When and How to Fit Them In
Client work is a big part of my business, but I’ve learned that I can’t let it take over my school life. To avoid burnout, I typically schedule client work on the weekends or in the evenings/early afternoons. This helps me focus on class during the day without getting distracted by deadlines or emails.
I’ve also had to remind myself that my business will still be there after school hours. There are so many events and opportunities that seem to fall on the days I have class, but I’ve learned that prioritizing school will pay off in the long run. It’s about balance.
4. Prioritization: When Money vs. Grades Becomes a Dilemma
This is one of the hardest things to manage. Sometimes, I’m faced with the choice of whether to focus on a business project that could earn me money or a school assignment that will contribute to my grades. It’s a tough decision, but I’ve found that if I focus on school first, it not only improves my skills but can also open up future opportunities that benefit my business.
For example, I’m currently working on a client project that involves 6–8 custom illustrations and an infographic design. Before I started, I communicated openly with the client about my school schedule and let them know that it might take longer than expected to finish. They appreciated my honesty, and now I can work at a pace that ensures I deliver the best possible work.
5. Delegation and Asking for Help
I used to do everything myself, but over time I’ve realized the importance of asking for feedback and guidance. For some reason, I always hesitated to ask for help, but when I started seeking input from others, my work improved significantly. Whether it's asking for design feedback or requesting help with a difficult assignment, it’s okay to rely on others when you need it.
6. Self-Care and Well-Being: Don’t Forget to Recharge
Taking care of yourself is essential when you’re juggling multiple responsibilities. I find that stepping away from my computer and getting outside for a walk does wonders for my mental health. It’s easy to get caught up in the digital world, but it’s important to remember there’s a whole world out there.
Burnout is real. I’ve experienced it more times than I care to admit, but I’ve learned that pacing myself and taking breaks helps me stay energized. Writing smaller tasks first helps to manage the overwhelm and keeps my mind from overthinking.
7. Flexibility and Adjustment: It’s Okay to Pivot
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned — and that’s okay. Whether it’s a sudden assignment change or an urgent client request, I’ve learned to adapt. I do what I can, and if something isn’t finished or a task gets delayed, I adjust accordingly. It’s important to remember that flexibility is key to avoiding unnecessary stress.
8. My Advice to You: Keep Trying
If you’re trying to balance business with school, I have one piece of advice: Test what works for you. Try out different apps, experiment with scheduling techniques, and if something doesn’t work, reflect and try again. It’s a learning process, and it’s okay to fail along the way.
Remember, you are not alone in this. There are people who support you — and it takes time to figure everything out. I’m still figuring it out myself, and I probably always will.
Personal Reflections: Growth & Future Plans
Balancing business and school has taught me a lot about myself. It’s made me a better leader and has shown me that both business and school are tough on their own — and combining the two is no easy feat. But it’s possible, and that’s the most important thing to remember.
I will continue to test new strategies, reach out to others for help, and remind myself that even though it’s a lot to balance, it’s 100% achievable.
Thanks for reading my first official blog post! I hope these tips and reflections help if you’re juggling business and school, or if you’re just starting out on your own journey. Don’t give up, and remember: You’ve got this!
-Bri
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