How I Juggled Work and Studies (Without Losing My Mind)

Hey, it's me, Muaviyah. I work as an Implementation Specialist at Fyle. My name is hard to pronounce, but what's even more complex—balancing work and studies simultaneously? 

Balancing work and studies sounds challenging, but balancing them while you're still a teenager? That's a whole different ball game. When I was 18, I worked full-time at Wipro, handling clients, meetings, and deadlines while trying to pass my B.Com exams. I won't sugarcoat it—it was tough. There were moments when it felt like everything was slipping out of control.

But here's the good news: 

It's doable. 

With the right approach, which involved setting clear priorities, effective time management, and maintaining a healthy work-study-life balance, I found a way to manage both without burning out completely. If you're going through a similar phase—whether you're a teen, in your early twenties, or just juggling multiple responsibilities—these strategies can help you stay sane while you handle it all.

1. Overwhelm Happens—But You Can Control It

One of the biggest lessons I learned early on was that overwhelm is part of the game. It felt like everything was hitting simultaneously between work deadlines, assignments, and upcoming exams. 

However, I found that by breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable chunks and focusing on one thing at a time, I could control this feeling of overwhelm. 

And honestly, as a teenager, it was even more complex because I didn't have years of experience to fall back on.

There was this one night I'll never forget. I had just finished a 10-hour shift at work, came home, and opened my books to study for an exam. 

I was so drained that I could barely concentrate. But here's what worked: Instead of thinking about the entire workload, I focused on one small task—just one chapter for the night. It took the pressure off and made it feel more manageable.

The key takeaway? You don't have to tackle everything at once. 

Break it down. 

Focus on what you can do right now. 

Tomorrow can wait.

2. Guilt is Inevitable—But It’s a Sign You Care

Here's something no one talks about: guilt. Whether at work or studying, I always felt I was neglecting the other. 

When I was knee-deep in client calls at Wipro, I'd worry about not studying enough for my exams. I was buried in my textbooks; 

I felt guilty for not pulling my weight at work. It was a constant back-and-forth that messed with my head.

But here's what I realized: Guilt means you care. 

It's a sign that you're trying to juggle both responsibilities. Instead of letting it weigh you down, use it as fuel to push forward. 

You won't be perfect at everything, and that's okay. 

The fact that you're showing up every day means you're doing better than you think.

3. Burnout is Closer Than You Think—Manage It Before It Hits

I wasn't prepared for burnout. I could handle anything thrown my way, but the exhaustion caught up faster than expected. 

One week, I struggled between long work hours and back-to-back study sessions. I was exhausted and frustrated, and everything felt like too much.

Remember, your well-being is non-negotiable. I learned that you must take a break before you're burned out, and you have to catch it early. 

I started giving myself small mental breaks, whether a quick 10-minute walk or a warm cup of Chai. Even though it seemed like I didn't have time for breaks, those moments helped me recharge. 

Taking care of your mental health is not a luxury, it's a necessity. A little rest can go a long way in keeping you productive.

4. Structure Helps—But Don’t Be Too Rigid

I'm a big believer in having a plan. If you're balancing work and studies, you can't afford to wing it. 

However, I learned that while structure is important, flexibility is critical. Life doesn't always follow your schedule—meetings run late, and unexpected assignments pop up.

I used to block out specific times for work and study, but I also left some buffer room. If work ran late, I could push my study time to the next day without falling behind. 

That way, I kept on track without getting stressed when things didn't go as planned.

A flexible structure saved me from feeling like I was constantly racing against the clock. 

It's all about adapting when necessary.

5. Asking for Help Doesn’t Mean You’re Weak

When I was a teenager, I used to think asking for help meant I wasn't capable enough. 

I had this mindset that I needed to prove I could do everything on my own. 

But honestly, juggling work and studies solo can leave you drained—and it's unnecessary.

This one time, I was swamped with work and prepping for my exams. 

I finally swallowed my pride and asked a colleague for help with a project. That small favor gave me the breathing room I needed to focus on studying, and in the end, I returned the favor.

Remember, you're not alone in this. Leaning on others at work or with your studies is brilliant. You don't need to do it alone. 

People are willing to help—you have to ask. Asking for help doesn't mean you're weak. It means you're intelligent and resourceful. 

It's a sign of strength, not a sign of failure.

6. Celebrate the Small Wins

When doing double duty—work and studying—it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and forget to recognize your progress. 

But here's something I realized: you have to celebrate the small wins.

For example, when I managed to study for an hour after a long day at work, I took that as a win. Or when I finished a work project and still had time to review for my exams, I'd treat myself to a small reward like a favorite snack or a short Netflix break. 

It doesn't have to be anything significant—just something to remind yourself that you're moving forward.

Celebrating those small victories keeps you motivated. 

It's a way to acknowledge the hard work you're putting in every day.

Balancing work and studies is challenging, especially when you're still young and figuring it all out. 

But it's possible. It's not just about managing your time—it's about managing your mind. Feeling overwhelmed, guilt, and burnout are real, but they don't have to stop you. 

With a flexible structure, a focus on mental health, and the willingness to ask for help, you can do more than survive—you can thrive.

And remember the fact that you're juggling all this at a young age? 

That's something to be proud of. 

Celebrate the small wins, keep moving forward, and know you're stronger than you think.

Balancing work and studies isn’t easy, especially when you’re still young and figuring it all out. But it’s possible. It’s not just about managing your time—it’s about managing your mind. Feeling overwhelmed, guilt, and burnout are real, but they don’t have to stop you. With a flexible structure, a focus on mental health, and the willingness to ask for help, you can do more than survive—you can thrive.

And remember, the fact that you’re juggling all this at a young age? That’s something to be proud of. Celebrate the small wins, keep moving forward, and know that you’re stronger than you think.