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Medical school was fun for me, undeniably tough yet fun, nevertheless.
If you are in medical school, you would know that despite making studying in medical school for number 1 priority, added commitments which only serves to distract you should not even be part of your daily routine.
Scheduling time for proper sleep, proper meals and exercise on top of classes and studying is by itself difficult. What more working part-time or full-time?
First of all, hats off to those who are juggling both studies while working, regardless of which field you may be in. It is definitely not easy and involves a lot of sacrifice.
However, if you have just entered medical school or is bound to enter or maybe halfway through your journey and is considering working while studying, this article serve to highlight a few points to consider before embarking on this incredible multitask.
1. Studying Style
What is your style of studying?
Previously, in my article “6 Ways To Study In Final Year Of Medical School”, I’ve mentioned my studying strategies as well as debated on the benefits of a study group.
Back to the question. Do you work best flying solo? Or do you work best with a study partner or a study group?
This is important because if you are a person who prefers studying alone, you are more flexible in determining your study hours committing to a study group may deem slightly difficult as you are less flexible when it comes to the study hours unless your working hours are flexible and you work remotely or nearby.
Next, when do you study best? Particularly, what time of the day? Is it during daytime? Like me. Or are you a night owl?
This is equally important as you are in medical school with tons of knowledge to absorb. Hence, you definitely need to take advantage of the hours that works best for you to study so you could make the best of it.
While I was working in medical school, I used to work during the evenings as my retention towards studying is at its lowest by then and scheduled my studying in the evenings before class and after class before work.
2. Are You In Urgent Need Of Cash?
Apart from financing your tuition fees, how are you managing your personal finance?
Are you given a sum of monthly allowance? Or that’s why you need to work because you need it for your monthly allowance? Perhaps, you are the breadwinner of the family or maybe you are required to takeover a family venture or business which could nit come at the worst possible time, while you are in medical school.
Or, is it just because you simply want to?
For me, it was that. I was lucky enough to be given a sum of monthly allowance by my parents. Granted, it was mot a lot. However, prior to entering medical school, after my STPM, I used to teach. Hence, I was used to the hustle as well as the idea of having my own personal income.
Looking back, it was merely a selfish desire to have extra savings on the side. Besides, rather than going out with friends and spending during the evenings or weekends, I would much rather work and earn. Well, isn’t that better?
My studies during then did not suffer. However, I wished that I had implemented my studying strategies that I have learnt during my senior year in medical school much earlier. Perhaps, I would’ve performed much better. But, I do not regret it.
Thus, be sure that you are able to juggle both work and study and if you aren’t able to, look into areas of your spending on how you are able to cut corners and manage accordingly.
3. Working Location
Where is it? Are you working remotely or you are required to be there physically? Is it nearby and safe for you to travel there? Is transportation available or provided?
Because the last thing you want to spend in addition to last hours would be money on transportation.
The best would be for you to work remotely if you have excellent internet connection as you inevitably save on fuel (if you are driving) or money on transportation as well as time.
That way, you are able to schedule your studying hours around your class and working hours.
4. Finally, Are You Able To JUGGLE Multiple Commitments?
Are you able to?
Remember that studying should be your number 1 priority, at least while you are in medical school. There is time for you to work during semester break or year-end break or even during the holidays.
The last thing you would want to do is to repeat another year or go for remedial examinations just because you barely passed.
Personally, working is a form of good distraction. Nevertheless, still a distraction. However, each individual has their own opinions and reasons behind doing so.
I do not discourage this. In fact, if you are able to do so, I highly encourage you to work as I believe a person who takes on multiple commitments and succeed at all or most of it, are highly determined individuals.
A word of caution though, “Do not accept more than what your plate can hold.” Take a step back to really think it through and reflect.
Here are just a few highlighted opinions or mine. If you are still on your medical school journey, I wish you all the very best!
Related Posts:
- 5 Morning Habits As A Medical Student
- 6 Studying Tips For First Year Medical Students
- 11 Lessons I Learned In Medical School – Non-Medical Advice
- 5 Benefits Of A Study Group In University – Medical School Edition
The Theoretical Doctor 