Law Books and Pay Cheques: Balancing Student Life and a Part-Time Job Without Losing My Mind

Written by: Nkatya Musonda

Edited by: Tarryn Johnson

Symbolism of Lady Justice and Law Student Life Balance

Balancing the demands of law school while holding down a part-time job is like walking a tightrope… blindfolded… with a pile of textbooks in one hand and a coffee cup in the other.

Yet somehow, I managed to not only survive but thrive (well, most days). Here’s how I made it work:

1. My Secret Weapon: Creating a Schedule

They say failing to plan is planning to fail, and as a law student nearing the end of my journey, I couldn’t afford that. My days were planned with military precision, starting at 5:30 AM, despite my love for sleeping in. I trained myself to wake up five minutes earlier each day, as mornings were when my brain was most active. This extra time allowed me to maximise study or work. By 1:00 PM, when my focus dulled, I’d take a break—eating lunch, socialising on campus, or watching my favourite shows.

2. Time Management: Work Smarter, Not Longer

Here’s the trick: it’s not just about doing the work, but doing it efficiently. Studying and working taught me to prioritize ruthlessly. Deadlines ruled—urgent assignments, surprise tests, and content strategies came first. I learned to use downtime wisely: editing videos in while waiting in line or listening to lectures during commutes. Multi-tasking became my best friend.

3. The Holy Grail: Rest and Recharge

All work and no play make for a stressed-out law student. I carved out time to relax and connect with friends, even if it was just for a quick catch-up over lunch. Rest days are sacred. Sundays were my do-not-disturb days. I’d binge-watch my favourite series, indulge in hobbies like journaling or painting, and sometimes just sleep. I also learned to socialize strategically so my friendships didn’t have to take a backseat. Group study sessions were a great excuse to combine work and play (okay, mostly work).

4. The Moments I Lost My Grip (And What I Learned)

There were days when the balance tipped, and I found myself crying over spilled coffee (a true tragedy). But each meltdown taught me something valuable: it’s okay to ask for help. A quick vent to a friend or a chat with a mentor worked wonders. I also learned that rest isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Burnout is not a badge of honour. And some days, prioritizing one thing over another because of deadlines is inevitable. That doesn’t mean I don’t have my life together.

5. Why It Was All Worth It

Balancing law school and a part-time job taught me resilience, discipline, and how to find joy in small victories. It was tough, but it gave me a greater appreciation for time and myself. You’re more capable than you think. This student life balance helped me realise that juggling work, study, and personal life isn’t just possible—it’s essential.

If I can do it, so can you. My advice: plan fiercely, laugh often, and never underestimate the power of a 20-minute nap.