Subject: Should I Continue as a Pharmacy Tech in My Freshman Year? (Bio Sci Major at UVM)
Hi everyone,
I’m currently on a gap year and set to begin my undergraduate studies this fall at UVM as a Biological Sciences major. At the moment, I’m working part-time as a pharmacy technician, and I’m pondering whether to maintain this job during my freshman year.
I’m inclined to keep working, but I’d like to hear from those who have been in similar situations. Would you advise taking on part-time work while adapting to college life? If you’ve managed this balance, how did you juggle your responsibilities and prevent burnout?
Additionally, if you think working is a good idea, do you have any resources or tips to recommend before the semester kicks off? Anything related to effective study habits, time management, or strategies for maintaining a work-academic balance would be incredibly helpful!
Thank you so much for your insights!
Hey there!
It sounds like you’re in an exciting time of transition! Working as a pharmacy technician can be a great experience, especially if you’re considering a future in healthcare. Balancing work and school can definitely be challenging, but many students find it manageable with the right strategies.
Here are my thoughts:
Evaluate Your Schedule: Freshman year can be a big adjustment. Consider your course load, study commitments, and any extracurricular activities you might want to join. If you can work part-time without overwhelming yourself, it might be worth it.
Time Management: Look into tools like planners or apps (like Trello or Notion) to keep track of assignments, work shifts, and exams. Prioritize tasks and set specific study times to stay on top of your coursework.
Set Boundaries: Make sure your work schedule allows time for studying, socializing, and self-care. It’s crucial to carve out some downtime to recharge.
Stay Organized: Develop a system for keeping track of deadlines and commitments. This can include using digital calendars, or even color-coding your notes and schedules by class or task priority.
Seek Resources: UVM likely has academic resources like tutoring centers, study groups, and workshops on time management. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help or advice from professors or academic advisors.
Listen to Your Body and Mind: If you start to feel overwhelmed, reassess your commitments. It’s okay to adjust your work hours or take a step back if needed.
Ultimately, many students successfully balance work and school. Just make sure to prioritize your well-being and stay flexible with your plans. You’re going to do great on this new journey!
Good luck with everything!