Interview Script: Time Management, Well-Being, and Academic Performance
1. Can you describe your typical daily or weekly schedule as a student working
part-time? How do you divide your time between studying, working, and personal life?
Certainly! My daily and weekly schedule requires careful planning to ensure I balance my
academic responsibilities, part-time job, and personal life. On weekdays, I typically wake up
early to prepare for my morning classes, which usually run from 8 AM to early afternoon.
Right after class, I take a short break, have lunch, and then spend the next couple of hours
either reviewing lecture notes, completing assignments, or preparing for upcoming exams.
By late afternoon, I shift my focus to my part-time job as a Content Creator at a game
development company. Depending on deadlines and workload, I dedicate around 3-5 hours
per day to work, mainly focusing on creating digital content, researching trends, and
collaborating with my team. Some days, my job demands more attention, especially when
there are content deadlines or special projects, but I try to maintain a consistent schedule.
Weekends are a mix of catching up on studies, working on personal projects, and unwinding.
I dedicate Saturday mornings to deep study sessions for complex subjects, followed by work
in the afternoon. Sundays are my ‘recharge’ days where I prioritize rest, social activities, and
self-care. By planning my week carefully, I ensure that I am productive while still maintaining
a healthy balance between work, study, and personal well-being.
2. What motivated you to take on a part-time job while studying? Was it a personal
choice, a financial necessity, or a combination of factors?
My decision to take on a part-time job was driven by a combination of personal and financial
reasons. Firstly, I have always been passionate about content creation and digital marketing,
so working in the gaming industry felt like an exciting opportunity to gain real-world
experience while still in university. The job allows me to apply my marketing knowledge in a
practical setting, which enhances my learning and makes my coursework more meaningful.
Secondly, financial stability was another factor. Although my family supports me, having an
independent source of income gives me a sense of responsibility and helps cover personal
expenses such as books, online courses, and social activities. More importantly, it reduces
financial stress, allowing me to focus on my studies without constantly worrying about
money.
In hindsight, working while studying has been one of the best decisions I’ve made because it
has equipped me with invaluable skills like time management, adaptability, and
discipline—qualities that will benefit me in my future career.
3. Have you ever experienced stress, burnout, or exhaustion due to balancing work
and studies? If so, how did it impact your academic performance and well-being?
Yes, I have definitely experienced stress and burnout, especially during exam periods or
when multiple deadlines from work and school coincided. There were times when I felt
overwhelmed, staying up late to complete assignments, which affected my sleep schedule
and overall productivity.
When I was overly stressed, I noticed a decline in my concentration levels and motivation.
Tasks that would usually take me an hour suddenly took twice the time because of mental
fatigue. Additionally, my well-being suffered as I neglected self-care activities such as
exercise, proper meals, and social interactions. There were moments when I felt
disconnected and unmotivated, which made both work and studies seem more challenging
than they actually were.
However, I gradually learned to recognize early signs of burnout and took proactive steps to
manage my workload better. This included setting boundaries, improving my time
management, and ensuring I allocated time for relaxation and self-care. Over time, I realized
that maintaining well-being is just as important as meeting deadlines.
4. How do you manage your time to ensure that your work commitments do not
negatively affect your academic performance? Have you faced any difficulties in
doing so?
Managing time effectively is a continuous learning process. I use a combination of digital
tools like Google Calendar and Notion to schedule my tasks and deadlines. Each week, I sit
down and map out my priorities, ensuring that my study sessions and work hours are
well-balanced.
One of the biggest difficulties I faced was underestimating the amount of time needed for
assignments, which led to last-minute stress. To overcome this, I started implementing a
‘buffer period’ in my schedule, giving myself extra time to complete important tasks ahead of
deadlines. I also learned the importance of saying no to unnecessary commitments,
ensuring that my workload remained manageable.
Another key strategy is setting clear boundaries. I make sure that my work schedule does
not interfere with my peak study hours. For example, I know I’m most productive in the
morning, so I dedicate that time to deep learning, and I schedule my work-related tasks in
the evening when my energy levels are lower.
5. What role do you think time management skills play in maintaining both academic
success and mental well-being? Can you share any specific strategies that have
worked for you?
Time management is the foundation of both academic success and mental well-being. When
I manage my time well, I experience less stress, feel more in control of my workload, and
have more time for personal activities that boost my well-being. One of the most effective
strategies I use is the Pomodoro Technique, where I work in 25-minute focused sessions
followed by 5-minute breaks. This method helps maintain productivity without feeling
overwhelmed. Additionally, I apply the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize tasks based on
urgency and importance, ensuring that I focus on high-impact work first. To maintain
balance, I also schedule ‘no work’ periods, during which I completely disconnect from both
work and studies to recharge. Moreover, incorporating exercise and mindfulness into my
routine, such as jogging or meditation, has significantly helped me clear my mind and
improve focus. By combining these strategies, I am able to stay productive while also taking
care of my mental well-being.
6. Looking back, is there anything you wish you had done differently in terms of time
management while juggling work and studies? What lessons have you learned from
your experience?
If I could go back, I would focus more on setting boundaries earlier. At the beginning, I took
on too many responsibilities without considering how it would impact my health and studies.
I’ve learned that spreading myself too thin leads to reduced efficiency and increased stress.
Another lesson is the importance of proper rest. I used to think working late nights was a
sign of dedication, but in reality, it only made me less productive the next day. Now, I
prioritize sleep and ensure I have a structured daily routine that includes adequate rest and
recreation.
7. If you were to advise other students considering part-time work, what key time
management strategies would you recommend to help them succeed both
academically and mentally?
For any student considering part-time work, effective time management and self-care are
essential to maintaining both academic performance and overall well-being. One of the most
important steps is planning ahead by using planners or digital tools to organize tasks, set
deadlines, and avoid last-minute panic. By having a clear schedule, students can allocate
sufficient time for both work and studies without feeling overwhelmed. Prioritizing effectively
is also crucial—focusing on high-impact activities that contribute to long-term goals can help
students make the most of their limited time. Instead of getting caught up in less significant
tasks, they should identify which assignments, projects, or work responsibilities will have the
greatest impact on their academic and professional growth.
In addition to effective planning and prioritization, taking regular breaks and getting adequate
rest is vital to prevent burnout. While the temptation to push through exhaustion may be
strong, scheduling time to recharge is necessary for maintaining productivity and mental
clarity. Furthermore, open communication plays a significant role in balancing work and
studies. If a student feels overwhelmed, they should not hesitate to discuss their limits with
employers, professors, or colleagues. Many workplaces and academic institutions are willing
to provide flexibility, such as negotiating deadlines or adjusting workloads, as long as
concerns are communicated in a timely manner.
Beyond time management, maintaining a healthy routine is equally important. Regular
exercise, a nutritious diet, and social interactions contribute to both physical and mental
well-being. Engaging in activities like jogging, yoga, or even a simple walk can help relieve
stress and improve focus. Proper nutrition fuels the body and mind, ensuring students have
the energy to meet their daily demands. Additionally, maintaining a social life and connecting
with friends and family provides emotional support, reducing feelings of isolation or stress.
Balancing work and studies is undoubtedly challenging, but with the right strategies in place,
it can be a fulfilling experience that prepares students for future career demands. Learning to
manage time efficiently, communicate effectively, and take care of one’s well-being are
valuable skills that will serve students well beyond their academic years. By adopting these
habits early on, they can create a sustainable work-life balance that allows them to succeed
in both their studies and profession.
STT Code Evidences Theme
"One of the most effective strategies I use is the Pomodoro
Technique, where I work in 25-minute focused sessions
followed by 5-minute breaks. This method helps maintain
productivity without feeling overwhelmed."
Time "By planning my week carefully, I ensure that I am productive
Management while still maintaining a healthy balance between work, study,
1 Techniques and personal well-being."
"Additionally, I apply the Eisenhower Matrix to prioritize tasks
based on urgency and importance, ensuring that I focus on
high-impact work first."
"The job allows me to apply my marketing knowledge in a
Task practical setting, which enhances my learning and makes my
2 Prioritization coursework more meaningful."
"I use a combination of digital tools like Google Calendar and
Digital Notion to schedule my tasks and deadlines. Each week, I sit
Planning down and map out my priorities, ensuring that my study
3 Tools sessions and work hours are well-balanced."
"If I could go back, I would focus more on setting boundaries
earlier. At the beginning, I took on too many responsibilities
without considering how it would impact my health and
studies."
"I make sure that my work schedule does not interfere with my
peak study hours. For example, I know I’m most productive in
the morning, so I dedicate that time to deep learning, and I
Setting schedule my work-related tasks in the evening when my
4 Boundaries energy levels are lower."
"One of the biggest difficulties I faced was underestimating the Effective Time
amount of time needed for assignments, which led to Management
last-minute stress. To overcome this, I started implementing a Strategies for
‘buffer period’ in my schedule, giving myself extra time to Balancing Work
5 Buffer Time complete important tasks ahead of deadlines." and Study
"Yes, I have definitely experienced stress and burnout,
especially during exam periods or when multiple deadlines
Burnout and from work and school coincided. There were times when I felt
Stress overwhelmed, staying up late to complete assignments, which
6 Management affected my sleep schedule and overall productivity."
"When I was overly stressed, I noticed a decline in my
Impact of concentration levels and motivation. Tasks that would usually
Mental take me an hour suddenly took twice the time because of
7 Fatigue mental fatigue."
Challenges and
Psychological
Impact of
Balancing Work
"Another lesson is the importance of proper rest. I used to
think working late nights was a sign of dedication, but in
reality, it only made me less productive the next day. Now, I
prioritize sleep and ensure I have a structured daily routine that
includes adequate rest and recreation."
Importance of "Moreover, incorporating exercise and mindfulness into my
Rest and routine, such as jogging or meditation, has significantly helped
8 Self-Care me clear my mind and improve focus."
"If a student feels overwhelmed, they should not hesitate to
discuss their limits with employers, professors, or colleagues.
Effective Many workplaces and academic institutions are willing to
Communicati provide flexibility, such as negotiating deadlines or adjusting
9 on workloads."
"Beyond time management, maintaining a healthy routine is
equally important. Regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and
social interactions contribute to both physical and mental
well-being. Engaging in activities like jogging, yoga, or even a
simple walk can help relieve stress and improve focus."
"Proper nutrition fuels the body and mind, ensuring students Building
have the energy to meet their daily demands. Additionally, Long-Term Skills
Maintaining maintaining a social life and connecting with friends and and Mental
Healthy family provides emotional support, reducing feelings of Resilience Through
10 Lifestyle isolation or stress." Time Management
