As a senior at California Lutheran University, the feeling of “senioritis” I was warned about has begun to sink in, especially since I’m already working in the “real world” at Mustang. Some of the classes that I’m taking are simply a review of what I’ve already learned here, so it’s harder to focus on schoolwork when it’s Mustang work I’m preoccupied with.
Sometimes, the opposite is true as well—I must rid myself of school-related thoughts that may affect my concentration at work. During the school year, Mustang shortens my 40-hour workweek to 20, but adjusting mentally between the office and classroom is all up to me.
Recently, I learned to make lists of everything that causes me anxiety, whether it’s final exams, bills to pay, deadlines or relationship maintenance. This helps me prioritize for school or my personal life in order to strengthen my focus before arriving at the office. There are some things that I shouldn’t waste time worrying about immediately, because stressing about next week’s bill payment won’t help me write a press release or study for an exam today.
In the long run, being able to “unplug” at home and buckle down at the office will allow me to be more efficient and valuable in both walks of my life.