Juggling school and work often proves to be a challenge for teens. But believe it or not, the struggle in both cases can be resolved. Managing both school and work takes significant time-management skills, though, so most students should only plan on getting a job during high school if it’s absolutely necessary, or if they feel confident in their ability to juggle both commitments.

If you do decide to take the the school-job plunge, here are some tips on how to make your experience both bearable and successful.

Write Down Your Schedule

From the very beginning, keeping track of your schedule is a must. Knowing what days you should be prepared to work, and what days to expect tests and assignment deadlines is an important factor in succeed. Always give yourself extra time to achieve your tasks if something new– like a request to cover a work shift– unexpectedly pops up.

Also, if you agree to do something, write it down in an agenda or somewhere you look often (such as your phone, where programs like Google Calendar can be helpful). With a plan in place, you’ll be less stressed and more prepared for the future.

Keep Track of Your Grades

Keeping track of grades doesn’t necessarily mean checking them around the clock. Instead, set up the Powerschool app on your phone so that it will alert you whenever your grades are changed so you’ll know immediately if you’re missing something.

One potential problem with starting a new job is losing track of other priorities. Yes, how you do in that high school job will matter to you in the future, but your GPA may matter more. By becoming a user of the Powerschool app,  you will be equally aware of what you need to do to keep up with your grades and your job.

Don’t be Afraid to Say “No” to Covering

Being willing to cover co-workers’ shifts helps make you valuable to employees and builds goodwill with co-workers. However, you don’t always need to say “yes” to every cover request. Always check your personal and school schedule first.

Keep in mind that it’s not your fault that someone else cannot work on their own day, although it is nice to cover when you can. Your mental and physical health must come first, and if covering repeatedly becomes a burden, don’t be afraid to say no. One alternative is to suggest swapping dates. A quick message that “I can’t work for you this Friday, but keep me in mind for next time,” will show co-workers you are willing to help them out.

Know Your Boundaries

Knowing your own boundaries takes practice. It isn’t the smartest idea to push your limits when it comes to filling your plate with stuff to do. Always keep at least one day a week open for yourself, and give yourself time to breathe.

Also, remember that you have the right to call in sick too, just like everyone else. This does not mean it is wise to take a shift off if you only have mild symptoms. However, if your health will be very detrimental to others at your workplace (like you might infect someone else), or if working through your shift will make you even sicker, then you should take a day off to recuperate.

Don’t Burn Bridges

Your reputation at this point in time is significantly more important than ever before. No matter what people say or think about you, the most important thing is to be positive. If someone seems to dislike you, go out of your way to help them or treat them well. Volunteer to help them with something. Going out of your way to help and appreciate others will give you a positive reputation, something that will benefit you throughout life.  

In addition, always watch you say, and always be polite, despite how your boss, co-workers, or customers act. Remember that what you say can get around. Bad-mouthing your boss (even to someone you think you can trust) can get back to them, and may get you fired.

Eat and Sleep Well

You may be aware that getting a good night’s rest and eating a healthy diet is important, but do you actually do both? Make time in your new schedule for eight hours of sleep whenever possible, and make sure you eat something healthy before school and work. Not doing so is like expecting you can run on empty.

While eating, pick up an apple or a granola bar rather than a candy bar. Also, keep in mind when you feel most comfortable eating, and don’t over or under eat. After work, skip turning on Netflix and checking your phone. Instead, take some time to relax in a way that won’t ramp you up, and if you get off late, go to sleep.  

Keeping your work life and school life together will never be a simple task, but if you follow these steps, you’ll learn to be successful in both. Keep in mind that juggling work and other responsibilities doesn’t get easier as you get older, so now is the time to set good patterns for life.