People love to talk about work-life balance, like it’s a neat little equation. Work here, life there, balance achieved. But when you’re in school, working a job, and holding an internship, balance doesn’t look like equal parts. It looks like survival with intention.
Most days, my life runs on calendars, reminders, and coffee. I’m constantly switching roles: student, employee, intern, friend, and a human who needs sleep. There are weeks when everything feels aligned, and others when I’m just trying to keep my head above water. And honestly? That’s normal.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that balance doesn’t mean doing everything perfectly; it means knowing what needs your attention the most in each moment. Sometimes academics take priority. Sometimes work, or an internship, does. Sometimes the most responsible choice, for both personal well-being and long-term success, is rest, even when my to-do list says otherwise.
Burnout is very real for students preparing for their future careers. It sneaks up when you’re always saying yes, always trying to prove yourself, and always feeling like you’re behind. I’ve had to learn that productivity is not the same as worth, and being overwhelmed doesn’t automatically mean I’m failing; it means I am growing.
What helps me most is building structure with flexibility. I plan my weeks, but I leave room for things to change. I schedule breaks like appointments. I give myself permission to not be perfect. These habits are not just helping me get through college; they are skills I will carry into my future career. I remind myself that this season, while exhausting, is temporary and purposeful.
For me, work-life balance isn’t about having tons of free time. It’s about protecting my mental health, celebrating small wins, and understanding that growth is uncomfortable. I’m learning, gaining experience, and building a future, one long day at a time.
If you’re juggling school, work, and an internship too, just know this: you’re not failing because you’re tired. You’re tired because you’re doing something hard, and that matters.
Loran Strickler
Loran Strickler is a senior Pre-Veterinary Science major here at SAU. She is a part of Sigma Alpha, Collegiate Cattleman’s Association, the Pre-Vet Club, and the SAU Alumni FFA. After graduation, she wants to continue her education to become a large animal veterinarian.
