08/10/2025
HOW TO STRIKE A BALANCE BETWEEN ACADEMIC LIFE AND HUSTLE AS AN MLT STUDENT.
Striking a balance between academic life and hustle (side work or business) requires discipline, planning, and a clear sense of purpose. Here’s a detailed guide tailored for an MLT:
🧪 1. Understand Your Priorities
Your primary goal as an MLT student or professional should be academic and career excellence — because your training directly affects patients’ lives.
However, your hustle is important for financial stability and developing real-world skills.
👉 So, list your goals:
Academic goals (e.g., maintain a certain GPA, complete projects, attend lab sessions).
Hustle goals (e.g., earn income, build business skills, save for equipment or fees).
🕒 2. Create a Realistic Schedule
Medical laboratory courses involve intensive practicals, reports, and lectures.
To manage this:
Use a weekly planner to allocate specific time for study, lab work, and your hustle.
Reserve mornings or weekends for your business if lectures are mostly during weekdays.
Don’t multitask during study hours — focus fully on what you’re doing at that time.
🧭 Example:
Time Activity
6:30 – 8:00 a.m. Reading or revising notes
8:00 – 2:00 p.m. Lectures / Lab practicals
3:00 – 6:00 p.m. Side hustle / part-time work
7:00 – 9:00 p.m. Assignments / Revision
Weekend Rest, light hustle, and preparation for the week
💡 3. Choose a Smart Hustle
Pick a hustle that complements your academic life and doesn’t drain your energy.
Here are examples that suit an MLT:
Medical-related gigs: lab assistant, data entry for research, or health outreach volunteer.
Digital work: freelancing, social media marketing, graphic design, or content creation.
Small business: reselling medical accessories, lab coats, or student-friendly goods.
The goal is to have a low-stress, flexible hustle that allows you to adjust during exam periods.
⚖️ 4. Set Boundaries and Learn to Say No
Don’t allow your hustle to interfere with practical sessions, exams, or night reading.
Learn to say “I’ll take that job after my test” or “I can’t deliver today but tomorrow.”
Consistency in school performance is worth more than quick cash.
🧠 5. Practice Efficient Study Techniques
You don’t have to study for long hours — study smart:
Summarize notes daily.
Join or form study groups with focused colleagues.
Use mnemonics or voice notes for faster revision during commuting or breaks.
❤️ 6. Take Care of Yourself
Balancing both sides can cause stress.
Sleep well (6–8 hours).
Eat balanced meals (especially during long lab sessions).
Avoid burnout — take breaks and spend time with supportive friends or mentors.
💬 7. Seek Support and Accountability
Let your lecturers, classmates, or mentors know your situation — they might help with flexible deadlines or advice.
Also, find a friend who keeps you accountable for both your academics and business.
🧭 8. Review and Adjust Regularly
Every semester, check:
Is my academic performance still strong?
Am I earning enough or learning useful skills from my hustle? If one area starts to suffer, adjust immediately.
🔑 In Summary:
A successful MLT doesn’t choose between hustle and academics — they learn to balance both wisely.
Focus on structure, discipline, and self-care. Remember: your education is your foundation; your hustle is your booster.
