How I Balance My Studies and Job in Islamabad at 24

Life at 24 is not as easy as it looks from the outside. People often imagine this age as a golden chapter filled with freedom, energy, and endless possibilities. But for me—and for many young people in Pakistan—it is also a time of responsibility, sleepless nights, and silent battles.

I am a BS Demography student in my 5th semester, living in Islamabad, far away from my family and hometown. Alongside my studies, I also work part-time to manage my expenses and continue my education. My life is a constant balancing act between books and bills, lectures and long shifts. This is my story of struggle, adaptation, and resilience.

The Daily Struggle

My mornings begin earlier than I’d like. While some of my classmates are still sleeping, I am already on my way to work. My job requires standing for long hours, interacting with people, and doing tasks that can be physically and mentally draining. By the time I clock out, my body craves rest.

But rest is a luxury I cannot always afford. The moment I leave work, my mind reminds me of pending assignments, upcoming exams, and the evening lectures waiting for me at the university. Sometimes, it feels like I am living two lives at once—one as a student chasing dreams, and another as a worker trying to survive.

At first, this routine nearly broke me. I would sit in class with tired eyes, unable to concentrate. I felt as though I was falling apart—half of me at work, half in the classroom. But slowly, I began to adapt. Over time, I realized that my struggle was not unique. This is the life of countless young men and women in Islamabad and across Pakistan—working by day, studying by night, quietly carrying their burdens with resilience.

The Weight of Distance

What makes this even harder is the distance from my family. Back in my hometown, life felt simpler. Meals were ready on the table, laundry was magically done, and love was always within reach.

But in Islamabad, every small task falls on my shoulders—cooking, laundry, managing rent, and paying bills. On some days, I miss my mother’s warm food; on others, I long for my father’s advice or the laughter of my siblings. The loneliness can be overwhelming, but it has also forced me to grow. Living away from family taught me independence, responsibility, and resilience. It taught me that sometimes, missing home is part of becoming stronger.

Why I Keep Going

Many people ask me, “Why push yourself so hard? Why not just focus on one thing at a time?”

My answer is always simple: because I have dreams.

I dream of completing my degree. I dream of building a career where I can contribute to society and support my family. I dream of a day when I look back at these struggles and say, “It was worth it.”

Every time exhaustion drags me down at work or sleepiness clouds my focus in class, I remind myself that this is temporary. These hardships will fade, but the degree I earn, the experience I gain, and the patience I build will last a lifetime.

Lessons Learned

Balancing work and studies at 24 has taught me lessons no textbook could ever provide:

Time management is everything. Without it, both work and study collapse.

Discipline matters more than motivation. Motivation comes and goes, but discipline keeps you moving.

Patience is survival. It makes the journey bearable when results seem far away.

Sacrifice today brings a better tomorrow. Comfort now is easy, but growth comes from sacrifice.

These lessons are the hidden rewards of my struggle, and they will shape the person I am becoming.

Final Thoughts

At 24, my life may not be easy—but it is meaningful. The routine that drains me is also the same routine that builds me. Every shift I complete, every lecture I attend, every night I spend with books instead of sleep is shaping me into someone stronger, more resilient, and more determined.

To every young person out there trying to balance work and studies: you are not alone. Your struggle is valid, your sacrifices are seen, and your future is being built one step at a time.

Author’s Note

💙 If my story resonated with you, please leave a heart and share your thoughts in the comments. Your support means the world—it reminds me, and others like me, that we are not alone in this journey.