Juggling tutoring work alongside university placement can feel like walking a tightrope. Both roles demand focus, preparation, and emotional energy, yet they also provide valuable opportunities to grow personally and professionally. With the right mindset and structure, it’s possible not only to manage both but to thrive in the process.

Tutoring offers flexibility, which makes it a great fit during placement periods. Tutoring also reinforces transferable skills like communication, patience, and adaptability — all of which are vital in a placement setting. Explaining concepts clearly to students can sharpen your own ability to break down complex tasks, something that benefits your professional growth.

The challenge of balancing both commitments lies in energy and time management. Placement weeks are often intensive with steep learning curves. Adding tutoring into the mix can push you toward burnout if boundaries aren’t set. A practical strategy is to block out a timetable in advance, prioritising rest as much as study and work. Even short recovery rituals — like a walk, a gym session, or a quiet meal — can make a significant difference.

Ultimately, tutoring while on placement teaches resilience. It forces you to refine your time management, build discipline, and learn to switch contexts quickly. Rather than viewing tutoring as an added burden, reframing it as a complementary role helps you see its value: you’re earning income, building skills, and shaping future learners while growing in your own professional journey.

Tamiah Mahoney