How to balance work and study

Work-life balance in Denmark

The Danish work-life balance lets you prioritise what truly matters.

Here's why Denmark is an attractive place to work:

1. Warm workplace atmosphere: Embracing an informal communication style, Danes foster friendliness in the workplace. Brace yourself for their unique humour, sarcasm and irony are their specialties! While communication might seem challenging at times, it's all in good fun. Plus, forget formalities. Everyone, from colleagues to CEOs, goes by their first names

2. Candid conversations: Danes value honesty and straightforwardness. Expect open discussions where opinions are shared freely. Don't hesitate to admit it if you're struggling, it's encouraged to communicate openly rather than make excuses. Constructive feedback is the norm, fostering personal and professional growth

3. Collaborative culture: Collaboration is key in Danish workplaces. Mental health and efficiency are prioritised, with ample support and training provided to ensure employees thrive within regular working hours. Need a breather? Employers understand and accommodate, ensuring a healthy work-life balance

4. Enjoyable work environment: Fun is a fundamental aspect of Danish work culture. Workers aim to find fulfilment in their roles and it's acceptable to switch jobs if needed. 'Arbejdsglæde' in Danish is equal to happiness at work, this is cherished and learning happens through hands on experience, with room for mistakes and reflection. Expect plenty of team building activities and Friday socials

5. Quality of life: Danes live by the principle of "Janteloven," prioritising society over individual achievements. An active lifestyle is the norm, with cycling and walking to work common practices. With generous holiday entitlements and flexible working hours, Denmark offers a work-life balance that's hard to beat

How to balance university and work?

Balancing a student job and your studies can be an art in itself, if you want to both perform at a high level in high school / university and make a valuable contribution in your student job. Therefore, we will give you a few tips on how you can create a good and healthy balance between the two.

1. Remember to structure your everyday life

Since it is time consuming to take care of both your studies and your student job, it is very important that you make a clear plan week to week.  Prioritise what is needed and what is nice to do.

Here it may be a good idea to use a calendar. In addition to being at work and sitting in the classroom, dedicated time must also be set aside for homework, friends and leisure activities.

If it is important for you to achieve solid results in your studies, it may be useful to select specific times during which you do homework or prepare for the next lesson.

2. Take time off

Stress is an inevitable part of studying and working. It can be stressful participating in a course with lots of homework and a student job on the side. So it is important that you also take time off and relax.

How to balance friends and studies?

You choose how to relax, but it can be a good idea to socialise with some friends, play sports or watch a good film, take your mind off the hectic, everyday life with work and study.

When you return to your studies, you will feel fresh and re-engerised.

If you find it difficult to comply with the points mentioned, have a conversation with your study advisor. Having a conversation with a student guidance counselor is similar to having a performance review on the job.