Balancing Act: Managing Work, Studies and Personal Life as an Expat

Let’s be real: studying and working at the same time should be an Olympic sport. It’s exhausting, overwhelming, and at times, feels downright impossible. And when you’re also an expat, trying to meet new people, adjust to a new culture, and maybe even learn a new language, it can feel like a never-ending balancing act. But trust me, if you implement the right strategies from the beginning, you can too, navigate this balancing act.

Thriving in the University System

If you’re moving to Switzerland for university, my biggest piece of advice is: take it slow. Adjusting to a new country while juggling classes is a lot, so if possible, try to arrive a few weeks before your classes start. That way, you can sort out all the bureaucratic tasks early on – trust me, you don’t want to be dealing with residence permits and bank accounts while trying to meet deadlines.

What to Expect from Swiss Universities:

• Be prepared for a lot of group projects and deadlines. Swiss universities emphasize collaboration, so expect to work with people from different backgrounds and work styles.
• Time management is everything. Your courses will be demanding, and if you’re working on the side, you need to be super organized to keep up.
• Working while studying? Keep it If your university recommends a 50% job limit, it’s for a reason. Working more than that will leave you with exactly one free day per month (and that’s if you’re lucky).

Student Work Permits:

• If you’re in Switzerland on a student permit, you’re allowed to work up to 9 hours per week.
• Need more hours? You can submit your work contract to your local Gemeinde (municipality), and they’ll switch your permit to a work permit, which removes the work limit.

Pro Tip: stay Organised.
Even if organization isn’t your thing, get a digital calendar (Google Calendar, Notion, whatever works for you). Write everything down: deadlines, classes, shifts, social events. If it’s all in one place, you’re less likely to forget things and panic last minute.

Thriving in the Swiss Workplace

The job market in Switzerland is expat-friendly, with competitive salaries and excellent job security. But finding a job and succeeding in the workplace comes with its own set of challenges.

Where to Find Jobs:

• Recruitment agencies: Many cater specifically to expats and regularly update their job boards.
• University career services: If you’re a student, your university likely has a career office that can help with job searches, CVs, and networking.
• Networking! Switzerland is all about connections: LinkedIn, alumni groups, and even casual meet-ups can open doors.
• Learning German or French helps. Even if your job doesn’t require it, knowing the local language makes daily life easier and less stressful.

 What to Expect in Swiss Work Culture:

• Punctuality is non-negotiable. If your meeting is at 10:00, be there at 9:58. Arriving exactly on time is almost
• Work-life balance is taken seriously. While Swiss people work hard, they also prioritize rest and efficiency.
• Direct communication is the norm. If a colleague gives you feedback, don’t take it personally—it’s just the Swiss way!

Balancing It All: Work, Studies & Personal Life

• Between work, studying, and daily responsibilities, it can feel like there’s zero time left for yourself. But keeping your mental and physical well-being in check is just as important. Here’s how to make it work:
• Set Boundaries: Know when to switch off from work and studies. If you overwork yourself, burnout is inevitable.
• Use Switzerland’s amazing nature! Even if you’re not an outdoorsy person, taking a short hike or lakeside walk can clear your mind and reduce stress. (Yes, I know—so Swiss of me! )
• Make time for socializing. It’s easy to get caught up in work and school, but having a social life makes everything more manageable. Even if it’s just grabbing coffee with a friend, it makes a difference.

Prioritize Self-Care: My Favorite Swiss Habit

One thing I’ve adopted since moving here? Sundays are for resting. No matter how stressful the week was, I always take Sundays to completely unplug. No work, no studying—just a reset day.

For me, that often means going for a hike if the weather allows it, but really, anything that lets you unwind works: grabbing brunch with friends, having a lazy day at home, or just going for a walk. The key is to give yourself permission to rest.

Final Thoughts: You Can Do It!

Balancing work, studies, and personal life as an expat is tough, but with the right mindset and habits, it’s absolutely possible. Stay organized, set realistic goals, and most importantly, don’t forget to enjoy the experience. Switzerland has so much to offer, make sure you take it all in!

Next up: Spring Sunday Reset: How to Make Switzerland Feel Like Home.

Next up, Spring Sunday Reset: Making Sundays in Switzerland Feel Like Home

Also Check out my previous posts:

• New in Switzerland? The Ultimate Survival Guide for Expats
• Chasing the Sun: How a Greek Navigates Swiss Winters
• Cultural Shocks: Adjusting to Swiss Life 
• A Bite of Home: The Ultimate Spanakopita Recipe

Featured image: taken by the author.
Image 1: Taken by the author
Image 2: Created by AI (Midjourney)