How to Work a 9-to-5 and Still Read Leviticus Without Crying
Juggling seminary and a full-time job sometimes feels less like “balance” and more like a three-ring circus where you’re the clown, the ringmaster, and the one trying not to get eaten by the lion.
People hear you’re working full-time and going to school, and they look at you like you’re either incredibly disciplined or incredibly unhinged. The truth? It’s a little bit of both.
I’m living it right now—clocking in for work during the day, writing papers at night, and praying I remember which login goes with which portal. And while it’s not easy, it’s also deeply worth it. Seminary is shaping my faith, my calling, and the way I think about God. And my job by no means just pays the bills, it brings me joy and ignites creativity in me that I didn’t even know was there. Both matter. Both can coexist. But they don’t without some very real, very practical rhythms.
So here’s my honest take: what it’s like, what I’ve learned, and a few tips to keep you from losing your mind.
The Reality of Juggling Both
Some days, you feel like a superhero. You wake up early, workout, crush your work tasks, highlight your reading assignments, and even journal. Gold star.
Other days, you eat Sour Patch Kids for dinner, skim the syllabus with tears in your eyes, and pray you didn’t miss anything on your mile long to do list.
Both days are normal. Both days count. Don’t buy into the lie that you’re only doing well when everything looks seamless. The reality is messy. But it’s still holy.
Tips for Surviving (Without Burning Out)
1. Get Good at Saying No but Don’t be Afraid to Say Yes
Here’s the hard truth: you cannot do it all. You’re not going to every social event. You’re not leading every Bible study. You’re not baking sourdough from scratch on Tuesdays. And that’s okay.
Your “yes” to seminary and work means your “no” has to be louder in other areas. But also know that you deserve to have fun, you deserve to let go, and you deserve to give your mind a break. Protect your time like it’s sacred—because it is.
2. Use Your Time Wisely
If you drive, listen to podcasts, audiobooks, or Scripture. If you take the bus or train, knock out some reading or flashcards. Those 20–30 minutes can add up over time.
Pro tip: don’t overstuff it. Sometimes you need silence. Sometimes prayer is the most productive thing you can do in the car.
3. Find One Anchor Habit
For me, it’s starting my day with Scripture & journaling—even if it’s just a Psalm before work or a quick jot down of thoughts. That one anchor grounds me.
Maybe for you it’s journaling at night, or praying on your lunch break. Find one small rhythm that helps you stay rooted when everything else feels chaotic.
4. Plan Your Week, Not Just Your Day
Sunday afternoons are my reset (after I take a nap). I look at my work schedule, class times, assignments due, and plan accordingly. That way I don’t wake up on Wednesday shocked that I have a paper due Thursday.
You don’t need to plan every detail, but mapping the big rocks makes space for flexibility the rest of the week.
5. Keep Your Bag Stocked
This may sound random, but it’s real. Having the right things in your bag (snacks, mini deodorant, a charger, highlighters) saves you on long days. It’s one less decision to make when your brain is fried. Always, always have caffeine on hand and sour patch watermelons.
Think of it as setting yourself up for tiny wins.
6. Grace > Perfection
There will be weeks when you don’t get all the reading done. Weeks when you turn in something you wish you had another day for. Weeks when your house looks like a tornado hit it.
You’re human. And you’re doing something hard. Perfection is not the goal—faithfulness is.
Why It’s Worth It
I won’t sugarcoat it—this season is stretching. But it’s also refining. Seminary isn’t just about head knowledge. It’s about letting the Word of God sink into your bones while you’re learning how to steward responsibility in the real world.
Work teaches you discipline. School teaches you theology. Both teach you dependence on Jesus.
And at the end of the day, when you’re tired but still showing up—He sees that. That matters.
Final Thoughts
Balancing seminary and a full-time job isn’t glamorous. It’s not a curated Instagram feed of latte art and color-coded notes. It’s messy, exhausting, and sometimes discouraging.
But it’s also sacred. It’s also a chance to lean into grace, trust God with your limits, and grow in ways you didn’t know you could.
So if you’re in this season too: take a deep breath. Say no when you need to. Celebrate the small wins. And remember—this is not forever. But it is forming you.
You’ve got this. (And by “you’ve got this,” I mean Jesus has you. Which is better anyway.)
~ Hanna
Latest Favorites
Amazon Sweat Shorts
Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
Supergoop Glow Screen
Adidas Gazelle Bold Shoes
My Latest Favorites: Clothes, Drinks, Podcasts, and More
I love when people share their favorite things. Like yes, tell me what lip gloss you’re obsessed with and which podcast makes you feel like your life is together (even when it’s not). There’s just something sweet about getting a peek into the little things that are getting someone through the month.
So here’s what I’m loving right now–my honest, slightly chaotic, actually-used-every-day favorites.
Favorite Drink: Alani Nu Cotton Candy
Tastes like a carnival. Feels like a hug and a caffeine kick at the same time. Is it aggressively sweet? Yes. Do I care? Not even a little.
Favorite Podcast: Happy & Healthy by Jeanine Amapola
Jeanine feels like that older sister you didn’t know you needed—equal parts wise and fun. I listen while I do dishes or go for a walk, and I always leave feeling seen, grounded, and slightly convicted (in a good way).
Favorite Shorts: Amazon Sweat Shorts
They’re cozy. They’re high-waisted. They make me feel like I have my life together, even if I’m wearing them for the third day in a row. No notes.
Favorite Skincare: Supergoop Glow Screen
I’m not saying sunscreen changed my life, but I am saying I now willingly put something on my face before 10 a.m., so that feels like growth. Also, the glow ~unreal~
Favorite Makeup: Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush
This blush is no joke. A single dot will have you looking like you just fell in love or went on a brisk jog (I prefer the first). 10/10 for pigment, vibe, and Selena Gomez being an angel.
Favorite Shoes: Adidas Gazelle Bold Shoes
Cute enough for brunch. Comfy enough for errands. For real though, someone told me they look good so I stuck with them. So many colors to choose from.
Final Thoughts
These are the little things that are sparking joy in my everyday lately—because life isn’t just about big moments. It’s about a good blush, a podcast that hits, and a cotton candy energy drink that makes you feel like you can take on the world.
What are you loving right now? Drop your recs—I would love the details.
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Hanna Rellar 