Anastasija Tasić

November 11, 2024

8 mins

Balancing school, life and a business: can women do it all?

In a time when social media showcases perfectly balanced lives of influencers, entrepreneurs, and students who manage everything with a smile, it’s easy to assume that a balance between work, school, and personal life is simply a given. But life is not Instagram, and reality is far more complex—especially for women who juggle multiple roles daily: students, entrepreneurs, partners, mothers, daughters, friends… and often, all at once.

The Myth of the “Superwoman”

The truth doesn’t lie in the myth of the “superwoman,” but in the real stories of women who skillfully combine different aspects of their lives—driven by strength, integrity, and endless passion. A woman can (and should) aim to achieve it all—to succeed academically, to build the business of her dreams, maintain a social life, and feel confident in her appearance. But these expectations of the “superwoman” can be dangerous because they ignore the reality that time, energy, and emotional resources are not unlimited. No one can do everything, all the time, without pause—and that is okay.

This is a dynamic process that demands organization, support, and exceptional mental resilience. And within that complexity lies the true power of a woman who decides to start something of her own.

Step One: Setting Priorities

Conflicts in priorities often arise, but success in balancing different life areas does not come from perfectionism—it comes from consciously distributing focus. Sometimes school requires more attention, other times the business does, and there are moments when mental health and rest must take precedence above all else.

The key lies in flexibility and accepting that “balance” doesn’t always mean perfect harmony, but rather adapting to the moment’s needs.

One trick many successful women use is the “three daily priorities” rule. Instead of trying to do it all, they focus on three essential tasks. The rest can wait—the world won’t come crashing down.

Support Is Invaluable

Women who successfully balance multiple roles rarely do it alone. Whether it’s family, friends, mentors, or even therapists, a healthy support network makes a tremendous difference. Asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it is a sign of maturity and strength. When you’re surrounded by people who believe in your goals and are willing to help you achieve them, you’re already halfway there.

This is where female solidarity shines—networking with other women who are navigating similar challenges can offer invaluable insight and encouragement. It is not shameful to say, “I can’t do this alone.” The shame is in believing you must.

Business and School – Enemies or Allies?

At first glance, studying while launching a business may seem like an impossible mission. But today, more and more young women are using the knowledge gained in university as a direct resource for their entrepreneurial ventures. Likewise, business experience can enhance academic success—because it brings practical, real-world understanding.

For instance, a marketing student running a small online brand is learning twice as much—both in theory and in practice. While it requires solid organization, the synergy between education and entrepreneurship can be a tremendous advantage.

Self-Care Is Not a Luxury—It’s a Necessity

In the chaos of deadlines, emails, and meetings, self-care often becomes the last priority. Yet without rest, sleep, and emotional stability, no other area will function properly. It’s not just about going on a spa weekend (although that helps), but about making yourself a daily priority—through small rituals that restore strength and clarity.

Simple actions like walking without a phone, journaling, or screen-free time can have a massive impact. If you don’t recharge your own batteries, you can’t power anything else.

So, Can Women Do It All?

Yes, they can. But not all at once—and not without a cost.

Success doesn’t lie in being 100% in everything, every single day. It lies in knowing when to step back, when to accelerate, and when to ask for help. True strength is found in a balance you define yourself—on your own terms.

Because balance is not the goal. Balance is the tool. And when used wisely—yes, you can do it all.

A Final Note of Inspiration

As Sara Blakely, founder of Spanx and one of the youngest self-made billionaires, once said:

“Don’t be afraid of what you don’t know. That can often be your greatest strength. If you only know how it’s ‘supposed’ to be done, you may never try at all.”

So trust yourself. Your balance, your path, your story.

You can do it all—on your own terms.