How to balance work and school
As an adult, you have obligations. You have a job and you pay bills. You may even have a family — a spouse and/or children. You need to work, but you would also like to go back to school and achieve something greater.
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It might seem impossible to balance all of these responsibilities but it can be done with a little ingenuity, a lot of planning and the support of your loved ones.
Here are some few tips to help you juggle work and school:
Build a support system
Have a strong support system both professionally and personally. That support system can make or break you. Whether it is your manager, mentor or a family member, make sure those around you are on board with your decision to go to college.
Find a flexible job
Try to find a job that is flexible with your school schedule. An understanding employer can help you become successful at work and at school.
Make your manager aware
Make sure your manager knows you are going to school and knows you have increased work capacity because of that.
Bringing your boss into the conversation early on may even result in recognition or a promotion after graduation.
Take time to breathe
Proactively plan your time as often as you can, to do something meaningful to recharge your batteries, this time is just as important for your family as it is for you.
Have clear objectives
Research the degree or programme before committing to it.Establish realistic career goals, plans and expectations for what you will achieve after you graduate.
Bring school to work and work to school
Wherever possible, use work examples of projects for your coursework and implement school projects in your work.
Consider online courses
Depending on your job, you may be able to do homework on your computer at work during your lunch break. The flexibility of online courses eliminates the stress of scheduling conflicts between work and classes.
Love your learning
If you are truly passionate about your education and the career for which it is preparing you, suddenly it stops feeling like work. Do not just think of it as doing assignments and clocking in hours; think of it as enriching your mind and advancing your career.
Stay focused on the finish line
It may be a photo, a quote or a handwritten letter to yourself, but find something to remind you of why you are putting in the hard work.
Use a planner
A planner is especially useful if you have a lot of appointments and your days are so varied that you have trouble keeping track of your schedule. Fill in all of your fixed appointments - class times, work times, due dates and familiar obligations. This way, you will know exactly when your free time is so you can schedule studying sessions or leisure time.