Have you been looking forward to furthering your studies while still keeping your full-time job?
Most people go back to school while still working because of the financial challenges that might come with quitting. And you can’t just wish off further studies considering the benefits that come of it.
So, it would be best if you found a way of juggling the two responsibilities. Many people have done it and succeeded.
Let’s look at some tips that can help you find a balance between working and studying.
#1. Inform Your Employer
Once you have decided to go back to school, it’s advisable to let your boss know about it. Some employers are very supportive of employees who want to further their studies. Others may believe that your output will be compromised and decide to let you go. But don’t worry because you can always find something else to do. The reason you need to inform your employer about your plans is for them to make arrangements to accommodate your plans. That might mean lessening your responsibilities or even scheduling convenient working hours for you.
#2. Make a Strict Schedule
Working and going to school at the same time is too much to do, and you only have so much time in a day. That means you need to utilize every minute of your day to be productive. You need to create a strict schedule that you follow obediently. Know what time you are supposed to be at work, how many hours you need to study and don’t forget you also need to rest. Having a schedule helps you manage your time fully and get the best out of every hour.
#3. Take Online Classes
Currently, many schools have incorporated online learning into their programs to enable students to study away from college. The good thing about taking online classes is that you will save time commuting from work to school. That way, you will have more time dedicated to your schoolwork. Find out if the program you are taking has the option of studying online and apply for such. It will help you lessen the burden you carry with the two responsibilities.
#4. Work from Home
Another great option you have is to find a job that allows you to work remotely, just like in the previous point. Working from home enables you to save time you spend commuting. Luckily, many companies are currently embracing the work-from-home culture. The only thing you need to do is make sure you get your work done on time to win your employer’s trust. If your current job does not accommodate remote working, you can try applying for jobs that do. That way, you will be able to study while still making a living.
#5. Know When to Take a Break
That means you need to know when one area requires more of your time than the other. For example, the ideal time to apply for leave from your job is when school work demands more of your time. That way you have more time to work on your studies. On the other hand, when schools break for holidays, you can use that time to handle what you have kept pending with your job. Having such a balance will help you not to feel overwhelmed with the two responsibilities.
Bottom-line
Balancing full-time work and school might seem like an uphill task, but it’s doable. Make sure you inform your employer that you intend to seek further studies. Let them decide if they will accommodate you or not, but either way, don’t give up on your goal.
Schedule your time and stick to that plan. That will help you to avoid time wastage. Look for a job that allows you to work remotely and apply for online classes where possible. That way you will have more time to work and study.
Be keen to check when you need to dedicate more time to your job or your course work.
If you intend to join college or are in college and still working, apply these tips today, and it will be much easier to balance between the two responsibilities.