While it is a satisfying decision to return to school, it can often prove to be quite a challenge. Adult responsibilities such as working full-time or raising a family, or both, can often impede on academic ambitions.
After putting in a full workday, it is often difficult to work up the motivation to study. The key to solving this dilemma is time management. Whether you are working and attending night classes at a university, earning your degree online, or attending university and working late shifts, you know that managing your time is crucial to your success in balancing the double load.
Time management is your key to successfully take charge of your schedule, and your future. Working and going to school is not impossible, and managing your time properly will help to ease the burdens.
Time Management Tips for Working and Going to School:
- Keep a calendar
- Make lists
- Schedule each day
- Take time out for you
- Go to bed and get up at the same time daily
Keeping a calendar of your work schedule, combined with your daily assignments and upcoming exams is an excellent way to stay balanced and be aware of what needs to be read and absorbed each day after work. The month-view of what lies ahead will make your tasks seem less intimidating, and you can see your progress over time.
Making lists is also an excellent time management tool. Making daily lists will help to keep your priorities in order, helping you to remember little things like what to pick up at the grocery store. It is a great way to keep you from feeling frazzled and overwhelmed.
Aside from keeping a large monthly calendar and daily post-it lists, scheduling each day is an additional time management tool to add to your arsenal. Allot your tasks by the hour, giving yourself structure and time to study and time to unwind each day.
One of the most important things to add into your busy schedule of working and going to school is to pencil in some time for yourself, no matter how short that time may be. If you do not take time out to do something you enjoy, you may become depressed or disenchanted with earning your degree, and possibly quit school. A healthy balance of ambition and time for your personal needs is important.
Proper sleep is also high on the list. Studies show that individuals who get a healthy amount of sleep each night, and those who go to bed and get up around the same time daily, are more focused and alert. These individuals feel better overall, and have the energy to take on the full day of school and work that they meet each day. Some students who work find online college an ideal avenue for achieving a higher education. The freedom to study from home frees students to work, yet does take self-discipline to follow through with.
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