August 28th, 2014
How to Balance Job, Family & School
Make the most of your time with these tricks to maintaining a happy work-life balance
It’s hard enough juggling work and family, but add in class-time, study-time and homework, and it can all seem overwhelming. Here are some tips to help you find balance and succeed.
- Choose a program that fits your schedule. Look at the school’s full calendar of courses and the time needed to complete the program you want to enroll in. Make sure the class times will fit your schedule.
- Organize your time. Set aside specific times for studying and homework, as well as the daily tasks of managing your home, your job and your life.
- Schedule personal time. We all need a little fun or “me time” to avoid burn-out. Plan activities or time-outs when you can recharge and reconnect with family and friends. You will stay fresh and be better able to get your work done.
- Organize your stuff. Keep all your school materials – folders, papers, books, etc. – in one location so everything is easy to find. Where you study and do your homework should also be well organized, with minimal distractions.
- Prioritize. Mark a calendar with deadlines and due dates, exams and quizzes, as well as personal appointments, family gatherings, work and social commitments. This will help you stay on task and better able to focus on what is most important each day.
- Stick to a schedule. It’s difficult to be efficient and productive without a schedule, and all but impossible if you don’t stick to it.
- Don’t fall behind. Playing catch-up is twice as hard as staying on top of things.
- Ask for help. You’ve added to an already full plate. Why not share the load? Ask your family to take on some of the tasks you usually handle. It won’t be forever and will relieve your stress.
- Stay focused. Life is full of distractions; don’t let them get in the way. Keep your goals in mind as you make your daily choices. The time you spend in school is relatively short and a small sacrifice to pay for better opportunities.
- Stay positive! Thousands have done it before you. You can too.
