6 ways to win at balancing full-time work and part-time studies
Boosting your career prospects by studying again? Good for you. But juggling a 9-5 job and a study schedule can be tricky. Here are top tips for getting on top of your work-study balance.
1. Plan ahead
You will feel much less stressed if you clearly schedule study time into your week ahead using productivity apps like Superlist, Trello or Hub. This way you can have a clear overview of all your to-dos at all times and set yourself reminders when assignments are due.
2. Use every possible minute of the day
Download study material to your phone to read during downtime, or convert study notes to MP3 so you can exercise or drive while learning at the same time.
3. Be open with your manager
Companies are usually very supportive of staff who want to better their skills, so don’t be shy to ask for extra help. For example, ask for a quiet spot at work where you can study in your lunch break or request leaving a few hours early on certain days.
4. Use your best brain first
Even if you’re not a morning person, our minds are at their freshest first thing in the morning. Get up an hour earlier and prioritise the tasks that are the most difficult to grasp. At night, when you’re tired, make summaries or work on assignment presentations.
5. Find your network
Part-time studies can feel lonely if you’re the one going off to class or studying when your friends are out socialising. Find a network of people who are in the same boat as you and you’ll feel more motivated. Start a WhatsApp group or see if there’s a social media group you can join for support and study tips.
6. Don't let money worries hold you back
There’s no shame in taking out a loan to further your education. Investing in your skills is one of the best moves you can ever make. Remember, your salary could increase soon enough and then you will find it easier to pay off a loan.