The idea of going back to college or university (or considering a diploma) while working full-time might be daunting for many people. At the same time, pursuing part time studies also have many benefits.
Managing a full-time job while also pursuing your studies necessitates a high level of planning and prioritization. While some students would prefer not to work while pursuing their education, a large number of students work full-time or part-time while pursuing a degree. There are a number of reasons behind this, but the most important factor is usually money.
Working while studying gives you more financial control. At the same time, the professional qualifications that you can acquire over time will give you a good head start in developing your career.
To help you juggle your two lives with a breeze, here are our top tips on how to study while working.
- Planning
Get all of your syllabi and record all of the exam schedules, as well as the deadlines for any required papers, at the start of each semester.
Use a distinct marker for each of your classes so you can quickly identify when these due dates are approaching. Similarly, make a note of any upcoming company meetings or work deadlines in your planner.
- Keep your employer informed
Assure your employers that you can manage your work schedules. If you prove your dedication, it will be easy to negotiate with them a more study-friendly schedule.
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Use Your Free Time Productively
It may seem that you have no free time if you are studying and working at the same time. However, you must make the best use of the free time you do have, since this will help you better balance your day job and your study work.
If you commute, for example, you can read a book on your way to work. Also, study for a few minutes during your lunch or break.
- Practice selfcare
Having a busy work schedule plus studies will undoubtedly cause you to become stressed at times.
As a result, you should learn to cope with stress in a constructive manner. Physical activity is a good stress reliever, so go to the gym or go for a walk a couple of times a week.
Listen to music, write in a journal, have a massage, go to the salon, and so on. As a stress reliever, try to spend at least 30 minutes of your day doing something you enjoy.
- Don’t Overdo It
Be realistic about the time you need to spend studying and working.
If you think you can only take one study course at a time together with your workload, then focus on that course. For example, if you are studying to become an accountant you may want to take the AAT course first before you look at other options.
If you work full-time, determine exactly how many classes you can take every semester. When it comes to work or study, people tend to bite off more than they can chew. Having a full-time job in any industry can have its challenges and expectations. If you add education to an already busy schedule, it will just increase the amount of pressure.
Keep in mind that you can only do what you can do.
- Take Advantage of Technology
Class notes are essential. Despite this, many students do not know how to take down notes properly.
Avoid jotting down every single word, as this will just get you far behind and miss out on important details. Find your way of abbreviating words and phrases, so you can keep up with your teacher.
Take advantage of the technology today and use the necessary study apps. There are plenty of programs available that help students with every aspect of studying.
- Make Sure You Get Enough Sleep
Do not cut back on sleep.
You can wake up at 5 a.m. and study for about an hour, rather than burning the midnight oil, then go back to sleep until 7 a.m. You should wake up feeling reasonably rested. Doing this is much better than waking up and feeling tired from staying up half the night. In addition, you should take breaks when you are studying, especially if you are feeling worn out.
In any case, working or studying for too long can reduce your performance.
- Turn off the TV
Procrastination does not help anyone.
At times, finishing your favorite TV series, taking a nap, or chatting with friends will seem more interesting than starting or completing a course assignment. But bear in mind that the earlier you begin, the sooner you are done.
Check out your project and do the easy part first. As you begin to build momentum, the more difficult parts will just flow.
- Eat Properly
A hectic day at work requires endurance and focus. It means that you cannot let yourself go 8 to 10 hours without eating a healthy meal.
Take care of your body and it will also take care of you. Avoid eating foods that are high in saturated fats to address your hunger pains. This can contribute to the increase of your cholesterol levels, make you feel lethargic and affect your metabolism.
Living both student and professional life can be tough and put a lot of strain on your personal life. Then again, you can turn this strain into motivation and get great results.
Apply these top 10 tips and you will benefit in the long run.
