If you’re researching tips for going back to school while holding down a full-time job, you’ll undoubtedly stumble across sites that tell you to get organized and buckle down. While these are fantastic, worthy tips, there are many more tips to follow when it comes to juggling your various responsibilities. Here are five ways that you can make it through to graduation while holding down a full-time job:
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1. Talk to Your Employer
Before you return back to school, talk with your employer to find out how flexible they are willing to be. Knowing how far your employer is willing to bend will help you when you choose your schedule of classes. Will you be able to come in to work an hour late on Wednesdays? Can you take a day off before your big exam? Once you know how flexible your employer is going to be, you’ll know how to prepare yourself.
2. Make Time for a Hobby
As busy as you’ll be, try to make time to do something you love, even if it’s only for a half-hour each week. Whether you love to knit, scrapbook, or paint, dedicating time to your favorite hobby will allow you to get your mind off of your studies for a short while. Making time for your hobby will also help to keep your stress levels to a minimum.
3. Take a Breather
Even though you will be busier than you’ve ever been before, make sure that you take time to simply breathe. Make sure that you are taking advantage of your breaks at work and, while you’re studying, try to take a five-minute break for every 60 minutes of homework. Get up from your desk, walk outside and get some fresh air. These short breaks will allow you to keep your mind on task, no matter what type of assignment you’re trying to complete.
4. Ask for Help
Everyone needs help now and again; don’t be afraid to ask for it. Whether you need a co-worker to cover a shift, your parents to watch the kids, or even your partner to toss in a load of laundry, ask the people around you for the things that you need. Remember that no one can read your mind; unless you ask for help no one will know what they can do to help make your life less hectic.
5. Take a Day Off
It may be difficult, but if you can manage it, give yourself one day off each week. If you have weekends off from work, declare either Saturday or Sunday as a “do nothing” day. If you have a type-A personality, taking an entire day to do nothing will take some getting used to. Once you have gotten yourself into the habit of doing nothing on one day each week, you’ll find yourself looking forward to that day more and more.
While you’ll have to be organized and dedicated to making it through school while holding down a full-time job, you’ll also need to take care of your mental health if you want to be successful in college. By following the five tips above, you’ll be sure to experience far less stress than the average student and make it to graduation with your sanity intact.
Nancy Meyers writes for education sites and suggests finding information on the Top 10 Best Online MPH Degree Programs.
