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Working and going to school is possible, though balancing both can be difficult. Many people have graduated from college and added certificates to their resumes while working full time and even raising a family. All these can happen concurrently, and all you need is proper time management and a good plan in place. We did our own research on working and schooling and came up with these foolproof tips on working without forfeiting your academic objectives:
1.   Don’t quit your job
Here’s the most important tip: do not quit your job or move to another field altogether just to create time to learn. Your job is the priority here unless you found it after enrolling in a program. Instead of changing what you are already doing, take the time to find an institution that offers flexibility in their class schedules. This may mean taking an online class or evening classes if you are more inclined to classroom learning. There are many accredited institutions out there that will give you both these options. You just need to ensure they offer your program of choice.
2.   Keep everyone informed
Your kids, partner, employer, employees, and professors expect something from you, and it may prove impossible to keep all of them happy. However, letting them in on your school-work schedule can make a significant difference. Your employer, for instance, might switch your shift to a period outside regular class hours or move you into the work-from-home workforce. Your family will also have realistic expectations from you, given they know you have limited time on your hands.
3.   Avoid procrastination
Pushing back responsibilities just to sit and entertain yourself is discouraged no matter what you do. The ramifications are worse if you fall for this trap when there is school and work to take care of. You already have a huge burden on your shoulders; handling both and procrastinating will only add to the workload for tomorrow. That is without mentioning the possibility of disappointing your employer or professor and putting your job on the line.
4.   Have a day off
Time doesn’t stop for you, and your determination to further your studies and land a better job should not endanger your social life. You don’t have to lose friends or change your holiday plans. With a good activity schedule, you can go to work, attend classes, and still have enough time for social life. Even the tightest of schedules can leave you with at least one free day if you make the right arrangement with your employer.
5.   Do not multitask
Multitasking is the enemy of productivity. You can only give your best if your attention is on one thing at a time. A frequent switch of gears drains your mind and makes you less efficient than you normally are. No matter the number of tasks in your hands and the deadlines in front of you, completing a task before moving to another outweighs juggling them.
6.   Keep off distractions
While striving to remain socially active, make sure you are not hurting other vital aspects of your life. Have time for everything. Your phone shouldn’t be on your hands during an online class or while doing an assignment. Answering those unnecessary calls from friends and family in between work can amount to productivity-limiting distractions.
If you have to get on social media or play an online game, do it after you are done with the other tasks that cannot wait. This could be late in the evening or during your lunch break, but not any time you feel bored with work or crave seeing your friends’ reactions to a photo you posted on Instagram.
7.   Stay healthy
Massive loss of energy is mostly associated with physical work such as carrying objects, working out, and doing house chores, but more than one study has found studying, especially during an exam, to be an equally energy-intensive activity. Without the right nutrition, you will struggle to grasp concepts, become slow, and set yourself up for failure. Sitting all day in front of a computer might also have a similar impact, so make sure to eat a balanced diet and remain active.
Endnote
As you have seen, juggling between work and study requires plenty of self-discipline and determination. You must be ready to make sacrifices, but on top of all, you have to be sure one doesn’t affect the other. The above tips should help you start on the right foot as you add another task to your life. Make sure to understand the impact of your decision before committing.
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This content is brought to you by Wahab Ullah.
Photo: Shutterstock
