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5 tips for balancing work, school and life

| Author: Global Campus

As a busy working adult, you undoubtedly have a lot on your plate. You're no stranger to juggling important responsibilities like children, family, friends, a home and a career. As you return to school to advance your professional path, your balancing act may become more complex. 

Pursuing a degree when you already have so much going on can seem daunting and, at times, impossible. Don't second guess yourself. You can do this.

With the right plan and support system, you can work, care for your family, successfully complete your studies and advance in your profession. Keep reading to discover five student success tips to help you balance it all out:

Identify your why. In a motivating video talk, comedian Michael Jr. states that "When you know your 'why,' then your 'what' has more impact because you're working toward your purpose."1

Committing yourself to earning a degree is no easy feat, and when it gets stressful and overwhelming – from long days at the office, mounting due dates and family obligations – your goals and your why will put everything in perspective and motivate you to keep going.

Establish a new routine that offers flexibility.
Your new academic endeavor calls for a new groove to be set. To make certain no commitments or to-dos fall through the cracks, and to ensure you have ample time to complete your studies each week, it's vital to plan your schedule on a daily or weekly basis. The key to a successful routine is to remain flexible and realistic in your planning efforts.

  • Try not to cram too much into an hour, day or week.
  • Make room in your day for family, household chores and personal time.
  • Be prepared to shift gears when unexpected obstacles arise.
Focus on one task at a time.
You're a master of multitasking. However, tackling multiple assignments and tasks at once can slow down your productivity. Intentionally direct your attention and only work on one task at a time. You'll be amazed at how much you get done.

Lean on your support system.
This path is not meant to be traveled alone. When you share your goals and your why with family, close friends and managers, everyone in your network will understand what you're trying to accomplish and be better equipped to support and motivate you along the way.

Connect with your professors.
Your professors are valuable assets to your education, and they want to see you succeed. For them to offer their utmost support and guidance, you need to reach out and communicate with them.

If you have questions, need help with class material or experience difficulties meeting a deadline, be sure to get in touch with your professors right away. Many professors become mentors and are great references as you grow in your career.

Pursuing higher education will affect your life and career in astounding ways.

At Central Michigan University, we are inspired every day by our students who have decided to advance their careers and earn a degree.

See how you can make it all work while still advancing your career through CMU Online.

Resources:
1 Hoff, Naphtali. Huffington Post. "Know Your Why." Accessed June 1, 2017. http://www.huffingtonpost.com/naphtali-hoff/know-your-why_b_9512688.html. 

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