How to Go Back to School While Working Full-Time
The choice to go back to college as a full-time working adult can be a challenging one. Your life is probably already incredibly busy with career, family and personal obligations. You may think that attending college is an impossibility. However, there is likely a reason for considering higher education, and that reason may be strong enough to propel you to give it a try. Obtaining your degree is possible. Follow these tips for advice on going back to school while working full-time.
Build Time Into Your Schedule
Fitting education into your jam-packed life requires creativity, dedication and willpower. You will need to be more mindful of how you spend your time in order to make it work, but one of the best ways to do that is to build school time strategically into your current schedule. Look for ways to carve out time for study and class time. Some people listen to audio textbooks while commuting to work. It’s also a good idea to choose a regular study time and to let your family know that you are not to be disturbed. Another possibility may be to study outside of the home. Make efforts to use your time efficiently and create a routine so that school and study time become part of your daily routine.
Set Goals, but Be Flexible
Setting short-term and long-term goals can help you to stay focused and keep the end desire in mind. Losing track of why you are going back to school while working full-time can lead to giving up. Keeping your goals in clear view pushes you to keep going, while adding short-term goals holds you accountable and makes the process seem less overwhelming. You do have to be flexible, however. Know that a big project or unexpected life event can shake up your routine or take you off-course for a bit. Just remind yourself to get back on track when things even out. Always keep the lines of communication open with your professors. They’re usually willing to work with you during hectic times.
Have a Support System
Enlisting help from the important people in all areas of your life is crucial to your success. You may need your family to take up more of the responsibilities at home, your boss to allow you some flexibility at work and your friends to understand that you won’t be as available to do things with them. School personnel such as your academic adviser can be a tremendous support, as well. Communicating with everyone and letting them know how they can help is crucial when it comes to obtaining their support. It may take time to get everyone on the same page, and there may also be some resentment about your new pursuits. When everyone is aware of your needs, they will be more willing to help you in any way possible.
To learn more about ways to go back to school while working full-time, contact Brighton College to find out about flexible distance learning options that may work for you.