Being an adult comes with a lot of responsibility. You’re managing your household, making time for your spouse, making sure you have enough groceries to get you through the week, paying bills, helping your kids with homework and in recent months, even homeschooling your kids. Then, there comes the endless piles of laundry, cleaning and sometimes driving a personal taxi service for your kids all while trying to make time for yourself and your own commitments at work and in your community.
When you consider all of the responsibilities that come with being a spouse, an employee, a parent and all of the other hats we, as adults, wear, finding a way to also be a student can seem daunting. But, here are some tips on how to balance work, family and going back to school to prioritize your own personal educational and professional growth.
Re-prioritize time and commitments
When choosing to go back to school to complete your bachelor’s or master’s degree, it’s important to prioritize your time. Of course, family and work responsibilities are always going to be a priority. Now, your school work also needs to be a priority.
Take a step back and look at what else vies for your time and energy. Are there places where you can cut back to make space for completing your coursework? This may be a good time to review how much time you spend surfing social media or watching TV. Where can you re-prioritize your time so that you can balance work, family and going back to school?
Schedule
Are you a morning person? If so, getting up early a few times a week to devote to school work may be beneficial. If you’re a night owl, staying up late after you put the kids to bed could be helpful so you can focus on school without interruption.
I try to devote my lunch hour at work to homework and preparing for class. Then when I am home with my family, I can be fully present. And when I’m working, I can be fully focused on my tasks. Setting aside specific time that works for your schedule to devote to school work is important in succeeding in the classroom and maintaining a healthy work/life balance.
It’s a team effort
Having the support of your family and co-workers is so beneficial to your success. There are going to be times when the work load seems to be too much and you are questioning whether you can finish. It is vital to have people in your corner cheering you on. So, tell your co-workers what you’re doing. Let them support you. Keep your family informed on your progress. Seek out encouragement from those who are closest to you.
Going back to school as an adult does not just involve you. This commitment effects those closest to you. So, cling tight to your team and lean on them to make it successfully to the finish line!
Going back to school as an adult is not only feasible, it is a decision you will not regret!
At Bluffton…
At Bluffton, working adults have the opportunity to complete their degrees in accounting, business management and RN to BSN; or earn an MBA, MAOM (Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts in Organizational Management), or MAEd (Master of Arts in Education). Bluffton’s graduate programs were recently recognized by “Ohio Business” magazine’s Best in Ohio Business Awards for Best Graduate School Program.
Written by Holly Metzger, senior enrollment counselor, current Bluffton MBA student and mom of three.