Working a full-time job is a responsibility that fewer and fewer people have the luxury of enjoying in today’s economy. With global GDP shrinking and employment figures reflecting the rise in part-time employment, it seems that people are struggling to make ends meet in many different parts of the world.
An alternative to getting a second job is to further your skill set and advance your position in your career through education. If you do not have a college degree, then you are at a disadvantage in many sectors of the employment market.
However, balancing your studies with your full-time job can be an incredible challenge to handle. Here is a seven-step strategy you can use to help you manage your workflow at your job while creating enough quality study time.
#1 Plan Your Studies
Once you have enrolled for the year with your part-time course, you should receive your coursework and deadlines for term papers and essays. Take note of these on your calendar and plan your workflow to meet specific milestones related to exam dates and submissions deadlines.
#2 Let Your Boss Know
Don’t be afraid to tell your boss that you are studying for a degree. Most bosses will view it as a positive character trait and encourage you to go after your dream. Speak to the HR manager about arranging study leave close to your final exam dates so that you can adequately prepare.
#3 Practice Time Management
Be diligent with your time. Schedule your study time for weekends and holidays and commit to completing every study session. Mark your current progress on your study schedule after every session and make adjustments where you need to so that you can stay up to date with your coursework.
#4 Commit to Keeping Your Schedule
Committing to a study schedule means that you will have to sacrifice other areas of your life to get your studies completed. Tell your friends and family that they can expect to see you less during the semester schedule and make sure that they understand the importance of what achieving your goal will mean to you. Your family will provide you with support along the way, so make sure you tell your loved ones about your intentions.
#5 Find your Quiet Place
Every student needs a quiet place to concentrate while they study. Find your study place; it could be your desk at home, the library, or in a park under a tree. Wherever you feel most comfortable and aware is the best place for you to get the work done.
#6 Get Enough Sleep
Rest is a critical part of restoring and maintaining proper cognitive function. Your memory, and decision making all work better when you have had a decent night’s sleep. There is no point in staying up late cramming the night before a big exam; the chances are that your brain won’t retain the information you are studying anyway.
#7 Watch for Signs of Burnout
Avoid pushing things too far. Know your limits and organize your study time to be as productive as possible, without straining your mind or costing your precious sleep. If you do feel burned out, take a break and consider looking for some help in the form of a tutor to get you back on track. Delegate parts of your study that you struggle with to professionals. for instance, if you battle with writing, use custom writing services to assist you in your essay writing. This service frees your time to focus on other areas of your studies where you are stronger.