There comes a time when you feel stagnant in your job. When that feeling comes, that is when you know that you are ready to go back to school. However, taking this necessary step is difficult. You have family and work to consider. How can you make time for your education when you have so many responsibilities? Let me give you 5 pro tips on how to balance your work, your family and your education. You do not need to give up one or the other. There is enough time in the day to get everything done, but only if you strategize correctly.

Pro TIP 1 Plan Ahead

It is tempting to leave everything to chance. To take things as they come. This is a beginner’s mistake. Create a day planner. Set aside time to complete designated tasks. For example, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. I am going to study. This is your study time. The only thing you are allowed to do is study. If you try to multitask, you are just going to leave everything half-baked. Set aside time to study, and most importantly, set aside time for you to fulfill your social responsibilities to your family. That way you are not distracted during the time you are supposed to be studying.

Do note forget that Tello App exist. If it is easier for you, use a paper calendar that you can color code with markers. Move things around, depending on the time available. And most importantly, schedule a bit of idle time for yourself. Resting is just as important as studying. When you rest, you allow yourself to decompress and digest all the information you have learned.

Pro Tip 2 Create A Support System: You Are NOT ALONE

Studying is not just about you acquire a new skill. IT is also about how this new skill can benefit the family unit. It is important that your family understands that you are making this sacrifice for them. You are also setting an important example for your children to follow. Humans are not dogs. It is never too late for us to learn a new trick.

Let your family, friends and employers know that you are going back to school. Some employers might give you flexible hours for exams. You never know, until, you ask. Speaking of asking, don’t forget to ask your older teenagers to share a bit of your workload. Do not be afraid to rely on them. Giving them more responsibilities is all about growing up.

Make them understand that this change will benefit the family unit. When you succeed, they will succeed.

Bonus Tip: Make friends with your classmates. A study group can go a long way. Sometimes a classmate can offer you a different perspective on the class material, that can help you in the long run.

Pro Tip 3 It is OK to Say NO

Society often pressures US into saying Yes to everything. We want to be people pleasers. So, it is important to learn when to say NO. Saying No doesn’t make you a bad person. It makes you a responsible person. Right now, you are studying. So, NO! You do not have time to binge watch the latest Netflix TV show. Most shows and movies don’t go anywhere; you can watch everything after you finish your Homework. Or just watch one episode per day.

It is also important to say No to your boss. It can be a frightening experience. I know. Your boss holds the key to your financial livelihood, but hopefully he is not a monster. If he is a good person, make him understand why you are not able to take on that extra work shift.

Pro tip 4 Make the Most Out of Every Second

The human mind is a flexible machine. It doesn’t require 4 hours of uninterrupted studying to learn new information. If you happen to have some free time, during your lunch break, take those 10 minutes to look at your cue cards.

You can also listen to your lessons on your drive to work. Make an audio file of your notes, for you to listen to it, when your hands are too busy driving, folding the laundry, cooking or cleaning.

These mini study sessions can help you avoid late night cram sessions.

Bonus tip: We all need our beauty sleep. When we sleep, the brain makes sense of all the information you have accumulated throughout the day. You will not learn the information well, if you neglect your sleep.

Pro tip 5 There is Such a Thing as Good Enough, Celebrate Progress Not Perfection

It is important to not stress when things become difficult.  If you test doesn’t go well, do not stress. There will be others. Trial and error are how we learn as individuals. It is important that you make peace with the errors that you make along the way. We are only humans, after all. We are not perfect, and that is alright. As long as you give it your best shot, you can feel proud of your success, without hyper focusing on the errors you made along the way.

When you do well, celebrate. When you do bad, learn from your mistake. Even a bad grade, can be a learning experience. Success is marked by perseverance, not by perfection.

Final Thoughts:

Balancing work, family and school are not easy, but not impossible. With the help or your family and friends, everything is possible. Do not be afraid to go back to school. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Do not be afraid to say NO. Do not be afraid to change your life. Do not be afraid to Succeed!!

We hope to see you soon at FEI. Our doors are always open to new students. When you are ready to learn, we are ready to teach you.

[caption id="attachment_1154" align="alignnone" width="800"] The delicate tightrope of social responsibilities.[/caption]