Going Back to School and Having to Balance Work, School, and Home
When you make a major life decision such as going back to school, it’s not something that you should do in haste. If there are other aspects of your life to consider, such as work and home, then it is important that you carefully organize your world so that it all meshes well together.
You’re probably thinking, “How in the world can I do that when I’m not sure how I’m even going to have time to study every night?” don’t worry. You can absolutely juggle them all successfully. Many people have done it, and you can to. It just requires some planning on your part and a whole lot of discipline before you get started so that you don’t focus too much on one priority and not enough on the others.
Two major things you want to consider to balance your life if you’re deciding to go back to school:
1. Talk to Your Employer:
When employees make a decision to go back to school, it’s almost always inevitable that work will somehow be affected. Whether you’re trying to crack open your textbook on your lunch break, or find yourself having to leave early to do a presentation, you will definitely have to interrupt work at some point for school.
This is why it’s a good idea to communicate with your boss, as well as human resources, so that all important parties are aware of your new status. It is very likely that your employer will be beyond supportive of your decision and may even want to help pay for your education. But if you don’t communicate well, it may throw off the delicate balance you hope to maintain.
2. Create a Schedule with Your Spouse and/or Children:
If you have a family, being in school will have a huge effect on your day-to-day life. Whereas before you may have had time to make dinner, clean up, help with homework, and more, now this time may have to be used for your studies. Not to mention if you’re not attending a flexible online school, you’ll probably be spending at least two nights a week in class.
It’s for this reason that you should create a schedule with your family to help maintain the same duties of the home, even if you’re not around. The kids may have to help with chores while you’re away. Or you may have to hire a babysitter to help maintain order. As long as you communicate the potential issues with your family, you should be able to maintain a good balance when you actually start taking classes.
