One of the most common concerns of students, whether they’re going back to school or just getting started, is how they’ll be able to balance professional work commitments with the time they’ll need to devote to their coursework. In reality, many students can’t afford to stop working in order to focus entirely on their education. Statistics Canada estimates that over half of Canadian college and university students combine paid employment with full-time studies. So how do these students do it?
If you’re considering enrolling in a career college program to enhance your career prospects, here are some helpful ways to balance your commitments to work and school.
1. Come Up with a Schedule During Your Career College Program
When you’re working and taking career college courses, your planner is your best friend. Before courses start, come up with a schedule that includes your upcoming deadlines as well as the time you’ll need to study. Creating a schedule that works for you will help you to stay organized, while holding you responsible for what you need to get done throughout the day. Keep your schedule realistic by factoring in time spent with family and friends, running errands, or commuting. The more you plan ahead, the less overwhelmed you’re likely to feel while taking career training courses.
2. Don’t Forget About Your Support Network
No one ever said that it should be done alone. As you strike a balance between your work and school life, don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, classmates, and colleagues for additional support. If the people in your life are aware of your busy schedule, they’ll be more willing to go out of their way to ease your burden. Maybe your family members will be willing to take on some extra chores at home, or your friends might suggest a place to meet for dinner that’s more convenient for you. Whatever the case may be, don’t be afraid to ask for help from the people who care about you.
3. Manage Your Time Efficiently
When balancing both work and school, it’s important to use your time as efficiently as possible. Figuring out what your priorities are can help you to spend time on the things that matter instead of wasting time on the things that don’t. Spending ten minutes making flashcards for an upcoming test instead of scrolling through social media can go a long way towards boosting your productivity. Remember, you won’t be able to do everything, and sacrifice is part of the process. Luckily, a career college program at Oxford College can be completed in a year—so make it worth your time!
4. Study Something You’re Passionate About
This one might seem like a no-brainer for some, but it makes all the difference when you’re studying something that you’re passionate about. When you love your program, the sacrifices that you make to commit to your courses won’t feel like such a heavy burden, and studying won’t feel like a chore after a long day at work. When you choose to go back to school for something that truly interests you, you’ll never wonder if it was worth it.
5. Use the Resources Available to You
At career colleges like Oxford College, students have access to a variety of resources designed to help them to succeed in their program. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your instructors for assistance if you’re struggling to balance your commitments, or feel confused about an assignment. By taking advantage of the many resources available to you, you’ll be more likely to succeed in completing your tasks on time, enabling you to strike a balance between school and work.
6. Make Goals and Stick to Them
When life gets stressful, it’s always helpful to have some goals in mind to remind you of what you’re working towards and what’s important to you. Set some goals for yourself before beginning your studies and return to them often as you complete your program. When you focus on your goals, the rest will follow!
Are you ready to commit to career training?
Explore Oxford College’s career-focused programs today.