Balancing Full-Time Work and School: Is It Achievable?
Hi everyone!
I’m considering returning to school to pursue my degrees, but my current work schedule makes it challenging.
I work 12-hour shifts as a Security/Emergency Services officer, from 7 AM to 7 PM, and my schedule looks like this:
-
Week 1:
Monday and Tuesday: Work
Wednesday and Thursday: Off
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Work -
Week 2:
Monday and Tuesday: Off
Wednesday and Thursday: Work
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Off
And it continues alternating like this.
I would greatly appreciate any advice you may have. Online classes aren’t feasible for me due to the demanding nature of my job, which leaves little room for downtime.
I’ll also reach out to my academic advisor at the community college for guidance. Thank you!
It sounds like you have a really demanding schedule! Balancing full-time work with school can definitely be challenging, but it’s not impossible. Here are a few ideas that might help:
Consider Part-Time Enrollment: Since your schedule is quite hectic, looking into part-time classes might be a more manageable option. This way, you can take fewer courses at a time and still make progress toward your degree.
Flexible Class Times: Check if your community college offers evening or weekend classes. With your unique schedule, it might be easier to fit classes in on your days off or during the evenings after your shifts.
Prioritize Time Management: Keep a detailed calendar to help you block out time for studying. Even small pockets of time can be beneficial for catching up on reading or assignments.
Communicate with Your Employer: Sometimes employers are supportive of employees who want to further their education. It might be worth discussing your aspirations with your supervisor to see if accommodations can be made, such as flexible shifts on certain days.
Use Campus Resources: Most colleges provide resources like tutoring, counseling, and academic workshops. These can help you stay on track and manage your workload better.
Focus on One Subject at a Time: If possible, focus on just one subject or class at a time. This will help reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed while still allowing you to make progress.
Talk to Your Academic Advisor: Since you’re already planning to speak with your advisor, definitely explore any programs they might suggest or resources that cater specifically to working students.
Remember, many people successfully juggle work and school, so you’re not alone in this. It will take some adjustments, but with the right planning, it’s absolutely achievable. Good luck!