How to balance work, life, and online studies

When you go back to higher education to pursue an online degree part-time alongside a full-time job, it’s essential to ensure you’re managing a healthy work-life balance.

Juggling work, your personal life, and your online classes will create a busy schedule, and it’s important to stay organised to prevent burnout.

Here, we outline the best ways to balance work and life alongside online studies.

What are the best ways to balance my life alongside my studies?

When you undergo an online degree, it’s important to look after your wellbeing to ensure you’re able to show up fully in your studies and your work.

Stay attuned to your stress levels, and make sure you leave time for self-care. Set a schedule so you can ensure you get enough sleep and have the time to take regular breaks in between your personal and professional commitments.

Having a schedule will also allow you to fit in time with loved ones and family members, making sure you’re able to relax and enjoy your life without feeling overwhelmed by your work and degree.

What are some strategies for getting the most out of online learning?

Online education is a big commitment, and so you want to make sure you’re able to get the most out of it. Developing your skills and knowledge in your chosen field will boost your career, and so you want to graduate knowing you got everything out of it.

To make your learning experience as smooth as possible, try to create a weekly schedule which balances your work, life and studies. Take a look at your course materials when you create this, so you know what’s coming up in the week ahead.

When you sit down to learn, try to create a comfortable study space where you’ll be able to absorb yourself in your degree without being distracted or interrupted. Set boundaries with the people you live with and let them know when you’ll be unavailable, and consider blocking social media apps on your computer so you’re not tempted to scroll when you should be studying.

Tips on time management and organisation

Effective time management skills are essential when you’re trying to carve out study time around a busy work schedule.

Prioritise your online course outside of work hours and create an achievable schedule to keep you on track. Make sure you’re aware of coursework deadlines and other milestones well in advance so you can prepare for them, and can make sure you set aside specific time to meet those dates.

Before you start your course, figure out the best way for you to stay organised. Some people like to use a digital calendar, while others prefer the paper and pen method. Buying new stationery often elicits a ‘back to school’ feel for many, so treat yourself to a new diary or bullet journal that you’ll be excited to use.

How can I put the skills and knowledge I learn as an online student into practice?

When you’re an online learner, you’ll be picking up lots of new skills and knowledge alongside working in your existing role.

If your goal for after you graduate is career advancement, make the most of this time where you’re focusing on your professional development. Speak to your manager to see if you’re able to work on some new projects using your new skills. Perhaps you’ll be able to apply what you learn to real-world scenarios, putting you in good stead for progression after your postgraduate degree.