A full-time career and studying?

It sounds impossible, but thousands of working adults do it every day, even those who are already working in the field of their choice. Because even though it requires a monetary investment, discipline, and a lot of hard work, following a course of study that benefits your current career path can yield benefits that range from better candidacy for senior positions to increased salary and other financial rewards.

Whether you’re pursuing continued education courses or planning to return to college to get your Master’s degree, juggling education and a fulltime career is no easy feat.  But if you decide to do so, the following tips can help you make the most of both.

Be aware of the commitment you’re making. No matter whether you decide on a full-time or a part-time course of study, it will require a huge time commitment on top of your existing work schedule. You’ll have the double responsibility of performing well both in your job and in your studies. Assess carefully whether you’re prepared to take on the commitment at this point in your life and career.

Evaluate whether you should study full-time or part-time. A full-time course of study is high-pressure, but offers the advantage that if you can establish a schedule that works for you, you’ll graduate sooner than you would with a less intense, part-time schedule.

Be aware of the advantages of working and studying simultaneously. By continuing to work, you’ll mantain your income, as well as your benefits, which can be financially advantageous and reduce or even minimize the need to take out student loans. Moreover, instead of interrupting your career, you can continue to advance with your employer and even carve out a promotion for yourself when you’ve graduated.

Pursue a course of study that’s relevant to your current career path. Studying a subject that’s immediately relevant to your job can be rewarding in and of itself, since you’re likely to be able to put much of what you learn into practice on a regular basis. This combination of theoretical knowledge and practical experience can boost your performance both in the classroom and the boardroom.

Inquire about financial support from your employer. Some employers will pay a part or all of your study expenses if you meet certain conditions. In most cases, they require that the course of study directly relates to your current position. Many also want you to maintain a certain grade point average. In addition, some employers will request a time commitment from you if they help finance your studies, usually for a period of five years. If this feels restrictive, consider the fact that since they’re investing in your education, they have the right to see a return on their investment. On the plus side, do your job well, and it means you have job security for five years after graduation!

Assess whether online or onsite studying works best for you. Many courses are available online nowadays, which can be convenient in terms of saving time on travel, as well as having the flexibility to access classes and study materials at your convenience. However, there can be reasons to opt for an onsite course, such as wanting to interact with people, getting hands-on experience, or simply a preference for a non-virtual learning experience. Choose the option that works best for your schedule and studying habits.

Establish a clear study schedule. With double the responsibilities, you’ll have much less time for your loved ones. In order to avoid disappointments and conflict, discuss your study schedule with your family and friends. Make it easy for them to know when you’re available, so it’s easy for you to set boundaries around your study time.

Ask for help and flexibility. A course of study is generally a long-term commitment, and it’s quite possible that you’ll run into some rough spots along the way. Family matters or work pressures can easily place you under more stress than usual. If this happens, don’t work so hard you burn out. Instead, speak to your supervisor at work and your counselor at school and ask for their understanding and assistance. Perhaps you need additional time for a paper, or maybe you can reduce commute time by working from home one or two days a week.

Take care of yourself. Especially with a hectic schedule, you need to take care of yourself. Pay attention to your health and cherish your spare time. By allowing yourself some time to relax now and then, you’ll have the energy to give work and study your best.

It’s easy to say the sacrifices are worth it, but learning to juggle school and work in order to advance your career is a challenge. Yet with motivation and perseverance, many do so successfully. And to quote one of the most curious minds in American history:

“An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.”
– Benjamin Franklin

Originally published by Kelly Services Newsletter