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What are some tips or resources that could be beneficial for a non-traditional student, especially when trying to find a balance between work and school?
I am a 35-year-old woman who has been out of school for several years. I am studying a completely different major with the hopes of becoming a entrepreneur. I have been struggling trying to find balance, time and focusing on my schoolwork. I question my decision to enroll in school at this time and I am feeling extremely overwhelmed.
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Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Shareva !
This is a marvelous question because you actually will know the answer to this if you consider some things you may be doing. The best way to manage your activities is for you to think about certain things and come to a conclusion as to what changes you can make.
You will have to ask yourself: are you going to college full time or part time, days or evenings and do you work full time ? Next consider if you are taking too many courses this semester or many heavy demanding classes all at once ? Only you know the answers to these questions that can be the key to why you are overwhelmed. It is advisable to intersperse some light classes with heavy classes. Before registering for a course, go over the requirements with the course catalog and then try to contact the professor of the course through your college online portal and ask specific questions about what papers you'd have to write and what projects are required for that course. This way, you can arrange your courses in a way that will not have a lot of demands all at once.
You have two more months left for this semester, so this is a good time to plan this for next semester. Consider taking less courses next semester. If you are overwhelmed now, decreasing your course load will definitely help for next semester. It's okay to consider taking courses in the evening as well as in the Summer Session if your college offers that. I don't know if you are going for a Bachelors Degree or a Masters Degree as you didn't specify. Take some moments to really make a list of everything you are doing and see what can be eliminated and modify your schedule for next semester. If you want what you have now, do nothing. If you want to improve your situation, you will have to make some changes and that is only for you to decide based on exactly what your situation is.
Students do have a social life, but there is always a bit of a sacrifice made with social time while going to college. It's perfectly normal. One just can't have the same exact life as when they were in high school or not attending college. You've stepped into an important venture that will provide personal and professional growth and there is great value in that. School is a lot of work and only you can control the amount of work and time spent studying and doing projects. It's all worth it.
It is a very special opportunity that you have as many adults never get the opportunity to return to college. No one should try to convince you one way or the other, but think about how your life would be if you quit school and how you could fulfill your career interest. Ask yourself whether or not you want to stay a student and obtain your degree or do you want to quit and resume everything that you always did.
So this will take making some important active changes, deciding what will be best for you now and in the future and how you can obtain some support for some of the things you consider obligations that add to feeling bombarded. But be specific when you ask for advice because if I knew if you are full time, part time, working full time, have a family, etc. the advice could be more accurate. People sometimes do find going to college at a later age is difficult, so you are not alone, but it can be and is done by so many students. You can do it too, with making the changes and considering schedules and courses, you can lighten your personal obligations as well as your educational load. Just do it and don't give up !
Best wishes in all you do !
This is a marvelous question because you actually will know the answer to this if you consider some things you may be doing. The best way to manage your activities is for you to think about certain things and come to a conclusion as to what changes you can make.
You will have to ask yourself: are you going to college full time or part time, days or evenings and do you work full time ? Next consider if you are taking too many courses this semester or many heavy demanding classes all at once ? Only you know the answers to these questions that can be the key to why you are overwhelmed. It is advisable to intersperse some light classes with heavy classes. Before registering for a course, go over the requirements with the course catalog and then try to contact the professor of the course through your college online portal and ask specific questions about what papers you'd have to write and what projects are required for that course. This way, you can arrange your courses in a way that will not have a lot of demands all at once.
You have two more months left for this semester, so this is a good time to plan this for next semester. Consider taking less courses next semester. If you are overwhelmed now, decreasing your course load will definitely help for next semester. It's okay to consider taking courses in the evening as well as in the Summer Session if your college offers that. I don't know if you are going for a Bachelors Degree or a Masters Degree as you didn't specify. Take some moments to really make a list of everything you are doing and see what can be eliminated and modify your schedule for next semester. If you want what you have now, do nothing. If you want to improve your situation, you will have to make some changes and that is only for you to decide based on exactly what your situation is.
Students do have a social life, but there is always a bit of a sacrifice made with social time while going to college. It's perfectly normal. One just can't have the same exact life as when they were in high school or not attending college. You've stepped into an important venture that will provide personal and professional growth and there is great value in that. School is a lot of work and only you can control the amount of work and time spent studying and doing projects. It's all worth it.
It is a very special opportunity that you have as many adults never get the opportunity to return to college. No one should try to convince you one way or the other, but think about how your life would be if you quit school and how you could fulfill your career interest. Ask yourself whether or not you want to stay a student and obtain your degree or do you want to quit and resume everything that you always did.
So this will take making some important active changes, deciding what will be best for you now and in the future and how you can obtain some support for some of the things you consider obligations that add to feeling bombarded. But be specific when you ask for advice because if I knew if you are full time, part time, working full time, have a family, etc. the advice could be more accurate. People sometimes do find going to college at a later age is difficult, so you are not alone, but it can be and is done by so many students. You can do it too, with making the changes and considering schedules and courses, you can lighten your personal obligations as well as your educational load. Just do it and don't give up !
Best wishes in all you do !
Updated
Denise’s Answer
Hello Shareva!
It's great that you're pursuing your education and entrepreneurial dreams! Balancing work, school, and personal life can be challenging, but with the right strategies and resources, you can manage it more effectively. Here are some tips and resources that might help:
Time Management
1. Create a Schedule:
- Use a planner or digital calendar to block out time for classes, study sessions, work, and personal activities.
- Prioritize tasks by deadlines and importance.
2. Set Realistic Goals:
- Break down your larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks.
- Set daily or weekly objectives to stay on track.
3. Use Time Management Tools:
- Apps like Trello, Asana, or Todoist can help you organize tasks and set reminders.
- Pomodoro Technique: Work in focused intervals (e.g., 25 minutes) followed by short breaks.
4. Set Boundaries:
- Set expectations with friends, family, peers and/or co-workers early and often about what you have on your plate.
- Give yourself permission to say no, as needed.
Study Strategies
1. Active Learning:
- Engage with the material by summarizing, questioning, and discussing it with classmates or study groups.
- Use flashcards, mind maps, or quizzes to reinforce learning.
2. Find Your Optimal Study Environment:
- Choose a quiet, comfortable place free from distractions.
- Experiment with different locations to see where you are most productive.
Support Networks
1. Connect with Peers:
- Join study groups or online forums related to your major or interests.
- Networking can provide both academic support and entrepreneurial insights.
2. Seek Academic Support:
- Utilize your school's tutoring centers, writing labs, or academic coaching services.
- Reach out to professors during office hours for additional help or clarification.
Entrepreneurial Resources
1. Online Courses and Workshops:
- Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses on entrepreneurship, business management, and related skills.
- Many of these platforms offer flexible schedules that can fit around your school and work commitments.
2. Local and Online Entrepreneurial Communities:
- Join local business groups, chambers of commerce, or online communities like Reddit’s r/Entrepreneur.
- Attend networking events, webinars, and workshops to gain insights and build connections.
Self-Care
1. Prioritize Health:
- Ensure you are getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising regularly.
- Practice mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress and improve focus.
2. Take Breaks:
- Allow yourself time to relax and recharge. Overworking can lead to burnout.
Financial Planning
1. Budgeting:
- Create a budget that accounts for tuition, books, and other expenses.
- Look for scholarships, grants, or part-time job opportunities that can provide financial support.
2. Financial Counseling:
- Many schools offer financial counseling services to help students manage their finances and explore funding options.
Reflect and Adjust
1. Regular Check-Ins:
- Periodically assess your progress and adjust your strategies as needed.
- Don’t hesitate to modify your schedule or seek additional support if you feel overwhelmed.
2. Stay Positive:
- Remind yourself of your long-term goals and why you started this journey.
- Celebrate small victories to stay motivated.
Useful Tools & Resources
- Apps for Focus and Productivity:
- Forest, Focus@Will, and Freedom can help minimize distractions.
- Educational Platforms:
- Khan Academy, edX, and MIT OpenCourseWare offer free courses that can supplement your learning.
- Entrepreneurial Resources:
- SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) offers free mentoring and workshops for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Balancing work, school, and personal life is a continuous process that requires flexibility and resilience. It's important to remember that feeling overwhelmed is a common experience, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Keep your long-term goals in mind and take it one step at a time. Good luck on your journey!
It's great that you're pursuing your education and entrepreneurial dreams! Balancing work, school, and personal life can be challenging, but with the right strategies and resources, you can manage it more effectively. Here are some tips and resources that might help:
Time Management
1. Create a Schedule:
- Use a planner or digital calendar to block out time for classes, study sessions, work, and personal activities.
- Prioritize tasks by deadlines and importance.
2. Set Realistic Goals:
- Break down your larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks.
- Set daily or weekly objectives to stay on track.
3. Use Time Management Tools:
- Apps like Trello, Asana, or Todoist can help you organize tasks and set reminders.
- Pomodoro Technique: Work in focused intervals (e.g., 25 minutes) followed by short breaks.
4. Set Boundaries:
- Set expectations with friends, family, peers and/or co-workers early and often about what you have on your plate.
- Give yourself permission to say no, as needed.
Study Strategies
1. Active Learning:
- Engage with the material by summarizing, questioning, and discussing it with classmates or study groups.
- Use flashcards, mind maps, or quizzes to reinforce learning.
2. Find Your Optimal Study Environment:
- Choose a quiet, comfortable place free from distractions.
- Experiment with different locations to see where you are most productive.
Support Networks
1. Connect with Peers:
- Join study groups or online forums related to your major or interests.
- Networking can provide both academic support and entrepreneurial insights.
2. Seek Academic Support:
- Utilize your school's tutoring centers, writing labs, or academic coaching services.
- Reach out to professors during office hours for additional help or clarification.
Entrepreneurial Resources
1. Online Courses and Workshops:
- Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and LinkedIn Learning offer courses on entrepreneurship, business management, and related skills.
- Many of these platforms offer flexible schedules that can fit around your school and work commitments.
2. Local and Online Entrepreneurial Communities:
- Join local business groups, chambers of commerce, or online communities like Reddit’s r/Entrepreneur.
- Attend networking events, webinars, and workshops to gain insights and build connections.
Self-Care
1. Prioritize Health:
- Ensure you are getting enough sleep, eating healthy, and exercising regularly.
- Practice mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress and improve focus.
2. Take Breaks:
- Allow yourself time to relax and recharge. Overworking can lead to burnout.
Financial Planning
1. Budgeting:
- Create a budget that accounts for tuition, books, and other expenses.
- Look for scholarships, grants, or part-time job opportunities that can provide financial support.
2. Financial Counseling:
- Many schools offer financial counseling services to help students manage their finances and explore funding options.
Reflect and Adjust
1. Regular Check-Ins:
- Periodically assess your progress and adjust your strategies as needed.
- Don’t hesitate to modify your schedule or seek additional support if you feel overwhelmed.
2. Stay Positive:
- Remind yourself of your long-term goals and why you started this journey.
- Celebrate small victories to stay motivated.
Useful Tools & Resources
- Apps for Focus and Productivity:
- Forest, Focus@Will, and Freedom can help minimize distractions.
- Educational Platforms:
- Khan Academy, edX, and MIT OpenCourseWare offer free courses that can supplement your learning.
- Entrepreneurial Resources:
- SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) offers free mentoring and workshops for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Balancing work, school, and personal life is a continuous process that requires flexibility and resilience. It's important to remember that feeling overwhelmed is a common experience, and seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Keep your long-term goals in mind and take it one step at a time. Good luck on your journey!
Updated
Nadia’s Answer
Hi Shreva,
You got really nice advice from others, so let me just add a few points:
1. Define and focus on your big WHY: why are you doing it? What was the reason for coming back to school?
Visualize yourself when you finish school and become an entrepreneur. What would that person from the future tell your present self?
2. Find ways to relax and recharge your batteries. Include them as mandatory in your schedule.
3. Build your support group. Is there anyone from your friends or family who can help you with daily activities and offload you?
4. Remember that most changes can be visualized as sinusoids, so it's perfectly normal to feel the way you are feeling now. After the first "WOW moment" (when we sign up for studies, start the change, and are usually motivated), there is a decline. It's the time when we usually start questioning the move; our automatic thinking patterns are turning on because we stepped out of our comfort zone and invested more effort and energy. The good news is that we can deal with it by - among other options - the proposals that I described and simply remembering that eventually everything will go up again, and you will enjoy your reward of becoming who you wanted to be.
You got really nice advice from others, so let me just add a few points:
1. Define and focus on your big WHY: why are you doing it? What was the reason for coming back to school?
Visualize yourself when you finish school and become an entrepreneur. What would that person from the future tell your present self?
2. Find ways to relax and recharge your batteries. Include them as mandatory in your schedule.
3. Build your support group. Is there anyone from your friends or family who can help you with daily activities and offload you?
4. Remember that most changes can be visualized as sinusoids, so it's perfectly normal to feel the way you are feeling now. After the first "WOW moment" (when we sign up for studies, start the change, and are usually motivated), there is a decline. It's the time when we usually start questioning the move; our automatic thinking patterns are turning on because we stepped out of our comfort zone and invested more effort and energy. The good news is that we can deal with it by - among other options - the proposals that I described and simply remembering that eventually everything will go up again, and you will enjoy your reward of becoming who you wanted to be.