How to balance work, family, and studies: Tips for career changers

Common challenges for career changers

Career changers often face significant challenges, such as:

• Time management: Allocating time effectively between work, study, and family.
• Burnout: Feeling physically and mentally exhausted from juggling multiple roles.
• Stress from multiple demands: Trying to meet deadlines for both work and studies while managing personal obligations.

Managing a new workload while learning something entirely new can feel overwhelming, especially as you absorb large amounts of information. To help you navigate this journey, we’ve put together actionable tips to balance work and study without sacrificing your well-being.

Tip 1: Plan and prioritise

When learning to balance work and study, prioritising tasks is essential. Start by setting clear goals and identifying which responsibilities need your immediate attention. Here's how:

• Create a weekly schedule: Use calendars or task management apps like Trello, Asana, or Google Calendar to map out your week. Include work, study sessions, family time, and self-care to ensure every part of your life gets the attention it deserves.
• Time blocking: Block out specific times in your day for particular activities. Whether it’s a study session, work task, or family time, time-blocking helps you stay organised and avoid feeling overwhelmed by trying to multitask.
• Stick to a routine: Establishing a daily routine can help you build consistency, reduce stress, and stay productive. A regular schedule also allows you to carve out dedicated time for your studies, even in the midst of a busy week.

Tip 2: Master time management techniques

Successful career changers often attribute their success to effective time management techniques. Here are a few that work particularly well when trying to study while working:

• Pomodoro technique: This involves working in intervals; typically 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer break. This method keeps you from feeling overwhelmed and makes large tasks seem more manageable. It’s especially useful for those who struggle to start studying after long work hours.
• Time blocking: Visualising your day by assigning time blocks to specific tasks is another powerful technique. For example, allocate an hour in the morning for work tasks, another block for studying, and a block in the evening for family time or self-care. This structure prevents context switching and helps you remain fully present in whatever task you're doing.
• Avoid multitasking: While it might seem like a time-saver, multitasking actually decreases productivity and increases stress. Instead, focus on one task at a time to ensure efficiency and high-quality work. Studies show that trying to juggle too many things at once leads to more mistakes and less productivity.

Tip 3: Invest in self-care and maintain flexibility

Balancing work and study demands a lot from both your body and mind, which is why self-care is crucial for long-term success.

• Exercise and sleep: Prioritise regular exercise and quality sleep to keep your energy levels high. It can be tempting to cut back on sleep to get more done, but this usually backfires by causing fatigue and affecting concentration. Even short bursts of physical activity can have a significant impact on both your mental and physical well-being.
• Relaxation techniques: Incorporate activities like meditation, yoga, or simply taking a walk to recharge. Self-care looks different for everyone—find what works best for you and make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.
• Be flexible: Life is unpredictable, and balancing work, family, and studies means that plans will sometimes need to change. Be open to adjusting your schedule when necessary, without feeling guilty. Flexibility is key to managing stress when things don't go exactly as planned.

Tip 4: Tools for time management

There are several tools available to help you stay on top of your schedule:

• Trello and Asana: These project management apps allow you to organise tasks, set deadlines, and track progress. They're perfect for visual planners who like to see their workload at a glance.
• Google Calendar: A classic choice for scheduling, time-blocking, and reminders. It can also integrate with tools like Trello or Asana to keep everything in sync.
• Focus@Will or Brain.fm: These music apps provide background music designed to help you focus better during study or work sessions.

Advice from career change experts

Career change experts often stress the importance of adopting realistic expectations and seeking support when necessary. Lisa Lewis, a career coach specialising in career transitions, advises her clients to be gentle with themselves, describing self-compassion as a process that unfolds over time.

Another expert, Scott Anthony Barlow, recommends finding an accountability partner—whether it's a family member, a mentor, or a fellow student. This extra layer of accountability can help you stay motivated and on track.

 

Balancing work, family, and studies may seem overwhelming, but with the right strategies, it’s entirely achievable. Set clear priorities, use time management techniques like the Pomodoro method and time blocking, and avoid the temptation to multitask. Above all, prioritise self-care and remain flexible as you navigate your new routine.

By applying these proven tips, you'll not only excel in your studies but also maintain harmony in your personal and professional life. Remember, finding balance is crucial for long-term success and happiness in both your career and personal life.

Need help?

If you're struggling to keep up with the demands of your studies while balancing work, our award-winning StudentCare™ team is here to help. Contact us for support and guidance in managing your schedule effectively.