Finding A Better Balance: Juggling Full-Time Work, Study & Family

Amidst all the hustle and bustle of everyday life, we often forget to spend cherished time and moments with our family. The schedule becomes even more packed when you have academic commitments to fulfil and constant upskilling to do. 

There are ample, high-quality courses like the Master of Business Administration online that are flexible in pace and enriched with the latest information, making it possible for working professionals to upskill consistently. Nevertheless, planning your day and prioritising things that matter the most to you is still essential. You should set aside some time from work and studying to catch up with your family and friends. Social interaction will ensure that you always get a much-needed break from a fast-paced life and continue to do what you are working towards. 

If you are someone who is constantly running on borrowed time, here are some helpful tips that can help you create balance:

1. Work on a Schedule

Creating and adhering to a schedule is an incredibly smart way to fast-track your progress without losing out on the impact. The key here is to understand time slots where you are either idle or engaging in something unproductive. Identify how you can use these time slots to your advantage. 

For instance, if you are commuting to work using public transportation, listening to a podcast in your area of interest will give your mind some fuel for thought. If you are required to use social media for your work, consider following pages or channels that offer bite-size information you can consume (and remember) without it interfering with your task at hand. 

2. Take a Break

Juggling between work, family and studies is exhausting if you continue doing it non-stop for days. Taking a break is essential as it allows your mind to recharge and prevents burnout. Moreover, spending time with family and friends creates a lifetime of memories that will cheer you up whenever you feel low. 

If you are unsure where to go or do not want to commit to extensive travel plans, you can opt for a staycation nearby. These opportunities are also great to remind yourself why you started and how the hard work will pay off. 

By not taking breaks, you constantly subject yourself to prolonged exposure to stress, which can lead to health problems ranging from frequent headaches to high blood pressure and gastrointestinal issues. These issues not only hamper one’s quality of life but also increase the risk of heart disease and, in serious cases, stroke. Taking a break allows your body to relax and let go of the stress in a rejuvenating environment. 

3. Prioritse Communication

Not all days will be the same. There will be times when work can keep you engaged, and you might not be able to show up for a prior commitment. Instead of choosing to push through, consider the possibility of sharing the situation with your friends and family. 

Doing so allows you to be present at what you are doing without any rush. Similarly, if you need help with your assignments or want to shift the household chores to someone reliable, communicating your needs is the key. 

4. Study Productivity

Whether you are attending college or pursuing an online course, consistency and dedication is paramount to ensuring the course is completed on time, and you feel satisfied with the overall results. Consider waking up early to finish a specific portion of the course. 

If you prefer studying late at night, make sure you have an early dinner and are devoting at least two to three hours to studying before going to bed. In a family setting, studying after everyone has gone to bed is highly recommended so you do not get distracted and can devote yourself entirely to studying. 

The Bottomline

While it may seem tempting to utilise every second of your time, it is still crucial to relax and destress. You should never push yourself to engage with informative or academic content if you are not motivated about it. Instead, use this time to catch up on fun things or even nothing at all.

It is easy to lose motivation and fall behind on your progress when all you are doing is pushing yourself without any breaks. Also, it is wise to revisit your study strategy and make necessary changes to help you achieve your goals.