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How do you manage your schooling, full-time work, and life balance? #Spring25
I am a mom of three young children, I work full time and will be taking on part-time credits, working towards by Bachelor's Degree.
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Brandyn Knight
Operations Supervisor, Owner - Life & Career Coach
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Answers
Orillia, Ontario, Canada
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Brandyn’s Answer
Balancing full-time work, part-time schooling, and parenting is a significant challenge—but it’s also achievable with the right strategies and support systems. As a working parent pursuing higher education, you're already demonstrating commitment, resilience, and ambition—qualities that will serve you well both academically and professionally.
1. Structure Your Time with Intention
Develop a weekly schedule that integrates work hours, class times, study sessions, and family responsibilities. Tools like Google Calendar or Notion can help you block time, set reminders, and avoid scheduling conflicts. Consider designating specific times each week as non-negotiable “study time” to build consistency.
2. Set Clear Priorities
Each week, identify your top priorities in work, school, and home life. Prioritizing tasks using a method like the Eisenhower Matrix (urgent vs. important) helps you focus your energy where it matters most and reduces decision fatigue.
3. Communicate and Seek Support
Be open with your professors, employer, and family about your schedule and commitments. Professors are often willing to offer flexibility when they understand your situation. At work, explore if flexible hours or remote days are possible. At home, involve your partner or support system to share parenting duties when needed.
4. Embrace Microproductivity
Study in short, focused bursts—known as the Pomodoro Technique (25-minute sessions with 5-minute breaks). Even 30–60 minutes a day adds up over time. Use travel time or kids’ nap times to review notes or listen to educational podcasts.
5. Prioritize Wellness and Boundaries
Your well-being is essential. Schedule personal time for rest, physical activity, or reflection—treat it as seriously as any meeting or assignment. Burnout is common when self-care is neglected, so build sustainable habits early on.
Use digital planners like Todoist or Trello to manage tasks
Reach out to academic advisors for personalized support or course load planning
1. Structure Your Time with Intention
Develop a weekly schedule that integrates work hours, class times, study sessions, and family responsibilities. Tools like Google Calendar or Notion can help you block time, set reminders, and avoid scheduling conflicts. Consider designating specific times each week as non-negotiable “study time” to build consistency.
2. Set Clear Priorities
Each week, identify your top priorities in work, school, and home life. Prioritizing tasks using a method like the Eisenhower Matrix (urgent vs. important) helps you focus your energy where it matters most and reduces decision fatigue.
3. Communicate and Seek Support
Be open with your professors, employer, and family about your schedule and commitments. Professors are often willing to offer flexibility when they understand your situation. At work, explore if flexible hours or remote days are possible. At home, involve your partner or support system to share parenting duties when needed.
4. Embrace Microproductivity
Study in short, focused bursts—known as the Pomodoro Technique (25-minute sessions with 5-minute breaks). Even 30–60 minutes a day adds up over time. Use travel time or kids’ nap times to review notes or listen to educational podcasts.
5. Prioritize Wellness and Boundaries
Your well-being is essential. Schedule personal time for rest, physical activity, or reflection—treat it as seriously as any meeting or assignment. Burnout is common when self-care is neglected, so build sustainable habits early on.
Brandyn recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Martina’s Answer
Hi Kay, try setting up a schedule to manage your busy days and make sure to include some personal time. A schedule can help prevent feeling overwhelmed. Don't hesitate to ask family members for help when you need it.