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What is the best ways to stay focused on school towards a masters degree while working a full time job?
I am currently a undergraduate music student at a community college and am going to transfer to a University next semester. Upon completing my coursework and receiving my bachelors degree, I plan to teach music at a high school while I work towards a masters degree and ultimately become a professor in music. I am wondering what are some ways that I can balance school work, practicing my instrument, and work at the same time and still manage to have a social life at the same time.
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Chapdee’s Answer
Hasler, Listen up it’s not an easy task you are about to embark on. The good thing is, you are determined, and what you need to keep that momentum is a clean schedule that includes what it matters most with other stuffs you love doing.
You need your job to have something coming in, that will help you stay focus on the teaching music, learning instrument & school as well.
You need to start your schedule draft immediately that way you can note out how many hours you have in a day for each task related to school, work, music and learning instruments.
That way you share the hours amongst them, and include rest and early bed time to be able to rejuvenate for the next day and a reminder for you, not all task related to learning music instrument must be completed in a day, it can always be carried over to the next day but do not play with the time stated for learning just the way you show up for work daily.
Great empires like ROME Weren’t built in a day.
So you gotta show up daily and be consistent. Challenges will come to kick you off, just don’t back down, always get back and learn how to get use to the instrument.
Good luck on your pursuit but I’ve to remind you again that procrastination should be your biggest enemy you don’t negotiate with it. And doom scrolling should be cut off completely because Endless social media scrolling is one of the biggest time wasters. Attend to what matters and have time to enjoy every moment that’s your free time.
Draft a how many hours you spent at work
Check your many hours left in day
Share the hours in minutes 30-45minutes among other career pursuit and passion
Get a clear schedule mapped out through the week
And that’s it repeat until a proven years of execution
You need your job to have something coming in, that will help you stay focus on the teaching music, learning instrument & school as well.
You need to start your schedule draft immediately that way you can note out how many hours you have in a day for each task related to school, work, music and learning instruments.
That way you share the hours amongst them, and include rest and early bed time to be able to rejuvenate for the next day and a reminder for you, not all task related to learning music instrument must be completed in a day, it can always be carried over to the next day but do not play with the time stated for learning just the way you show up for work daily.
Great empires like ROME Weren’t built in a day.
So you gotta show up daily and be consistent. Challenges will come to kick you off, just don’t back down, always get back and learn how to get use to the instrument.
Good luck on your pursuit but I’ve to remind you again that procrastination should be your biggest enemy you don’t negotiate with it. And doom scrolling should be cut off completely because Endless social media scrolling is one of the biggest time wasters. Attend to what matters and have time to enjoy every moment that’s your free time.
Chapdee recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Dany’s Answer
Hi Hasler,
Great question. Think Star Wars!
The better at time management you are, the more FORCE you have!!
Balancing school, work, practice, and a social life is challenging — but it is doable with the right structure and mindset.
The biggest thing is to treat your time like a limited resource. When you’re working full‑time and studying, you can’t rely on motivation alone. A few habits make a big difference:
Create a realistic weekly schedule that blocks time for classes, work, practice, studying, and rest. Even short, consistent practice sessions add up.
Be intentional with practice. Focus on quality, not just hours. Set specific goals each session so your time is used efficiently.
Protect your energy. You don’t need to say yes to everything socially, but you do need some downtime to avoid burnout.
Align everything with your long‑term goal. Teaching while working toward a master’s actually helps — classroom experience will strengthen your academic and professional profile.
Hope this helps!
Great question. Think Star Wars!
The better at time management you are, the more FORCE you have!!
Balancing school, work, practice, and a social life is challenging — but it is doable with the right structure and mindset.
The biggest thing is to treat your time like a limited resource. When you’re working full‑time and studying, you can’t rely on motivation alone. A few habits make a big difference:
Create a realistic weekly schedule that blocks time for classes, work, practice, studying, and rest. Even short, consistent practice sessions add up.
Be intentional with practice. Focus on quality, not just hours. Set specific goals each session so your time is used efficiently.
Protect your energy. You don’t need to say yes to everything socially, but you do need some downtime to avoid burnout.
Align everything with your long‑term goal. Teaching while working toward a master’s actually helps — classroom experience will strengthen your academic and professional profile.
Hope this helps!
Updated
MaryAnn’s Answer
HI Hasler.
Keep a LIST !!!! Put that in your pocket and do those tasks one by one. That was the only way I got my grad work done in the end.
And DO NOT PARTY. You've spent good money on school. You can celebrate later.
Rock and Roll !
Mary Ann
Keep a LIST !!!! Put that in your pocket and do those tasks one by one. That was the only way I got my grad work done in the end.
And DO NOT PARTY. You've spent good money on school. You can celebrate later.
Rock and Roll !
Mary Ann