How to Manage School While Working

By eHow Education Editor

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Returning to school as a working adult can be both more rewarding and more challenging than pursuing full-time studies right out of high school. Here are some tips to help you manage learning and earning.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Step1
Get credit for what you already know. The CLEP program (see related eHows) utilized by a lot of colleges and universities can give you a leg up on many degree programs.
Step2
Transfer all relevant academic credits you may have already earned (see related eHow). Credits earned from an accredited school, even 10 years earlier, can usually be applied to your new program.
Step3
Explore the flexible class schedules many colleges and universities now offer for working adults. In addition to evening and weekend classes, look into mini-semester and summer schedules.
Step4
Get your employer to pay the bill. If your studies are at all related to your job responsibilities, it's likely your company will reimburse at least part of your tuition.
Step5
Plan how you will manage your time to accommodate the additional work your classes will require. In addition to actual class time, allow at least 5 hours each week for homework, projects and study time.

Tips & Warnings

  • Take advantage of your maturity and work/life skills to help manage your schoolwork. Tools such as day planners and organizers can help integrate your school and work life. Now, if there were only time to do the laundry...
  • Start slowly. Many people get carried away and sign up for course loads beyond what they can realistically manage. Try one course for the first semester and see how it goes.

Comments

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Anonymous

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on 11/22/2005 It can be tough to juggle the multiple balls that full-time work, children, school and even a personal can bring. The first and most important tip breathe through every hurdle. My College Algebra Professor told me this and I didn't believe how effective it is, until I did it while I was dealing with multiple stressors in my life. Organization is key to your success. If you have no idea what assignments are due, what appointments at work or school are up ahead you will get more stressed which will make your GPA plummet. Keeping your home organized with your textbooks in one spot, your bills and mail in another spot, etc. I have a 3.5 cumulative GPA and a 4.0 in my major requirements to prove that it is possible to manage single parenting and full time work; no matter how overwhelming it seems. Just breathe.

Anonymous

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on 11/22/2005 As a full time student, that also works full time, I have difficulty finding time to clean my house. I save the labor intensive chores for breaks. For instance, this spring break I am reorganizing and cleaning the laundry room, bedroom and kitchen. For the chores that need done more often, I use small blocks of time (when I'm actually home!).

Anonymous

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on 11/22/2005 I am a single mother of 2 that works full-time and goes to school part-time. I've been doing this for 7 years, have earned 2 degrees and will finish my MBA next May. Patience and priorities are a necessity. Take the time to stay organized, plan extra activities for school breaks, and don't procrastinate. Sneak in reading while doing other things like waiting for appointments or working out. Don't worry about housework...No one ever died from dust bunnies. Most importantly, always believe YOU CAN DO IT! Becoming more educated will change your life. In the famous words of someone whose name I have forgotten: "It is never too late to be who you were meant to become." Good luck, I'm pulling for you!

Anonymous

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on 11/22/2005 Prepare your books, lunch, clothes, keys, etc. the night before especially if you are working and going to college. It makes the morning run much more smoothly when heading out for a long day of work and classes. Also, packing a cooler to keep in the car can save the extra expense of buying sodas and snacks during your long day.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 I attend college full-time and work full-time. It's a huge commitment. Balance your load so you have a mix of easier classes and harder ones. Be prepared to choose between studying and attending school and some social activities in your life.

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eHow Article: How to Manage School While Working

eHow Education Editor

eHow Education Editor

Category: Education

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