In the past, professional life used to be a linear line going from studies pursued in the early 20’s, followed by decades in working life, and finished by retirement. Today, more and more people think about further-educating themselves after spending some years in working life. For many, the dream feels impossible and it never develops any further, often due to the false illusion of studying and working not being possible at the same time.
As someone who has soon finished four degrees while working, I assure you, combining studying and working is possible with a little bit of planning and some smart decisions.
Research different study programs
While some years back you had to physically be in the city where the school was located, today various institutions offer fully remote programmes or programmes that require a minimum attendance on-site, allowing the participants to live in different cities and even in different countries. Besides the location, plenty of schools offer possibilities for evening classes or pre-recorded lectures that can be watched whenever the time is good for the student.
Do research and don’t be limited by the programmes arranged nearby. Reach out for institutions and ask about different options for working students. Many things can be arranged but you need to ask for them yourself.
Plan ahead
Plan, plan, plan… Nothing is more important than planning while combining working, social life, and studying. Write down the deadlines for coursework and the lectures you cannot miss, alongside the other important things in life to avoid clashes of schedules.
Keep up with your plans and adjust them if needed. Don’t try to swing your entire life, it will only create stress and trouble.
Use your existing knowledge to compensate studies
Many programmes allow students to compensate for some courses with prior knowledge. Reach out for the study coordinator to provide them with your background information and working history. In many cases, internships can be replaced by written reports about your work, and some courses completed by just passing the exam or by delivering an essay or other proof for your professional capability.
Ask to fix the schedules
Studying is not a race. While balancing between work, family and social life, and studies, it is no shame to ask for fixed schedules. Instead of 60 study credits a year, do 40 or 30, or take a semester off, if that is required.
Study for knowledge, not for a diploma
Change your mindset from studying for a diploma to studying for new knowledge and turn studies into an interesting learning possibility instead of a chore. Try to implement the insight gained into your work or hobbies. In many courses, the lecturers are more than happy when a student adapts the coursework for real life situations and allow them to use these adaptations as a part of the coursework.
Be gracious to yourself
Remember that you have plenty going on. Sometimes deadlines cannot be met, the best possible grades cannot be achieved, and sometimes courses cannot be completed in the planned schedule, and that is not the end of the world. Every course can be retaken and no one will ever judge you for one bad grade. Be gracious to yourself.
