5 Ways to Successfully Handling a Job While Studying Online

One of the most frequent questions prospective online students ask is: 'Will I be able to handle both my job and studies at the same time?' The answer to your dilemma is a clear Yes.
Although studying and keeping your job requires a bigger commitment compared to being only a regular full-time student, you shouldn't worry! Thousands of students have proved this is not only possible but, in fact, quite easy to manage. 

1. Pick a university that has flexible online programs

The university and online programs you choose can influence a lot how successful you are in both working and getting a degree at the same time. If the structure and schedules of the programe you choose match your own schedule, then you are one step closer to pulling off both studies and work. 

2. Learn to manage your time with a list of prios

Becoming a distance learner is like buying a ticket to a time management class - only this time experience will be your coach. As an online student you should consider coming home from work as quick as possible, so you have time to study. Yes, that means sometimes you’ll have to take a rain check on that drink with colleagues.
Developing time management skills will play a key role in your chances of succeeding to combine work with studies. Don’t fall into the trap of assuming distance learning is very different from full-time studies and perhaps even easier to handle.
The fact is that studying for an online degree program is going to be almost as demanding as if you were a full-time student and you should allow, on average, approximately 40 hours a week to study. Hence, it’s important to organize your time very early on. One of the best ways to enjoy the flexibility of online studies is to work more on your assignments and classes on weekends. 

One important thing you should remember when planning your time is to keep the deadlines for submission of all kinds of assignments (essays, final papers, research papers, discussion papers etc.). Otherwise, the workload may become rather scary once the number of pending assignments starts to grow (and binge studying is rarely an option if you also work).

3. Stay on top of things with a smart study plan

If you want to thrive at both studies and work, you need to become an excellent planner. Ok, this doesn’t mean going OCD with your plans, but having an overview of your monthly, weekly and daily studying activities will help you feel in control of the situation, track your progress and even act as reminder to stick to your study goals.
And it’s quite easy to do it. Start by printing out your study program for the whole trimester, with details about courses, topics and deadlines for submission of assignments. Then make your own study plan based key program dates. Also take into account that you will need to be ready and fresh for work each and every day, so don’t cram a lot of study time during the week.

4. Don't forget to take a break once in a while

The most common question that all online students will ask themselves is this: 'Is it even possible to keep oneself constantly fresh and fully concentrated on both work and studying?'
If that also crossed your mind, here’s an honest perspective on the challenge. Yes, there will be days when you will feel rather tired and not in the mood, and there might even be days you will tell yourself that is better to give up either the studies or the job.  But here’s another thing, even full-time students without a job feel this way sometimes.
So, give yourself a break from time to time. You are already a superhero for doing both job and studies at the same time. Allow yourself time to relax, even if for half an hour each day. A break when you simply relax and log off from your daily routine, will inevitably have a positive effect on your overall energy once you get back to your job or studies.

5. Let your employers know you are pursuing an online degree

Employers can be more understanding than you might think. Announcing your boss that you will start a distance learning program is a win-win situation in many cases. First, if the program is connected with your job, it will show your employers that you are genuinely interested in advancing your skills and knowledge, which means you are adding value to the company you work for.
At the same time, colleagues and supervisors might go easier on you knowing that you also have to study. This means no over-time work and, why not, colleagues being more willing to cover for you if you have an exam, for example.

An online Master’s is like rediscovering the meaning of time

To sum up, the moment you decide you want to become a distance learning student will lead to a whole new meaning of the word 'time'. Time will firmly settle in your mind for the entire duration of studies and it will become your partner whether you like it or not. However, time is manageable, so you will surely find a solution that will help you deal and manage with all personal and professional responsibilities.
Good luck!






SOURCE: www.distancelearningportal.com