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Tips on Juggling a Part-time Masters’ program with Your Life
Juggling part-time studies with family responsibilities and a full-time job may seem to be a difficult and overwhelming task. But it is definitely possible with good time management and discipline. There are already thousands of graduates in Singapore who have completed their studies this way.
Flexibility is also essential – you should take into consideration the class schedule and whether the institution offers the possibility of deferring your studies in times of heavy workload at your job.
Many working students are concerned whether or not they should let their bosses or co-workers know of their study commitments. This is a highly individual decision which depends greatly on your work arrangements, how much the studies will affect your work, and how well you get along with your boss. Bear in mind that a boss's job as well as yours is to act in the best interests of the company. If you balanced well, pursing a part-time program while working should have minimal impact on your job performance. In fact, it could, in many cases, enhance your performance.
Employers also vary greatly in their flexibility regarding time-off. Be creative in using your annual leave. You might need only half a day’s leave to study and prepare for assignments or you might skip lunch to leave an hour early for exam preparations. Most employers are likely to be supportive of their staffs’ educational goals.
Studying part-time while having to work and care for a family requires stamina, self-discipline, resourcefulness, and dedication. Being a part-time student will also have a profound impact on your home life. If you pride yourself on keeping an immaculate house, you may need to lower your standards. Family members can vacuum or run the dishwasher, but only you can study for your exams. However, your family might not always give you the support you need. You may come home from class to a kitchen sink piled high with dirty dishes, an overflowing laundry basket, and two chapters to study for the next day. In cases like this, hiring a cleaning service or sending out your laundry could well be a worthwhile investment.
Finally, and most important of all, take time for yourself every day. You should still pursue your hobbies and spend time with your family - it can do wonders to refresh you physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Any other tips on juggling studies with work, family and other responsibilities?
Juggling part-time studies with family responsibilities and a full-time job may seem to be a difficult and overwhelming task. But it is definitely possible with good time management and discipline. There are already thousands of graduates in Singapore who have completed their studies this way.
Flexibility is also essential – you should take into consideration the class schedule and whether the institution offers the possibility of deferring your studies in times of heavy workload at your job.
Many working students are concerned whether or not they should let their bosses or co-workers know of their study commitments. This is a highly individual decision which depends greatly on your work arrangements, how much the studies will affect your work, and how well you get along with your boss. Bear in mind that a boss's job as well as yours is to act in the best interests of the company. If you balanced well, pursing a part-time program while working should have minimal impact on your job performance. In fact, it could, in many cases, enhance your performance.
Employers also vary greatly in their flexibility regarding time-off. Be creative in using your annual leave. You might need only half a day’s leave to study and prepare for assignments or you might skip lunch to leave an hour early for exam preparations. Most employers are likely to be supportive of their staffs’ educational goals.
Studying part-time while having to work and care for a family requires stamina, self-discipline, resourcefulness, and dedication. Being a part-time student will also have a profound impact on your home life. If you pride yourself on keeping an immaculate house, you may need to lower your standards. Family members can vacuum or run the dishwasher, but only you can study for your exams. However, your family might not always give you the support you need. You may come home from class to a kitchen sink piled high with dirty dishes, an overflowing laundry basket, and two chapters to study for the next day. In cases like this, hiring a cleaning service or sending out your laundry could well be a worthwhile investment.
Finally, and most important of all, take time for yourself every day. You should still pursue your hobbies and spend time with your family - it can do wonders to refresh you physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Any other tips on juggling studies with work, family and other responsibilities?