7 top tips on how to balance a college course with a full time job

Brought to you by Griffith College. 

It's all about finding a balance.

Are you looking to upskill or to take your career in a new direction? Taking on a college course when you're working is a great way to sow the seeds for a new career path or to climb the career ladder. Sure, it can be a daunting prospect but you need to consider the bigger picture. The long hours of study and extra workload may be a temporary inconvenience but just think about the long-term benefits. Here's some simple advice to help you find that work-study balance.

1. Pick a course option that suits you

It’s important to pick a course that you like but you also need to be practical. Can you make it to all your classes? Will you be able to handle the workload and a nine to five job? Of course, the big question is whether this course can help you to pursue your professional ambitions and advance your career.

2. Get a support system in place

You’ll definitely need moral or practical support from the people around you, whether that’s friends, family or your other half. You might need the odd favour, a bit of understanding or just a sympathetic ear when you need to vent!

3. Make a schedule that works for you

Sure, you could wing it but having a schedule gives you some much-needed structure. Work out how long your day-to-day responsibilities normally take then build a study plan around that. Just remember to factor in some downtime to relax or socialise. You don’t have to become a social outcast to succeed.

4. Talk to work about your requirements

It’s no harm to let work know about the course, even if it’s just to warn them that you won’t be available to work late on evenings when you have classes. You should also avoid taking on extra responsibilities at work for the term of the course. You’re going to have enough on your plate without putting yourself under unnecessary pressure.

5. Keep chipping away

It’s easy to feel lazy when you get home after a long day’s work. Who doesn’t? Still, chipping away at your workload is much easier than doing all nighters when a deadline approaches. You’ll also be less stressed if you know that you’re more or less on top of things.

6. Take time to recharge your batteries

It’s easy to crash and burn if you’re burning the candle at both ends. It’s important to treat yourself to a blow out every so often or to take the odd evening off to recharge. Taking occasional breaks might actually make you more productive in the long term.

7. Keep your eye on the prize

This will be hard. You need something to get you through the long days, late nights and the times when it feels like your brain is melting! Remember why you’re doing it, what you want to achieve and that this is only a short term sacrifice. You’re well able to do this but the best way to stay motivated is to focus on your end goal. Griffith College is now taking applications for part-time and full-time courses so it's a perfect time to weigh up your options and see what courses are available. Jump ahead in your career with a part-time course from Griffith College with courses across Business, Computing, Design, Law and Journalism and Media. For more information on courses, check out the Griffith College website.  Brought to you by Griffith College.