For many students who are pursuing advanced degrees, the idea of taking time away from work to earn a degree is simply not an option. Whether it is for financial reasons or professional obligations, it is not always possible to put work aside completely to earn a degree. However, just because you are looking at the prospect of having to work and study at the same time, that doesn’t mean that such a feat is impossible.
Many students have been able to successfully earn their degrees while holding down a full or part-time job. Such students have to go about the process a bit differently, though and must exercise a great deal of focus and self-discipline. Nevertheless, it can be done successfully.
If you are about to begin earning your degree but must continue working throughout your program, here are four tips that can help you to stay organized and complete your degree without missing a beat at your day job.
1. Consider Online Learning
One of the things that can make learning and working at the same time much more restrictive and difficult is attempting to work in a traditional setting and learn in a traditional setting as well. You will no doubt have a set schedule with your job already. When you try to work in a set schedule with school, things can become overwhelming quickly.
Instead, consider opting for an online degree program. There are many benefits to earning an online masters degree UK, most notably being the fact that you are afforded a great deal of flexibility with your coursework that you will not be given when you opt for in-person learning. An online degree program will allow you to continue working at your job while completing coursework and studying during the free time that you already have.
2. Be Prepared to Make Sacrifices
When you begin your degree program, it can be all too easy to become overwhelmed with the amount of time that you have to dedicate to work and school. However, this workload can be much easier to take when you go into the situation with your eyes wide open. Instead of waiting to see how things play out, give some serious thought to the sacrifices that you are going to have to make to achieve your goals.
The first thing that will likely fall by the wayside is your social life. Make sure that your friends and family know what you are about to undertake so that you can get as much support as possible. By alerting your support system of the new constraints on your free time that are about to be in place, you can avoid the inquiring texts and phone calls asking where you are and why you haven’t been free lately. This will make it easier for you to adjust to your new demanding schedule.
3. Have a Designated Study Space
Another thing that is going to help you out quite a bit as you aim to be as efficient as possible when completing your coursework is a designated space in which you can work on your degree. Don’t fall foul of the mistake of simply plugging in your laptop and working anywhere. The most productive students have a specific place where they can study and work that is free from distractions and equipped with everything that they will need to engage fully in their schoolwork.
Find a space that is quiet, comfortable, and well lit. You will need a desk to sit at that is coupled with a comfortable chair. Make sure that the place you have to work is not going to cause your backache if you have to sit there for hours at a time. The importance of a good study chair should never be underestimated.
4. Know Your Goals
You are about to undertake the task of earning your degree while continuing to work for a reason. Perhaps you have a clear career progression in mind for yourself, or maybe you are looking to change fields entirely. Whatever your personal reasons may be, they need to serve as your constant motivation throughout this time.
There are going to be instances where your motivation is going to falter, and you are going to struggle under the amount of work you have to do each week. However, by keeping your end goals in mind, you can stay focused and determined enough to complete your degree.
