Going to college is hard work. Holding down a job while raising a family is hard work too, but having to do all three at the same time can seem nearly impossible. Sometimes you feel like there isn’t enough of you to go around and that the constant go can make you feel run down and stressed out. But you can make the experience a good one and a rewarding one by trying a few different tricks to manage your schedule.
Schedule Your Time
Your time is precious enough as it is with one of these things on your plate, but three things at once means that your time is at a premium so you have to get creative. You may not have three straight hours to study for a midterm, but you might have 40 minutes to work and 40 minutes back from work to study on the train. Or maybe your break time at work is the new time for you to do homework. If you’re not getting creative with your time you’ll find out you’re wasting your time.
Let College Work for You
College and work don’t have to be two separate things. Going back to school can actually be a benefit to your career immediately. Talk to your employers about getting some assistance for college tuition. Many times they offer tuition reimbursement if you are going for a degree that is related to the current field. So ask and you might find that working not only benefits your education, but benefits your bottom line too.
Work Gives You Knowledge
Did you know that there are some colleges who will give you college credit for real work experience? So, once again, if your work and your degree are in the same area then it wouldn’t hurt to approach your advisor to find out if the work you have done in your field can count toward college hours. Not to mention that the skills you are learning in the classroom can only be helping you out around the workplace.
Make Time for Family
You need the support of your family if you want to make this juggling act successful. It’s important to let your family know how important they are to you. When you schedule family time make sure you make it quality family time. Put the books down, turn the cell phone off and focus on family. Enjoy the time you get to spend with them and make sure they know how much it matters to you.
Make Time for Yourself
While it’s great to spend time getting your education, making money, and living life with the ones you love, everyone needs time for themselves. Every so often you should take time for yourself. Go for a walk or relax in a coffee shop without the books. The choice is yours but whatever you do make sure you take the time to take a breath and appreciate all the wonderful things you’ve got.
It is possible to juggle work, school, and family. You just have to be a little bit creative with your time to make it all work.
I earned my BS in Business while working and raising children as a single parent, and I am here to say it can be done. I am currently earning my MS in Human Environmental Sciences with a concentration in Interactive Technology, have one child left at home, and now a husband too
I am here to say that it CAN be done.
It is easier now that I work for myself from home and go to school at the University of Alabama online, also from home but it still requires a lot of organizational skills and the ability to be self motivated.
I find that scheduling, as the article says is imperative. I schedule everything, even the time I am now devoting to read what I like and comment.
I used to say I was a good juggler but my husband recently told me that I never look like I am juggling, he said instead I am an expert at balance. 
Good job! Enjoyed reading it.
These are great tips. I like the one about Family time the best. I make it a point to schedule family time. My husband and I make sure to turn our computers and cell phones off. Time with my family is super important, and having this time makes me feel great and energized!