Balancing and prioritising life can sometimes feel like a juggling game, and even though the balance will never be perfect, it might give you comfort to know that there are others out there doing the same thing. The key is to come up with creative solutions that work for you.

Here are 5 tips for balancing work and family responsibilities with your studies:

  1. Build a good support network

Don’t feel bad to ask for help, and don’t feel guilty when people offer their help to you. Get the family to work as a team. For example: Ask the children to help with the cleaning, or get a family member to help with the cooking. This can buy you some time to focus on completing an assignment or on studying for a test.

  1. Set limits

Drawing up a weekly or monthly planner for yourself will give you a good idea of what is expected of you. Setting limits for the time you spend on your studies and household responsibilities, based on this planner, will help you to stay focused on what’s important. Remember that boundaries are there to help you take charge of your time so that you can get things done.

  1. Determine your workload.

There is no single recipe for trying to balance your work, your studies, and your family life. Determine how much work you are able to take on in a given period, and remember not to stretch yourself too thin. You don’t want to take on too many things at the same time, as your personal and professional life may suffer because of it.

Working mom and her child

  1. Be flexible

Things cannot be perfect all the time, so forgive yourself when things don’t get done. When you have a family, your responsibilities and priorities can change at a moment’s notice.  You therefore need to be prepared and ready to adapt your schedule as your priorities and circumstances change.

Also consider studying a short course in flexibility and adaptability. It won’t take long to complete, and it will equip you with valuable skills that you can use throughout your work and personal life.

  1. Create time for yourself

Don’t feel bad that your personal and professional life is not perfect, and give yourself some slack. You have to take care of yourself first before you can succeed as a parent, partner, or professional. Finding creative ways to relax and unwind will not only benefit you, but it will also benefit your work and family life. 

Yes, there are going to be times when you will have to do a little extra to get things done, but that does not mean that you have to put your health at risk. Education can demand a lot of your attention and energy, so don’t forget to reward yourself:  take a day off, enjoy a movie with the family, or go on an outing.

A positive thought: When it feels like you are juggling 10 balls in the air, remember that your studies are only temporary, and that the goal is to advance your career so that you can create a stable life for yourself and your family. Let this inspire and motivate you to reshuffle your time and make the necessary changes to remain focused on your future.

Do you have any tips on how to balance work and family responsibilities with your studies?

Feel free to share them with us in the comments box below!