How working adults can prepare themselves (and their families) for going back to school
How can working adults get ready to return to school without getting stressed? And how can they make sure their families are prepared for their transition back into student life? At New England College of Business, our students are often juggling a full-time job and family responsibilities, making them master multi-taskers.
Here are a few of their tips for preparing to go back to school:
Create a family calendar
This is one school supply that's essential for adult learners balancing their own busy schedules with their family's schedule. Sit down with your family and talk about your schedules before your classes start. Who is picking up the kids from school and taking them to practice each day? Who is cooking dinner? Assign everyone roles and responsibilities in advance so you can share the workload and have enough time to focus on your studies.
Set up a recurring study time each night, and stick to it.
It can be easy to put off studying before you return to school, so set up a designated time when you and your family know that you'll be focusing on your work. This way, your family can hold you accountable and make sure you're getting your work done, and you can enjoy an uninterrupted period when you can focus on your schoolwork.
Treat yourself.
As you think about planning for your return to school, don't forget to make room for downtime. No matter how busy you are, it's important to take time for yourself. Keep up with your hobbies and interests, and reward yourself for jobs well done, even if it means toying with your budget a bit.
Most importantly, as you return to school, remember what you're going to get out of this experience. By pursuing this degree, you're bettering your own life and the lives of your family members. When you invest in this degree, you invest in yourself, and you'll soon see that your degree has a high ROI. You're setting a great example for your kids, and you're showing that education is critical to success. Instead of fearing the term “back-to-school,” get excited. Your hard work will pay off, just ask our alumni!
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