Ten Tips for Managing a Job and Earning an Online Master’s Degree

Written by michaelm @ 4:23 pm on October 15, 2010  
Taking college courses can be stressful enough without having the added pressures of a full-time career. It can be difficult to juggle both. To keep from getting too exhausted and overwhelmed, here are 10 tips to keep you motivated while managing your current job and an online master’s degree.

1. Determine your goals. Determine how much time you have to devote to study and plan your class schedule accordingly. You may want to start out by taking only one class at a time.

2. Determine a time frame. When do you want to complete the degree? Two years? Five years? Master’s degrees often take two years to complete, so you may need to take more time if you’re working full-time as well.

3. Cut back on work. If you’re working full-time, ask your employer to let you work part-time while you are in school. Even if you cut back just a few hours a week, that’s time that you can use to study.

4. Look into accelerated classes. These classes are completed in a shorter amount of time (six weeks or so), so you can obtain your degree quicker.

5. Stay motivated. Keep positive and focused on your goals.

6. Ask for help. Let others know about your goals. Ask friends and family to help with chores and errands so you can focus on school.

7. Learn to manage your time. Balancing a job and school can be difficult if you tend to procrastinate. Get your assignments done early.

8. Plan time to study. Even though you can study for online classes at any time of the day, setting aside a couple hours a day is a good habit. That way, you have time to focus on studying.

9. Talk to your school counselor. Schoolwork done previously can often transfer to other schools or programs. This can help you avoid taking classes you don’t need to, saving time and money.

10. Expect the unexpected. You may be called in to work more hours at your job or your computer may not work one day, delaying access to your classes. Be prepared for delays.

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