Tips for Balancing School, Work, and Family

As you consider starting your education in cosmetology or esthetics, you may be wondering how you can continue working, spend time with your family, and still succeed academically. Many students must work at least part time, if not full time, while attending school. And if you have a family at home it can be difficult to juggle everything. Here are some tips for keeping everything balanced:

1 Consider a part time class program: If working full time is a financial necessity, then try taking classes part time. Part time classes are offered at night and on weekends, giving more opportunity to work during the day.


2 Work part-time instead of full-time: If you can switch to part time hours in your current position, great! If not, consider looking for jobs that would give you weekend and night hours, rather than a typical 9-5 position.


3 Make sure everyone is aware of your new situation: You’ll need to discuss returning to school with all of the important people in your life. Your spouse and children will need to know how it will impact them. Your boss may want to know if it is going to affect your work schedule or performance. Communication is very important.

4 Invest in a calendar or personal agenda: You can use anything from a wall calendar to the calendar feature on your cell phone. Having your schedule written down all in one place will make it easier to balance everything you’ve got going on. Posting a schedule in a prominent place in your home so that everyone knows what’s happening.


5 Use your spare time to your advantage: Do you get a long lunch break at work? Bring some study materials to catch up! Do you commute by bus or train? There’s another great opportunity to get some reading done. Take time to study after your kids are in bed, and you won’t miss out on quality time with them.


6 Your classmates are a great resource: Ask for advice from other students. How are they handling work and school? Do they have any recommendations for how to achieve balance? Talk to students who are close to finishing their programs, and you may be able to pick up some tips as you start your own.


7 Set aside specific family time: Scheduling time with your spouse or children is just as important as setting aside time for studying. Try to make “family night” a regular thing, setting aside one night a week to do something fun like play board games or watch a movie. You’ll get a chance to relax and spend time with your loved ones!

8 Study with your kids: You’ve been telling your children how important school is, and now’s your chance to show them! If your children are sitting at the kitchen table doing homework, sit with them and work on your own assignments. Just make sure to lay out guidelines for how much chatting and distraction is OK.


9 Don’t sweat the small stuff: So your couch has dust bunnies under it? You’ve got some extra dishes in the kitchen sink? These things shouldn’t stress you out. Focus on what’s important- spending time with your family, being productive at work, and succeeding academically. The other things will all fall into place.


10 Remember why you are working so hard: It may seem like a lot of hard work and stress now, but always keep in mind what the outcome will be. You will be qualified to start a new career doing something that you love, creating a more stable life for you and your family. Write down your goal and put it on your refrigerator, the bathroom mirror, and anywhere else you may need to be reminded of why you’re working so hard.

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