Here’s an informative guest post for workaholics thinking of taking on even more. As someone who spends a lot of time glued to the computer – with both work and school commitments, this post offers some great insights! If you’re considering going back to school, this is a post just for you. Thanks go to Brian Jenkins for this informative article. *Patricia
Is working full-time and going back to school a form of “workaholism”?
For some people the answer might be yes. Are you really going back to school because you need the extra income from the promotion you may receive? Are you really going back to school because you’re bored with your current job and want a more fulfilling job?
“Workaholics” have a difficult time disengaging from work and think about work most of the time. They place their job at the center of their lives. For workaholics, taking work-related college classes may just be another way of extending the work day. Preparing for and taking exams may just feed the workaholic inside them.
Here’s a thought to help workaholics put things in proper perspective: When you’re stretched out on your death bed surrounded by family members and friends, you’re probably not going to say “Dang, I should have spent more time at the office.”
Here are some things you can do to make it easier to get a degree while working full-time:
Academic Preparedness
To avoid feeling overwhelmed by college, visit the college website and look at the courses. You can start doing research for classes before they begin. Purchase the textbooks and do some reading before classes start. You’ll have more confidence when classes begin.
Asynchronous Programs
This type of online program allows you to attend online classes whenever you want and provides a lot of flexibility. Synchronous online programs require students to attend classes at specific times to interact with the instructor and other students. However, if you can manage being online at particular times, a synchronous online program may be the preferred choice, especially for workaholics.
Students in synchronous programs interact on a real-time basis with instructors and other students which makes them feel as though they are part of a learning community. These programs decrease the feelings of isolation one may have while taking online classes.
Optimize Your Time
Don’t respond to unnecessary text messages. Stay away from Facebook, MySpace, and other social media websites. Let the answering machine take the telephone calls. While you’re studying don’t think about work! You can do it! Set a specific time each evening when you refuse to think about your job. Also, schedule a few break times, with time limits, to chat in person or on the telephone with a family member or friend to avoid feeling isolated.
Set A Schedule
Set aside a specific number of hours per week and try to be consistent with the time schedule. It’s easier to study if you have a routine.
Inform Your Employer
Let your boss know you’re enrolled in an education program. Some employers will help you find a manageable workload and won’t ask you to work overtime while you’re going to college.
Reward Yourself
Take some time off during the weekends and hang out with friends. Get away from the house and take a break from your computer and your books!.
Going back to school can be beneficial but make sure you’re going back to school for the right reasons. If you do decide to take a college degree program, spend some time on enjoyable activities with family members and friends. Don’t use taking classes as a way to make your workaholism issues any worse than they already are!
Brian Jenkins offers advice on a variety of career and education topics, including information on how to set career goals. He has been writing for BrainTrack since 2008.
Thanks, Brian for your very informative contribution. I hope to hear from you again! ***Patricia***