){kind=logo}
){kind=icon}
){kind=logo}
){kind=icon}
Non-traditional students have become a significant focus of higher education. While no single characteristic defines such a student, they do not fit the pattern of approximately 18 to 24 years old. Their study needs are oriented toward professional growth, closing salary gaps, or continuing learning during the different stages of their lives. Learning throughout life helps people feel fulfilled and maintain solid cognitive functioning. Likewise, lifelong learning helps organizations increase their productivity, profitability, and adaptability to change, enhancing innovation.
It’s never too late (or difficult) to study and learn something new. Today’s competitive world drives us to continue studying and prepare ourselves with a good education. But what if you feel like you do not have the time to devote to your studies? Realistically, getting good school results while working or raising a family is more challenging than ever. The good news is that it can be achieved if you have the conviction that you will achieve your objectives and goals.
“Lifelong learning is an opportunity to achieve better job outcomes, take on new, better-paying roles, gain up-to-date professional skills, and stay active and mentally healthy.”
Considerations for resuming studies when you are a parent or caregiver
Studying helps us stay intellectually healthy and improve or develop new skills. It also prepares us for new job opportunities, providing a proper way to pursue our personal and professional goals. Choosing what to study should not be an impulsive decision. Give yourself time to get to know yourself, think, and figure out what careers are related to you and your interests. The final choice in the process is personal and should be based on the goals you want to achieve with that decision.
One idea to consider is designing a life plan. To do this, I suggest you take the time to think about your future and consider all the angles of your goals. What professional results do you want to achieve? How much time can you invest? Whom do you want to reach? What is the duration of the degree or studies? Many students choose courses that are flexible because it offers them the freedom to study according to their availability.
Once you have the information you need and the strategy to address this challenge, you must do the rest of your research. To do this, consider all the things that can make your life easier. Do you have access to adequate computer equipment? Do you have a space dedicated to home studies? What would be your work and study schedule? Do you have someone you trust to care for your children for a couple of hours while you dedicate time to your studies? The more clarity you have on these questions, the more you will feel ready to start this adventure that can change your life.
Finally, to make a correct decision, try to answer the following questions: Why do I want to study? What truly interests me to potentiate or achieve? How would I like to study? How can I capitalize on this knowledge?
Online vs. face-to-face educational programs
With the advancement of technology, online or executive distance learning is more accessible and engaging. Nowadays, getting a degree online is possible and sometimes cheaper. Online learning has opened the doors to education for those who do not have the time to move and attend class in person under traditional schedules, especially when they must reconcile their studies with other responsibilities such as work and caring for family or loved ones.
Below are some advantages of the new learning modalities:
- More flexible class schedule. The flexibility of time that an online learning model provides is the most important reason to consider an online program while working. Not being tied to a fixed class time or a specific place allows one to work and complete the courses when professional, personal, or family commitments allow it.
- Ability to learn from anywhere. Completing class assignments from anywhere is possible. You can watch or listen to the class during a trip to work, on vacation, or even late at night. This convenience allows for more efficient use of downtime.
- Advanced learning. Online study programs allow you to revalidate some credits if you already have relevant and certified work experience. Students can have fewer graduation requirements and might get their degrees faster.
- More collaboration with colleagues. You might think outside the physical classroom means a more isolated learning experience. However, online educational programs take specific steps to get students involved in learning and collaborating with classmates.
Recommendations for working and studying at the same time
It is essential to plan and organize time for the activities of your daily life (study, work, and family life, for example.). Successfully managing your priorities and commitments in the various spheres of your life requires organizing the times for each activity, which helps reduce stress levels.
For many, the idea of going back to college while working means taking on a big challenge. It can be daunting to bear all the responsibilities that this entails. Reconciling a full-time job and going to school requires good planning and prioritization.
To help overcome this challenge, consider the following tips:
- Create an action plan. The more detailed your calendar, the more likely everything will stick to your mind. Complete everything: class schedules, work times, study time, due job dates, appointments, or other (domestic) obligations. This way, you can reconcile free and social time harmoniously.
- Plan for the unexpected. Leave a space available for when unexpected things arise. You can do this by allocating additional time between tasks. By planning for unexpected obstacles, you can be “one step ahead.” Avoid stressing yourself if things don’t go as planned.
- Do not leave things to the last minute. You can’t expect to perform at work or school when you stay up all night preparing for an assessment or finishing an assignment at the last minute. Divide your project or assignment into small steps or goals, managing to mark them as you achieve them. This way, your evaluation or work will be of better quality, and you can reduce your stress levels and continue to perform well in both work and school.
- Learn to manage stress. Studying and working are stressful, but there are ways to manage stress. It is just a matter of finding what works best for you. Breathing exercises, yoga, or meditation can significantly reduce stress and benefit your physical and mental health.
- Stay healthy. Eating nutritious foods, exercising, getting enough sleep, or taking a short nap boosts the performance of your brain and body. These improve your memory, productivity, concentration, and decision-making skills, helping you process information better.
- Reward yourself. When you have completed your tasks, reward yourself. Have a good dinner, escape on the weekend with your family, go shopping, etc. Choose pleasant, satisfying rewards that motivate you to continue working hard and strengthen good habits.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s not always easy to balance work and daily life. One of the primary resources is to take advantage of the support networks we have at our disposal. Make sure your employer, partner, friends, and family back and support you in this process. Don’t be afraid to communicate and ask for help. The safest ones are those in your circle who are already incredibly proud of you and will take the opportunity to help you achieve your goals.
Reflection
Studying and working as a parent or caregiver can be exhausting; however, long-term satisfaction and all the benefits merit the effort. I hope that the guidelines described in this article help you understand the considerations you should make. Lifelong learning is a way to stay active and mentally healthy. It is also an opportunity to achieve better job outcomes, take on new, higher-paying roles, and gain up-to-date professional skills.
If you have considered some of the tips or suggestions mentioned in this article, I invite you to leave your reflections in the comments.
About the author
Jaime Olivos Daza (Jaime.psicologo@gmail.com) has a degree in Psychology. He has a master’s degree in Social Psychology (UDP) and a master’s degree in HR Management and Management (UOC). He has a diploma in Neuroeducation and Neurodiversity and is currently an academician at the Catholic University of Maule and INACAP.
Edited by Rubí Román (rubi.roman@tec.mx) – Observatory of the Institute for the Future of Education at Tec de Monterrey
Translation by Daniel Wetta.
){kind=icon}
){kind=icon}
This article from Observatory of the Institute for the Future of Education may be shared under the terms of the license CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 
