How to Successfully Juggle Full-Time Work and School

Pursuing further education while working full-time might seem intimidating. But with the right strategies, it’s entirely possible to balance both. Whether you’re seeking a promotion, transitioning careers, or simply looking to expand your knowledge, returning to school can be a powerful way to move forward. Here are some practical tips and strategies to help you manage school, work, and life more effectively. 

Examine Your Current Situation 

Before you even begin your educational journey, evaluate your current responsibilities. Would your job, personal life, and other commitments allow you to take on coursework and exams? Can you manage a full course load, or would part-time studies be more sustainable alongside your full-time job? These are important questions to ask yourself to ensure you set realistic expectations. 
 
It also helps to consider whether anything in your life would make returning to school and maintaining a career more challenging. Health, family, or financial stresses can be hard to work around once you’ve started school, so it’s best to plan for them in advance. 
 
Your family and personal relationships, career, and social life all influence your academic success. Finding strategies to manage all of these demands while going to school can help you remain focused. 

Find a Flexible & Relevant Program 

Researching the best program for your lifestyle is an essential first step when deciding to go back to school while working. Cost and curriculum matter, but you should also consider a degree program that can be tailored to your needs. For example, LSU Online & Continuing Education (OCE) offers access to flexible programs. Programs like these are more likely to be adjustable around your schedule, setting you up for a greater chance of success in balancing work and school. 
 
You can explore all online degree programs here. 
 
It’s also worth figuring out what you want from earning a new degree. Will your program help you get a coveted position in your current organization? Or do you want the networking opportunities that come with earning a degree in your field? Keeping your long-term goals in mind can help you choose the most relevant program and can motivate you as you juggle multiple commitments. 

Research Financial Aid Options 

Most people expect a degree to require a large financial investment. Tuition, books, and other expenses must be accounted for when deciding on a program. Choose a school that offers high-quality, affordable education to reduce the stress on your finances. 
 
While working full-time, you should ensure you can adequately cover all school costs. Like any other student, you will want to limit the amount of debt you take on. 
 
Consider how you’ll finance your degree. Will you save up enough to pay your tuition outright? Does your employer have an education benefits program to help you mitigate the costs? You can view a sample of the partnerships with employers and associations currently active with LSU Online & Continuing Education. 
 
Beyond traditional financial aid, you can save time and money by exploring prior learning assessment credit. Do you have professional or military certifications? You may be able to use your previous education to earn credits towards your degree through the Credit for Prior Learning program. 
 
Before deciding on your loan amount, make sure you’ve explored all your options. A solid financial plan can take much of the pressure of returning to school off of your shoulders while you work. 

Use Time Management Strategies 

Balancing full-time work and school requires excellent time management strategies, including adjusting your schedule to accommodate homework, studying, and exams. 
 
One of the most effective ways to manage your time is by creating a structured daily and weekly schedule. You can use calendars or time-tracking apps to block out study time, work hours, and personal activities. Creating specific goals for each day or week will help you make steady progress without feeling overwhelmed. Make sure to allocate time for rest to avoid burnout. 
 
As mentioned before, online degree programs like those offered through LSU OCE provide the flexibility necessary for students who are working full-time. These programs allow you to attend classes and complete assignments on your own time, making it easier to fit education into your busy life. 

Take Advantage of Your Resources 

If you have a solid support system, your educational journey is one of the best times to lean on the people in it. Your family, friends, significant other, children, peers, and coworkers can all be integral to your success. These people can help with essential tasks or provide emotional support and motivation. 
 
You should also take advantage of any resources that your university offers. For example, LSU OCE provides support through Student Success Coaches and Enrollment Coaches. These professionals can help you navigate your course load, offer advice on time management, and connect you with additional tools for success. 
 
Additionally, you can seek community among classmates in your cohort. These people are often balancing the same things you are, and they may have helpful insight or advice to offer you. As you build your network, don’t forget to actually ask for support when needed. 

Work Smarter  

When you have limited time, it’s essential to study smarter, not harder. Need more guidance? Read study tips for online students here. 
 
Additionally, try to find ways to combine your schoolwork with your job. For example, if your coursework requires a research project or thesis, consider aligning it with a work-related issue. This approach can make your life much easier- and potentially impress your boss. 
 
Consult with your professors to see how you can apply your learning directly to your job.  

Communication & Flexibility 

Open communication with your employer and professors is crucial when balancing full-time work and school. Let your employer know about your educational goals and discuss potential flexibility options. Many workplaces offer tuition reimbursement programs or flexible work schedules to support employees in continuing their education. 
 
Similarly, communicate with your professors about your work commitments. Many instructors are willing to accommodate working students by providing extended deadlines or flexible options for completing assignments when needed. 

Practice Self-care 

Balancing school and working full-time takes work. Eating healthy, sleeping well, and exercising should all be a priority during this time. If you neglect yourself and become unwell, you cannot focus on school or work. 
 
Practice good stress management, reward yourself for your wins in school or at your job, and allow yourself to have fun. Remember, you are going to school to improve your life, not make it worse. 

Balance School and Work with LSU Online & Continuing Education 

LSU Online & Continuing Education aims to support all students throughout their educational journey. We’re committed to ensuring you have the best chance of success, no matter your situation. 
 
Powered by the LSU system, we offer access to over 150 online programs that are ideal for working professionals. The LSU family of institutions also provides access to several resources to strengthen your academic experience. 
 
Ready to take the next step? Explore all available programs, and apply now!