If you are on the hunt for a new job or a new career, continuing your education could be an important part of that process. For many adults, continued education requires taking summer classes during at least part of their degree program, and if you have a second job, a family to take care of, or other obligations, managing a summer class schedule can be hard to do. While there is no way to make going back to school as an adult easy, there are ways you can make it less stressful and more manageable during this season of your life.
If you are trying to handle summer classes alongside a secondary job (you do have to pay the bills after all!), online classes and/or night classes might be your best option. Online classes allow you to work on your own hours, as long as classes are completed by a set date and time given to you by the professor. You can do classwork and assignments in between the hours of your job, no matter the schedule you work each week. If online classes aren’t an option in your chosen program, night classes are a great alternative if you have daytime work hours. These classes usually start late enough in the evenings to allow you to make it on time after completing a day shift. No matter which option you choose, getting your degree to further your career is possible.
If you have kids, continuing your education can be a little more tricky. While Fall and Spring semesters were likely easier to manage since your kids were in school during the day, summer classes are harder if you have little ones (or even big ones) at home. Yes, online classes are an option for you too, but if your kids don’t understand that you need space and time to work on assignments and projects, you could fall behind or get easily stressed over your class schedule. For parents who are going back to school, your best option is to set up a “schedule” for your kids as well as yourself. For younger kids, hiring a sitter for a few hours a week, signing them up for free or discount day camps at local establishments, VBS programs with local churches, or even asking a favor of a family member a few days each week are great ways to fill their days with enrichment and activities while still giving you time to complete your needed class(es). Another option is discussing your class schedule with your spouse or signifiant other and seeing if trading off hours with your kids is an option. If your spouse works nights, daytime classes might be an option for you, and visa-versa if they work days. If having your children be away from home isn’t possible, due to finances, health issues with your child(ren), or lack of local opportunities, you can still set up an at-home schedule for them. If they know that each day they have a movie or a quiet time during set hours, you are guaranteed that time for classwork. Attempt to time younger kids’ naps around this schedule and you’ll be free to complete your work without struggling to wrangle your kids at the same time.
No matter what the circumstances, we believe that continued education is a possibility for anyone willing to put in the hard work to make it happen. If you are attempting to further your career, or will be finishing school soon and ready to take the next leap in your journey, PHR Staffing Solutions is here for you. We can take that newly acquired degree or certification, along with your key skills and other qualifications, and match you with positions that are perfectly suited to YOU. We work with quality local companies throughout the greater Central Florida area, so visit one of our convenient offices in Winter Haven, Lake Wales, or our main office in Lakeland to learn more and get hired with PHR.
Congrats to all of our 2017 adult graduates in and around Polk County! We know you have worked hard for this achievement and you will do great things.