Thu, Dec 2nd, 2010 @ 12:00 am

Time management is one of the most common challenges for adults returning to school. Balancing school, homework, family, household responsibilities, and a career can seem overwhelming. The following five tips can help improve your time management skills.

Choose the Right Type of School

Most of us are programmed to think that the traditional four-year colleges were the obvious way to go when deciding on a school. It is time to change that pattern of thinking.

For adults returning to school, attending a community, junior career or other nontraditional college may a better fit for a hectic lifestyle than the four- year institutions. A career college focuses on the skills needed to be successful in a particular career or industry. These programs can earn the student a diploma, certificate, or degree, advancing future career options. Career colleges offer flexibility in scheduling with day, night, weekend, online, and accelerated courses available.

Stay Focused

Focus is a key component in successful time management. Think about the 80/20 rule in relation to time and work completed. Only twenty percent of the work is accomplished in eighty percent of the available time. This happens because focus is lost somewhere, or many places, throughout the day.

To make better use of that available time schedule specific, uninterrupted time slots for priorities and keep that time focused. It may only be 15 or 20 minutes at a time, but more will get accomplished in less time.

Use a Calendar

A calendar is one of the best ways to gain more control over your time. If there is not a calendar posted in the busiest area of the house, there should be. It needs to have blocks large enough to keep track of school, work, and family appointments and events. Some people like to color code entries so they are visible at a glance. The calendar has to be used for it to be useful. At first, it can seem a little daunting to write everything down, but the time saved in the long-run makes it well worth the effort for everyone involved.

Plan Ahead

A little planning goes a long way. If prepared ahead of time, adjusting to unexpected changes in the schedule will be easier. Quick meals, backup transportation, and alternate childcare providers are good things to have planned in advance.

Take a break

Avoid burnout by taking a break. At times, it seems as if a break is not possible, but it needs to be worked in. Many adults returning to school set aside one day a week that is strictly for family time and relaxation. It does not necessarily have to be an entire day, but be sure to schedule them in and stick to it.

By using the five tips above to improve your time management skills, the focus can be where it needs to be, meaning less stress for you, the student.

Enroll in a School like SJVC

Many adults returning to school in California have found a home at SJVC. Our flexible scheduling and wide range of programs have helped many people return to school and make a positive change in their lives and their careers. For more information, please fill out the form to the right of this page.