Introduction
With the ever-increasing cost of studies and family demands, nowadays it is very normal to find a student who is struggling with the three aspects of life, as these are responsibilities that an individual cannot run away from. Although most individuals usually manage to study while working and attending to family needs, many learners usually find it a very daunting task, as each of these three important aspects of life has its own demands that must be met.
In most cases, failure to find a balance between these aspects of life can be very stressing; hence, unless an individual finds an amicable solution to this, likelihoods of one suffering from a burnout are high.
Although most individuals try to solve this by taking courses that are less demanding or require no formal class attendance, likelihoods of most of them becoming victims of failure are high, because of the increased risk of taking time to do one activity while neglecting others.
Therefore, because meeting all college, work, and family demands depends on how well learners mange their time, it is important for individuals to plan well their time by drawing a well balanced working schedule, which should include all the demands of each task, without forgetting to include some resting and recreation time.
How to balance studies, work and family demands
The primary factor that will determine whether learners will be able to manage the numerous full-time multiple responsibilities that they face every day is their ability to draw a good time management plan. The plan should be able to divide all the time at a learner’s disposal in proportions that will depend on the time required attend to each responsibility.
In addition, because in normal life scenarios, numerous responsibilities that individuals may not have planned for are likely to arise, it is important for individuals to set some free time aside on their schedules to cater for any emergencies.
Further, one should set some play and resting time in their timetables, as this will help to relieve one from any form of tension, tiredness, and any work or study or family related stress.
On the other hand, although some individuals may understate the significance of some responsibilities; hence, the tendency of them not catering for such responsibilities in their work schedules, it is advisable for a one to give each demand an equal amount of consideration, because failure in one responsibility can be an obstacle towards succeeding in another responsibility (Bradley 1).
A second strategy that individuals can use to ensure that they balance their studies with work and family responsibilities is involving their families and bosses in their studies.
Although not every family member or boss may appreciate this, at least it will make them feel less threatened by one’s interests in other activities, other than the responsibilities that they are supposed to perform at specific locations. To ensure that they appreciate what one is doing, it is good to have good study and work habits.
This will not only motivate others, but also it will create in them the desire to give an individual space, more so when they are engrossed in attending to other responsibilities, which an individual’s family or boss may not consider primary. Going hand in hand with having good study and work habits is setting of realistic targets.
As result of the numerous responsibilities that may come with these three aspects of life, it is advisable for an individual to set small, realistic, and attainable targets, be it in their work, studies, or families. Any target set should enable individuals to stick to their plans, manage expectations and ensure individuals set some time for themselves (University of South Africa 1).
Finally, because of the overwhelming nature of the demands that are associated with these aspects of life, it is important for one to seek help whenever they are overwhelmed with responsibilities.
In cases where the responsibilities are not overwhelming, it is advisable for an individual to take advantage of any shared activities to bond with family members or workmates. Individuals can achieve this by ensuring that they build meaningful relationships friends, workmates, and family members.
These relationships are very important for any undertaking that learners may involve themselves in, as they are one of the most important tools that can help learners to boost their self esteem and motivation level towards anything they are doing.
On the other hand, learners should inform their families, tutors or supervisors of any arising matters or change of events, as this is the only way ensuring that any commanding authority will understand the need to give them permission to attend to any emergencies that may arise.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although balancing between studies, work and family responsibilities concurrently can be a very tiring undertaking, with proper planning and time scheduling, one can alleviate any form of stress associated with the numerous demands associated with this different aspects of life. Going hand in hand with proper time budgeting, one should seek help whenever need arises to limit chances of one becoming a burnout victim.
Works Cited
Bradley, Bob. Too ten tips of balancing work, study, and family life. Sydney University. 2008. Web.
University of South Africa. Balancing work and studies. UNISA. 2010. Web.