Having a job and going to school: Can you do both?

As Socrates once said, “Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel.” Once you get your degree and head off for a job in the real world, your job as a learner isn’t finished. No matter what industry you’re in, there’s always more to discover, and areas to improve. Going back to school is a great way to further your career. Check out these tips to help you succeed in both work and school:

Have a discussion with your boss
Before you decide to balance a full-time job with classes, talk to your boss about it. Often, your superior will be very supportive, especially if you’re learning valuable skills in your industry. Your boss may even have some schools to recommend to you. Plus, your manager is more likely to be understanding if you have to leave work a bit early to get to your classes on time if you actually tell him or her about it.

Talk to people who have done it
Maybe you have a friend of yours that has decided to go back to school with a full-time job, or you know of a co-worker at the office who’s currently tackling school and a job. Sit down with these people to get a good idea of what the experience is like. They may have some helpful tips for balancing the work and school without dropping the ball on either one.

Research opportunities
There are a ton of learning opportunities out there, so be sure you do your research before making any decisions. Take some time to look into various locations and possibilities. If the school you want to go to is two hours away, this may not be the most feasible option if you wish to keep your job. Instead, see if there are any similar classes offered in your area that you can attend after work. If there isn’t anything offered in your area, check to see if you can enroll in online classes.