For many professionals, the idea of going back to university to gain a degree can be daunting. Between work, family, and other responsibilities, committing to a full-time course load may seem impossible. Fortunately, there is an alternative: part-time study.
Part-time study allows for flexibility in scheduling and can accommodate various lifestyles. However, it’s important to understand the psychological impacts that undertaking part-time study can have on a person–both positive and negative.
Benefits of Part-Time Study
Flexibility
One of the primary benefits of part-time study is the flexibility it offers. With part-time study, you can choose to attend classes during the day, evening or weekends, allowing for you to maintain work and other responsibilities. This flexibility creates an opportunity to earn a degree without completely sacrificing other aspects of your life.
Personal Growth
Returning to study can be a great way to grow both personally and professionally. Many people who engage in part-time study degrees find that they are able to expand their knowledge and skills in innovative ways that would not be possible without engaging in academic learning. Further, it may also help people to stay engaged with new ideas and perspectives that can help them grow in their careers.
Provides a Sense of Accomplishment
Studying part-time can provide a sense of accomplishment since it allows an individual to balance multiple responsibilities while still advancing their education. Being able to manage work, family, and education is something that takes discipline and dedication. Since it requires time, effort, and determination to accomplish–earning a degree via part-time study can generate a sense of pride and achievement.
Challenges of Part-Time Study
Balancing Work, School, and Personal Life
Juggling academic study together with work and personal life can be challenging. People who study part-time must determine how to maintain a balance between these three areas. With various responsibilities to attend to, it can easily become overwhelming if proper planning and organization aren’t observed.
Time Management
Part-time study is demanding, but since it takes longer to complete than full-time study, the demand is more spread out. This means that it is up to the student to manage their time effectively. Part-time students must develop strong time management skills to avoid procrastination, and often, they must be willing to compromise on leisure activities since free time is limited.
Difficult to Stay Motivated
Staying motivated while studying part-time is one of the biggest challenges. Because it can take years to complete a part-time degree, it’s not uncommon for students to lose focus. They may feel like they lack support since it’s unlikely that they will have the same level of involvement in campus life as full-time students.
Overcoming the Challenges
Develop a Plan
One of the most effective ways to overcome the challenges of part-time study is to create a plan. This plan should prioritize all tasks, schedules, and deadlines and should allow for the committing of enough time to each of them. Including breaks in the schedule is essential to avoid becoming overwhelmed. It is important to develop good time-management skills and to stick to the plan as much as possible.
Make the Most of Campus Life
Attending school regularly can help students stay motivated while studying part-time. This is why part-time students should try to engage with campus life as much as possible–even though it can be difficult. They should participate in student organizations, social events, and extracurricular activities to make the most of their time on campus. This involvement can help them feel more connected to the campus community, which can boost their motivation and confidence.
Seek Support From Peers and Family
Family and peer support can help to make part-time study more manageable. Part-time students should remember to lean on their family members and friends to help keep them motivated throughout their studies. Moreover, there are often support groups and communities for part-time students that can offer mentorship assistance, networking, and tips for success.
Conclusion
Part-time study can have both benefits and challenges. For many individuals, it provides the flexibility they need to earn a degree while still maintaining work and personal responsibilities. However, those undertaking part-time study need to stay motivated and develop strong time-management skills to overcome some of the challenges associated with this approach. They should also look to garner support from family and peers and connect as much as possible to the campus community. With these strategies, part-time students can find the balance they need to succeed.
