Monday through Thursday I work at my full time job from 9-5pm – Earlier this year, I went down to 4 days a week at my engineering job in a conscious effort to cut back. Unfortunately for many, the idea of going back to school (or completing a certification) while working a full time job is daunting. I work a full-time job that requires four hours of commuting each day. If you are a caregiver and are working full time, here are my tips for managing it all while staying healthy and happy. Want to join the discussion? Spend a few minutes wiping surfaces and cleaning sinks. Don’t waste it doing something you hate. We’re talking 8 or more hours a day, 40 or more hours a week. Another element Stolard views as crucial to a successful college experience while working full-time is consistently choosing to believe in yourself. If you’re unwilling to let anything block you from achieving your career and educational goals, the best thing you can do is learn from those who have walked the path before you. She has a home office, her 8-year-old has set up shop in the living room, and her husband occupies the basement. 7. This is necessary to “help you focus on the day, and be able to step away at the end of the day.”, 2. Another way to deal with working full-time is to go part-time. One of the single best ways to improve both physical and mental health is to carve out time in your daily schedule to exercise. I’ve lived for the weekends only to feel the Sunday blues when I knew I had to do it all over again for 5 days in a row. But then late last week Washington state canceled school for an additional month. Not getting enough sleep lead to fatigue, lack of focus, anxiety, and an overall poorer quality of mood. This piece of ad content was created by Rasmussen College to support its educational programs. Communicating effectively will only help you in the long run. Let your coworkers know this will happen and remember that the same thing will likely happen to many of them. That’s a decent chunk (3.7 percent) of the working population who are aged 18 or older. Please select another program of interest. In fact, there is an opportunity to see classic films, or delve into areas of the child's personal interest. Did you know that a heart attack isn't the same thing as a cardiac arrest? These are even more likely to happen if you are working at a make-shift space that lacks an ergonomic setup. I was out of an office environment, around nicer people (for the most part), and work was easy. Take breaks: Be sure to schedule those mental health breaks—time for lunch, and shorter 10- to 15-minute breaks throughout the day to take a walk, meditate, breathe, or just move your muscles. Tutoring services can be an invaluable tool for college students. “When your body sleeps, it repairs itself and gets you ready for the next day. Why are so many people drawn to conspiracy theories in times of crisis? 3. Rasmussen College is a regionally accredited college authorized to operate as a postsecondary educational institution by the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Consider Flextime: Some employers allow their workers to have a flexible schedule. COVID-19—thanks! But that will require parents to curate appropriate content, so it's important parents recognize they cannot do it all: parent, work and teach all at once. However, my education was for learning how to create an online business. It is what I do for a living and I couldn’t be happier. Relying on a support system is a great way to work on self-care when you’re learning how to get out of a rut. The notion that attending college is some leisurely stroll through four(-ish) years where students’ only concerns are completing coursework and figuring out what fun things they’ll do on the weekend is changing rapidly. Sometimes being able to work part-time requires downsizing your life and living simply. Finally, accept that working from home will not be peaceful—dogs will bark and kids will walk into your workspace. Find out the secret to keeping your housework under control. Although it may be difficult at times, in many cases, working part- or full-time may be necessary to remain financially stable. Fill out the form to receive information about: There are some errors in the form. Remote learning is a brave new world for both of us — one we've entered with little warning. I’ll skip all the “have a positive attitude” baloney because the truth of the matter is that if you hate your job, having a positive attitude will only get you so far. I looked for a job completely opposite of what I used to do and it helped a lot. Artur Debat/Getty Images Take large movement breaks every 1.5 to 2 hours. The idea of maintaining a full-time job while putting so much valuable energy toward earning a degree seems daunting to many. If you doubt your abilities, he says, you’re more likely to burn out. There is no obligation to enroll. Hannah Meinke | It is easier than you think. If something needs to be done do it. What do you do? Over 4 million Americans who work full-time have experienced an anxiety disorder in the past year, according to a new study. Spend time with your family, and have time to wind down and get some sleep. 08.10.2020, Kirsten Slyter | What if I Only Want to Work Part-Time? Half filled bottles of … Rasmussen College may not prepare students for all positions featured within this content. Take the first step in narrowing your options by determining the type of program you’re looking for. A New Personality Test Also Gauges Mental Health, How to Heal From the Loss of a Relationship, Psychology Today © 2020 Sussex Publishers, LLC, Why Three Doctors' Heads Are Better Than One, The Many Faces of Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic. After I was laid off from a corporate job, I vowed not to sit in another cubicle again. This new study shows how your Facebook feed may be affecting your emotional health. Please visit www.rasmussen.edu/degrees for a list of programs offered. Physical issues (carpal tunnel, tendinitis). Videos are often thought of as being a waste of time, but there may be some benefits to online gaming, such as social connections to combat loneliness. Charge your laptop and cell phone every night. Staying focused: Even in normal times it's not easy to stay focused on work for long periods of time. Pre COVID-19, these swaps were intended to give parents time for date nights and other self-care. One way you can ensure you remain productive throughout your schooling is to create a space in your home that can help foster optimum learning. Why? See below. If you find yourself feeling anxious or distracted by searching out information about the virus, see my previous blog post on dealing with the anxiety of uncertainty. If you can work part-time and not be financially strained, then do it! Or that women can have different heart attack symptoms? But what she remembers most prominently is how hard she worked to achieve a goal—one that was pivotal on her personal road to success. “I can’t tell you the number of times I had to swallow my ego, swallow my pride and get additional help from a tutor or through a study lab,” Stolard recalls. Talk to a Friend. You will feel guilty having a full-time job, even if you hate it, when some of your friends are still unemployed. Balancing work, social activities, creative pursuits, and leisure can be overwhelming when you work a full-time job — particularly if you suffer from some form of anxiety disorder. “You will have a healthier lifestyle and mindset as you work and go to school. 5. “A desk (or kitchen table) and chair is a must for healthy body positioning for writing and working on a computer.”. There are some benefits to life like this, Hertirch says: They enjoy lunch and dinner together as a family; morale and Wi-Fi have held up so far. Dental Hygiene Month is almost over, but we’re back with tips for keeping your mouth healthy at home. Some schools are sending kids home with devices, workbooks and other resources — but many others may not. Having things like a schedule is very important," says Hertirch, an account manager for office furnishings company Steelcase. She researches and writes articles on behalf of Rasmussen College to help empower students to achieve their career dreams through higher education.