I am single, live alone and support myself fully with a full-time day job. I am interested in going back to school, whether online or at an "actual" school, to be a vet tech. My question is, to all the working full-time students out there, what is your advice on completing school without interrupting your day job? Specifically, I will be required to either go to class during the day some days, or to complete practicums in vet hospitals.

Has anyone had success in completing school and keeping their full-time job in order to support themselves? Thanks!

Hi there! I'm in the nearly the same situation as you, except that I'm married and have an almost 3 year daughter, finishing up a degree and working full-time. The best advice I can give with regards to managing it all is to learn to be VERY efficient with your time. 

Know your time-suckers and try to eliminate them from your daily schedule. For example, for me, I tend to be very tidy, but I've had to learn to only do laundry on weekends (saving class readings for trips to the laundromat), and, in general, give up on trying to keep things perfectly neat around the house. Or, I have to limit my time checking email outside of work to no more than 15 minutes otherwise I will get distracted and jump right in instead of writing a paper or responding to a class discussion. 

Be able to find and use small blocks of time whenever you can -- you will need all your spare time to fit in your school work. But, be sure to schedule SOME time to yourself, because you will need it!! Time management is a MUST and the sooner you can master that, the easier your life as a student and employee will be. For some free resources, just do a Google search for "time management tips" -- we'll be posting some articles on time management soon, too.

Also, before you officially enroll anywhere, consider test driving a free online course to get an idea of what it will be like ... don't wait until the last minute to get acquainted with the virtual classroom -- it will be different everywhere, but you can start to get a feel for it.

By the way, I think you're in a good spot to start your schooling now, without a spouse or children to worry about ... you sound very motivated and looking into strategies for success early on is a good sign that you have what it takes to be a great student ... good luck!!

P.S. Also check out our "Guide to Online Education" for a great primer on online education -- http://www.elearners.com/guide/ -- especially the How-To's section ...  http://www.elearners.com/guide/online-education-how-to-guides.asp

 

Helen has made some great suggestions.  I'd like to add one or two more.  The first (get a strong grip on something large and heavy) is that you should immediately get rid of your television set.  There is no other single bigger time sucker than a TV.  Get yourself a very nice radio.  Everything you need (news, weather, etc.) is available on the radio.  Plus there's music (you can listen while you study).  Next (if you use public transportation), I made a rule that I would never study on the train, subway, bus (I've used all 3 extensively).  You need to let yourself relax sometime!  I got to the point where I looked forward to my commute because I could read the next few chapters of whatever cheap novel was in my bag.  It's the little things that make the biggest difference.  Eat good food.  Get enough sleep.  Try to create something fun that you can look forward to next week (and then do it).  Push forward. 

Thanks both of you for the great responses. Lots of good info!

As a full time employee and interested in going back to school, I find it hard to follow a routine (besides my M-F 9-5). I set up my week ready to go and by the end of the week, I look back and see nothing went as planned. Do you find that routines help or do yall "go with the flow".

DaeDaex2:

As a full time employee and interested in going back to school, I find it hard to follow a routine (besides my M-F 9-5). I set up my week ready to go and by the end of the week, I look back and see nothing went as planned. Do you find that routines help or do yall "go with the flow".

I go with the flow, but I can't say it helps much!   I think a routine would be better, but I'm in the same position as Helen with an almost-three year old running around.  The difference is that I have three more older ones (10, 8, and 6) who visit every other weekend.  It makes things hectic, that's for sure!

-=Steve=- 

DaeDaex2:

Do you find that routines help or do yall "go with the flow".

One thing I learned - time yourself! When you get home, say to yourself, "I'm going to clean the bathroom for 20 minutes" and then do it. Break up activities into small increments.

I feel better knowing that (at the very least) I got started on something!!



 

Kizmet nailed it.  Toss the T.V.  I am constantly asked by people at work "where do you find the time" regarding school.  Simple, I have forgone the pleasures of TV...even football (except for college which comes on at my work geaux LSU)

<makes rude noise>

I hate LSU. I hate the entire SEC in fact.

Hey, don't blame the SEC for having dominating football teams.  I'm sure Rutgers could survive an LSU matchup, for like 3 1/2 minutes or so, then the defense would come out.  Oooh, how ugly would that be?