Have you decided to invest in further training and are worried about finding the right balance between work and family? And with good reason: between personal life, work and learning, this period can be a real challenge. Difficult, but not impossible! Let's take a look at the best practices you can put in place to reconcile your family life with training.

Measuring your workload

When you take a training course, you're bound to have a fuller life. In addition to attending the various sessions, you'll also have some personal work to do. So there are several questions to ask yourself:

  • How much time do you have?
  • How can you organize your day-to-day learning?
  • Is this the right time? The right pace?
  • Can you cope with this volume of work in relation to your professional and/or personal constraints?

And above all: do you have the necessary mental space for this (temporary) overload? This question is obvious, but it's one you need to keep in mind before you commit yourself.

GOOD TO KNOW
Family, children and everyday tasks are probably all part of your private life! To better integrate them into your training project, be aware of these various constraints.

Choosing the right program format

In Switzerland, there are many different types of continuing education qualifications. In terms of format, some are better suited to managers' busy schedules. These include

  • Online courses
  • Modular courses
  • And distance (or hybrid) training programs.

Take the time to check the important criteria for choosing your continuing education program. As well as the program, format and cost, check the pace, timetable and duration of the course:

  • Do you have to take a day off?
  • Will you be able to take the course during working hours?
  • What is the workload involved?
  • What are the training hours?
  • Do I have to attend every session?
  • Is it possible to "make up" certain sessions? These are just some of the questions that will guide you in your final choice.

Finding your own rhythm and organization

Whatever the length of your training course, take care to establish a realistic schedule and objectives for your learning. On the planning side, take stock of the important dates: training sessions and assignments. You'll need to organize your working time around these milestones.

As for objectives, set yourself realistic milestones, taking into account your personal and professional constraints. Break them down into small tasks, then adapt your work slots. Don't overload yourself unnecessarily: one small step at a time! This will keep you motivated throughout the course.

GOOD TO KNOW
Trello or Notion are excellent online management tools, enabling you to centralize everything (appointments, note-taking, database, etc.). A word of advice: don't spread yourself too thin!

Balance your working time

Time is the most precious commodity you have. If you don't plan ahead, you can quickly let your workload build up, to the detriment of your private life. It's hard to leave time for relaxation when you're constantly on the go.

And yet, disconnection is essential... and leads to an indispensable balance between work, training and personal life. Make time in your schedule for leisure and relaxation.

GOOD TO KNOW
Don't neglect your health during training. Exercise, a balanced diet and quality sleep will help you to concentrate and be more productive.

Create an environment conducive to learning

If you can, set up a dedicated workspace for your training hours. Ideally, this space should be free from outside distractions that could break your concentration.

In this respect, identify the sources of distraction that you can "easily" eliminate from your environment: cell phones, television and all screens top the list!

Involve those around you in training

Your entourage (family, friends, colleagues) will be one of the fundamental pillars of your balance... and your success. There's only one watchword: communication! Three essential points on this subject:

  • Inform the people around you about your training project (and the organizational changes that will take place).
  • Explain the importance of their day-to-day support.
  • Involve them in your learning process, and let them know how they can help you: by taking over everyday tasks, by helping you "revise", etc.

GOOD TO KNOW
Get in touch with other training participants. They'll probably have another view to share. These exchanges can help you unblock situations, encourage you and keep you motivated! 

You now have all the tools you need to reconcile your private life and continuing training. Anticipation, organization and time management will be your best allies in this intense but rewarding adventure!