Would you like to resume your studies while continuing to practice your profession? While this is a particularly rich learning experience, it's also an intense one. So it's best to prepare yourself to find the best balance between your private and professional life. So how do you manage your work, your training and your family? Here are a few tips to help you manage this transition.

What are we talking about: work, training and private life?

If you want to develop your professional career, training is often an essential step (to make your choice easier, find out how to choose the right continuing education course).

However, managing to reconcile work, personal life and going back to school is a major challenge. Like most of us, you probably have a very busy schedule. Don't worry, it's possible to manage all these projects at once.

Communicating with those around you

Even if you're the one taking the training, your new project will have an impact on the people around you. Family, friends, spouse, children: they all need to know about your decision beforehand.

Communication is key! Anticipate the changes to come: the rhythm, organization and availability of your work will be turned upside down over the coming months... you'll have less time to give them, but reassure them that this is only a transition.

Explain your project and the benefits it will bring you. Involve your family in this conversion: talk about it openly, you need their support to stay motivated.

Calculate the time you really have available

You only have 24 hours in the day, and there are certain times you can't afford to miss: they're essential to your well-being. In other words, you need to calculate objectively how much time you have left for a new program.

Take into account:

  • Working time
  • Travel time
  • Time for meals, hygiene and sleep
  • Social and leisure time

Of course, this incompressible number of hours will vary according to your family situation (couple, single, with or without children). Make sure you don't sacrifice your personal balance, to keep your energy constant throughout the program.

Establishing a new routine

Time management is essential to the success of your project. Planning your time is therefore the best way to reconcile your professional, private and "student" lives. You'll need to be organized to be effective.

Here are a few best practices:

  • Sequence your day into blocks of time: one block for work, another for daily life, and a block dedicated to your program.
  • Set reminders on your phone, use a digital diary.
  • Maximize your time: get a head start during downtimes such as transport time, or waiting for an appointment.
  • Break down your training into intermediate stages, and celebrate each of them!

GOOD TO KNOW
Rest is not an option. Avoid cutting into your lunch break or staying up too late at night. Your brain needs a break to assimilate better.

Respect the way you work

To reconcile work and training, take your own rhythm into account. Some people prefer to work early in the morning, others on their way home from work. Choose the times that suit you best. Don't get stuck on a method that doesn't suit you - you'll lose time. Finally, be flexible and adaptable: learning is not an easy process!

Also, get to know your sources of motivation: this will always come in handy in stressful times.

Adopt the right mindset

The good news? This rush is temporary, and you'll get back to a "normal" rhythm in a few weeks/months! It's only a transitional period, so it may be a good idea to make a few compromises (e.g., temporarily cutting back on hobbies, sporting activities and traditional outings with friends).

Don't forget that training is an excellent investment for the future. Focus on the benefits: greater employability, development of your professional network, acquisition of new skills, etc.

Here's a tip: feeling sluggish? It happens, so don't feel guilty! Visualize your final objective to gradually improve your state of mind. Think about your "why" too. Why did you embark on this training course? What is your ultimate goal? Think back to those positive memories.

Share the experience with those around you

To preserve quality time with your family, involve them in the PROGRAM. Share what you've learned, anecdotes and teaching methods. Your friends and family will be happy to follow your adventures, and you'll have plenty of support during your exams!

As you can see, it's possible to strike a balance between training and work. You'll need to make a few concessions, but above all you'll need to be meticulously organized. And excellent communication with those around you! It's all about finding harmony between training, private and professional life.