Balancing Full-Time Jobs and Part-Time Education

It's tough enough balancing a full-time job and a personal/family life. When you add an educational degree on top of that, then it gets to be very tricky! There are many people who find that they are more productive when they're pushed to the limit. Of course, you can get burned out very quickly if you're being pushed to the extreme, so you have to know your limits.

For me, I enjoy reading and learning new things. In some ways, I wish I could be a lifelong student (as long as someone pays me so that I can pay the bills, take care of my loans, etc.). However, the reality is that we need to be productive with our time, resources, and talents. I enjoyed getting my MPH (master's in public health) while I was working full-time. It was motivating and stimulating. I admit that there were days when I just wanted to be finished with my MPH. Once I was done, I felt a huge sense of relief. However, I also know that I can do it again - and that's why I've been thinking about business school. I'm still not sure where (and if) it fits into my life and my career plan, but I hope that it will at some point.

If you've been considering a part-time education and you're currently working full-time, keep this in mind: many schools offer you the option to enroll in one or two classes as a non-degree student. This gives you the flexibility to test the waters and try things out first. If you find that the work/life/school balance is too difficult, then you may need to reconsider your options. However, I'd have to think that many people would find the balance manageable - as long as you prioritize wisely. If you have the luxury to stop your day job and enroll in a full-time educational program, then you're very lucky. That's probably the best learning option if you can afford such an investment. As for me, I need to play the balancing act of work/life/education in order to stay alive and support my family. That's the practical side of life.

Working part-time

I know many clinicians who keep a part-time schedule and fill their other time with non-clinical projects. Do you have an interest in doing some part-time writing or consulting? Perhaps even blogging? Well, the opportunities are out there and you need to search and find them.

Freelance Contractor or Salaried Employee?

I've recently been thinking about this issue: Is it better to work as a freelance contractor? Or to work as a salaried employee? Everyone knows that the benefits of being a contractor is that you can get paid more $, have more flexibility, and maintain diversity in your work. However, the stability may be lacking and you have to find your own benefits. May people love working as a freelance contractor. They would never trade that for a salaried permanent position.

Family life is a huge factor for many people. Some need to work from home, and that can be quite difficult if you're expected to always be in the office. More companies are embracing telecommuting options, but that can have its limitations.

Is there a compromise that results in the best of both worlds? In the end, you may have to give and take to get what you want. For others, one type of work format may be the right fit for that stage in life. Do you enjoy going to work? I'm sure glad that I do.

Working from Home

I seem to be meeting more and more professionals who decide to get a job where they can work from home. There have been times when I've had to work from home and it can be very challenging if you're not used to it. There are so many potential distractions and ways that you can lose focus. However, if you prioritize and place the important tasks in front of you, then you can do it successfully.

Among those I know who are working from home, the main things they emphasize are:

1. Have strong computer and technology skills. Know how to web conference and make effective use with speaker phones for long conference calls. You'll be e-mailing attachments back and forth so be familiar with various applications and file types.
2. Be available. Use a mobile device if you have to, but make sure that people can reach you by phone and e-mail during normal business hours.
3. Be willing to travel as needed. Depending on your type of work, you may be required to travel for certain meetings.
4. Deliver on time. That will show that you're focused and dedicated.
5. Set time apart for work. Some people I speak to tell me that they work even more hours at home compared to the office. Make sure that you're not trying to do different things while you're working.
6. Balance your life. The home/work balance must be checked periodically. Otherwise, you're entire life may get engulfed by work.