If you’re considering studying a teaching degree, or you’ve just started, you might be wondering how to find a balance between your work, family and study commitments.
We recently asked a panel of preservice and new teachers for their tips on how to juggle work, family and study, and the good news is that it is possible.
Maximise your time
Regardless of your personal circumstances, you’ll want to manage your time in the most efficient way possible, so you have more time for the things and people you love.
Annette, 3rd year preservice teacher
Business owner, preservice teacher, wife and mother of 4, Annette, knows all too well how hard it can be to juggle work, university and family life. For her, careful planning is critical.
‘I try to have days carved out just for uni and work solidly after the kids go to bed, even if it’s until midnight. I do a bit of driving for work, so I make the most of my time by listening to lectures while driving,’ Annette says.
Bronte, 2nd year preservice teacher
Bronte, who works full-time while completing her Masters part-time, says, ‘I often listen to tutorials on the bus to and from work. This gives me a spare hour to do something I enjoy when I get home.
I also think it’s important to identify when you are most productive and to pencil in study then. Personally, I work much better in the mornings, so I’ll make time on a Saturday or Sunday morning to do uni work when I am fresh. It’s really useful for me to plan study breaks to break the day up.’ Bronte says.
Ann-Maree, 2nd year preservice teacher
This advice is echoed by Ann-Maree, who highlighted the importance of being realistic.
‘When I first started studying, I often planned to study after work. When I was too tired to do so, I ended up feeling frustrated and study became the monkey on my back which only further demotivated me.
Now I have learned that I am setting myself up to fail if I plan to study after work, I keep my weekdays and nights for work and guilt-free hobbies (binge-watching anyone?) and schedule parts of my weekend for study,’ she said.
Make time for leisure
Daniel, recently graduated
Newly graduated teacher, Daniel, says, ‘I set up days dedicated to certain subjects and maintained a clear routine of study and small rewards throughout the day. Attending online tutorials, completing readings and knocking out small parts of assignment work were organised in hourly blocks and broken up by coffee breaks, dog-walks and exercise.
Each week, I reflected on how much I had achieved and set aside time for family, friends and part-time work. I often admired those who took on a full-time study, work and family load because it always appeared they made better use of their time compared to those of us that had more time for uni. Don’t neglect those things you love in life and get completely swamped by the demands of study – there is always time to get the work done. On the other side, don’t let too much time allow to you become distracted – plan things out and set up routines that allow you to enjoy a balanced lifestyle while still being productive.’
Lean on your support networks
Kelly, 3rd year preservice teacher
With a husband and young family, Kelly is thankful for the support of the people around her.
‘I juggle family and study commitments by leaning on my support systems, especially my husband, Dad and friends. I plan what I need to do each week and do what I can when I have spare time. I have a dedicated study space with a baby gate and the 3 children know that they are not to come into that space,’ she said.