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How do online degree programs promote work-life balance

 

For a lot of professionals, managing a personal life, family responsibilities and a successful career are very challenging. Work-life balance seems like an unachievable goal for a lot of people. With the lack of time, thinking about upgrading their skills through an advanced degree seems like a distant dream. With the advancements in technology, it is possible to pursue a degree without having to give up your work-life balance.   

The right approach for achieving work-life balance 

Many successful professionals who are respected in their fields fail to achieve work-life balance. Successful doctors are often very busy with their practices and their home lives suffers severely. Leaders in business fail to make time to take care of their health because they don’t have enough time. People often think that their lack of balance is because of technology. They believe that because of smartphones and emails, they are unable to pull away from their professional lives. While technology may have made our lives harder in some respects, our lack of balance cannot be completely blamed on it. Technology, in fact, can be a very powerful tool to achieve work-life balance. Technology has allowed us to switch to eLearning. With online learning, professionals around the world are able to earn a degree from the comfort of their homes without having to sacrifice their work or family life.  

Signs of lack of work-life balance 

You may not be aware that there is a lack of work-life balance in your life when you are busy juggling your work responsibilities and family life. There are many red flags which can point to a lack of balance. Some examples include:

  • If you are feeling stressed out, anxious, exhausted or overwhelmed, chances are that you are taking on too many responsibilities.
  • Unhealthy eating habits are also a major red flag. With online learning, you will not be in a rush to commute, so it frees up a lot of your time. Establishing healthy eating routines is important. If your schedule is so busy that you cannot make time for your health, it is important to re-evaluate your routine and plan for your meals.
  • Many stressed-out professionals miss sleep on a regular basis. Sleep is a priority for everyone. When creating a schedule, make sure to block off sufficient time to get rest. Build the rest of your tasks around those blocks of time to ensure you are getting enough sleep.
  • Socialization is an important part of our lives. If you feel that your relationships are suffering because of increasing responsibilities, you may have a lack of work-life balance. Reconsider your priorities and your schedule.

How online learning promotes work-life balance 

Online learning can simplify your life in more than one way. Working professionals often feel that a degree program will add more responsibilities to their life. Instead, online degree programs can free up a lot of your time and promote work-life balance. Many full-time employees spend hours commuting to work and attending work events and training sessions. With online learning, you no longer need to add to your commuting hours because you can study from the comfort of your home whenever you want. Many organizations today understand the benefits of implementing online learning programs within their organizations. With online systems in place, employees can attend their organization’s training sessions and work events from home. They can participate in training and meetings virtually.    

With online degree programs, this same concept is in play. Students can have a flexible schedule and can commit to their education at a time and pace that is suitable for them. With more time on hand, students can easily dedicate time to their family and their personal interests. Online educational programs are as effective as in-person programs. The support services and content they offer are similar, if not better, than most traditional settings. Students enrolled in online courses are also motivated to study and are more satisfied with their experience. The flexibility offered by online degree programs, and their affordability, are two of their biggest benefits.

Employers who want their employees to be motivated and dedicated to their jobs know it is important to support continuing education and training. With online degree programs, employees can upgrade their skills without having to compromise on their jobs or their family life. With these new skills, employees can climb the ladder, improve their performance and ultimately become better leaders. Employees that are encouraged to pursue their education and have the resources to upgrade their skills will also be more loyal to their organizations. The right degree can help you find an opportunity that works well with your schedule, so you no longer need to choose between your work and your family.

Tips for achieving work-life balance 

If you are a professional working full-time, consider enrolling in online nursing programs such as the ones provided by Walsh University. With these online programs, you will be able to study at a time that is convenient for you, making it easier for you to achieve a work-life balance. Here are a few more tips to help you balance all your responsibilities efficiently:

Be open with your employer

If you plan to pursue an online degree, you should let your employer know in advance. Your degree may help you improve your performance in your current job. Your employer may support your decision and may be willing to support you by being flexible. Some employers may even be willing to cut back your hours temporarily if you need additional time for your education.

Ask your family for support 

To achieve a good work-life balance, it is important to have the support of your family and friends. Your family may understand how important it is for you to complete the degree. They may be happy to pick up a few more responsibilities at home so you can have more time to dedicate to your studies. The best thing to do would be to sit with your family and talk to them about the reasons why you are pursuing a degree, and the benefits it will provide you. When they have a clear understanding of your reasons, they will likely be more than happy to support you.

Be efficient

To manage your education, work and family, you will need to work efficiently. Learn techniques to manage your time well so you can stay true to each of your responsibilities. Create a schedule with specific times for work, home and studies. Block out distractions and find a quiet spot in your home or elsewhere so you will be able to study without any distractions.

Pace yourself 

With the limited time you have on hand, it is important to learn how to say no. Do not take on any additional responsibilities at work or in your personal time. Create a schedule and stick to it so you won’t have a backlog of work to deal with later. Instead of spending hours on a weekend catching up with your studies, set aside a little time each day to study.

Take some time to have fun 

While it may seem like you have a never-ending to-do list, it is important to make time for some fun. Whether you enjoy spending time with your friends or family or participating in hobbies, you will need an outlet. Simply working and studying all the time will burn you out very quickly. Take a little time each week to destress, relax and do activities that you truly enjoy.  

Use your time wisely

If you are going to balance your family, education and work well, you will need to use your time wisely. Look for little blocks of time that may otherwise be wasted. When you are waiting for an appointment or commuting, use the time to catch up on a lecture or some reading. While this may not seem like much, it will quickly add up.

Set your priorities 

To achieve work-life balance, you will need to learn how to prioritize. You may not always be able to achieve everything that you want. You will have to think about the things that are truly important to you and let other things slide for a while. Your family, work and education are the most important, so you should focus on those. You may have to let go of your hobbies at times or cancel a night out when needed. These are all sacrifices only for a short time. Once you complete your online degree successfully, you will have more time available and will be able to do all these things once again. For now, ensure that you focus on the things that are the most important to you.

Lack of work-life balance can have many negative impacts on your life. This is one of the key reasons that many organizations have high turnover rates, and why many students drop out of their degree programs. Online education is an effective way to avoid burnout and achieve a good work-life balance, so you can enjoy your personal as well as professional life.

 

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