[Last Name], 1
[Your Name]
Instructor’s Name
Course
Date
Balancing Penn Foster with Work and Family Demands
Balancing studies with work and family is a challenging task that is demanding psychologically and physically. However, these are responsibilities that cannot be abandoned or taken lightly. Though it is challenging, the management of these responsibilities must be navigated with comprehensive management of time and priorities. To ensure success as a student and managing my responsibilities I must create study plan, develop a schedule, and begin formulating a plan for future endeavors.
The completion of my degree is essential as it will be instrumental in my career shift to a more lucrative job. The plan that is needed to successfully complete my studies should include time to study and seeking help when I needed. I should constantly consult with my advisor to ensure that I am taking the classes necessary to complete my program. When beginning classes I will outline any major assignments and write them on a calendar. I should also read any assigned text in its entirety and take detailed notes. This will leave little room for surprises and help when planning out my schedule and preparing to write papers and taking tests. I will also connect with other class members to set up study groups and make sure that I have the instructors contact information so that I may contact them if I need assistance. When in class I will work to take notes using note-taking strategies that I have learned in my earlier school years. The study plan must also include a space where I can study. In my home I must set aside an area where I can study quietly without interruption. In this area I will make sure that I have access to a computer, pen and paper to take notes along with good lighting and comfortable seating.
My second step to success is developing a schedule. The balancing of family, friends, school, and work can cause stress for any Penn Foster Student. A person can become overwhelmed and panic if he or she feel that their life is not in order. This can be avoided by prioritizing and creating a schedule that will allow you be successful student without diminishing your family and work responsibilities. While creating this schedule I must also include time that will allow me to relax. This will help lessen the chance of anxiety. When I create my schedule I will prioritize by first adding in nonnegotiables. Nonnegotiables, are work, and family responsibilities. I will then add in time to study. The time that I will allow for studying is 3 to 4 days per week depending on what is needed for each class. If time allows in my schedule, I will add a couple extra events that will help me to continue to enjoy life while I am still pursuing my education. Communication with my family and job about my schedule will also discourage any confusion, frustration, or stress when times get difficult and busy. The development of a comprehensive schedule will enable me to organize my priorities while managing to meet key personal obligations.
The final step is began planning for the expansion of my career. I believe that in order to achieve this I must continue to remained informed about the job opportunities available in my field and begin making connections with others in the same field. I will begin to make connections by first connecting with students who are in a similar program. I will also reach out to other using the website using Linkedin.com. As I continue with my studies I will seek the expertise of my instructors and begin making preparations to obtain recommendations. Those recommendations will assist me with obtaining employment in my new career field. I will also begin working on my resume by seeking input from instructors and seeking new opportunities for leadership in my current position or any groups that I am involved in. By expanding my leadership skills I am adding experience to my resume but also preparing myself for future leadership opportunities in my new position.
Developing a comprehensive plan will allow me to remain a successful student and maintain my responsibilities to my family and work. My studies, work, and family are equally important since they are interdependent, and one cannot be emphasized more than the other. It is evident that managing these critical aspects of my life is challenging and overwhelming. However, the ability to rise and overcome such challenges through family support, effective management of my time, and planning is essential for anyone in my position. I believe that these challenges are essential since they contribute toward the development of my managerial and multitasking skills which will be an added advantage in my future endeavors.