Three Tips for Work-Life Balance While Completing Your Degree | Elmhurst University Elmhurst University Blog

BY Office of Marketing and Communications |

6 MIN READ

Returning to college as an adult is an exciting step toward reaching your personal and professional goals. However, achieving a work-life balance with family life and school can be overwhelming. Whether you’re juggling a demanding job, caring for children or maintaining relationships, finding time to complete your undergraduate degree may feel challenging.

The good news? It’s not only possible to manage these responsibilities – it’s also incredibly rewarding. With the right strategies, resources and mindset, you can and succeed in earning your bachelor’s degree. 

Why Work-Life Balance Matters When Returning to School

Work-life balance is more than just a concept – it’s a necessity. When you’re pursuing your education while managing other responsibilities, maintaining work-life balance can prevent burnout because managing stress helps you stay productive and focused. It can also help to strengthen relationships, as spending quality time with family and friends enriches your personal life. Prioritizing work-life balance also enables you to stay energized and committed to your goals so you remain motivated. Finding harmony between your work, family and academic commitments not only sets you up for success in school, but also improves your overall quality of life.

Here are some tips for achieving work-life balance:

1. Prioritize Your Time Like a Pro

• Use a Planner or Digital Calendar: Block out time for work, family, school and self-care to create a structured schedule.
• Set Weekly Goals: Break large tasks into smaller, achievable steps, such as writing a paper in sections over several days.
• Say “No” When Necessary: Remembering when to say “no” could be your biggest advocate; protect your time by prioritizing commitments that align with your goals.

Time is your most valuable resource. With work, family and school competing for your attention, effective time management is crucial. By managing your time effectively, you’ll feel more in control and better equipped to handle challenges as you take on college in addition to your other daily responsibilities and tasks. In Elmhurst University’s Elmhurst Management Program (Business Administration) or EMP program, you will learn from experienced faculty who are active practitioners in their fields, so they recognize that life gets busy and will help you keep work-life balance.

2. Build a Support System

• Involve Your Family: Let loved ones know how they can help, whether by handling household tasks or respecting your study time.
• Connect With Classmates: Forming study groups with fellow adult learners can provide encouragement and shared accountability. Be sure to set regular weekly meeting times and stay focused on completing homework and offering to test each other on material.
• Talk to Your Employer: Many companies offer tuition reimbursement, flexible hours or remote work options to employees pursuing higher education. You can consider studying during your lunch hour and practicing what you learn by applying it at work.

When it comes to your work-life balance, remember that you don’t have to do it all on your own. Building a network of support can make the journey easier and more enjoyable. A strong support system can lighten your load and help you stay focused on your goals. The Elmhurst Management Program is based on a cohort model, which provides an inclusive space where students can network with each other and find support both in the classroom and after graduation.

3. Take Advantage of Flexible Degree Programs

• Fitting Your Schedule: Degree completion programs are designed to let you learn on your schedule. Some programs only meet once a week to help with time management.
• Alternative Course Options: Finding the format that works best for you and your learning style is key, whether fully in-person, fully online or a hybrid for a mix of both.
• Accelerated Paths to Graduation: Complete your degree faster with intensive courses or credit-for-prior-learning options.

When choosing a degree program, flexibility is a central component to success. Many colleges and universities now cater to adult learners with options that make balancing work, family and school more manageable. At Elmhurst University, our EMP program is designed specifically for working adults, with flexible options to help you stay on track while prioritizing work-life balance. EMP courses are offered both in-person one night a week and online to accommodate busy schedules.

Elmhurst accepts up to half of the Elmhurst EMP courses in transfer credit. This provides an opportunity to utilize previously earned college credits or to begin sampling business courses at a community college to start your journey towards your degree.

Work-Life Balance and Beyond: More Benefits of Earning Your Degree

Balancing work, family and school is an investment in your future that comes with lifelong rewards. By receiving your undergraduate degree, you can:

• Increase your earning potential and positively influencing your career advancement, as a degree is often a requirement for promotions or leadership roles. This allows you to gain a professional edge and stand out among your peers.
• Open doors to new careers you’re passionate about; a higher income can provide security and opportunities for your family, leading to increased financial stability.
• Lead to careers that offer better work-life balance and job satisfaction, like increased paid-time off, no weekend work days and improved benefit options.

Enroll in a Program That Supports You and Your Work-Life Balance

Choosing the right university is a critical step in achieving your goals. Look for a program that offers flexibility, resources and support tailored to adult learners. When searching for a degree completion program, there is a lot to consider when trying to find your best fit. One factor to keep in mind is dedicated support services like access to advisors, tutors and career counselors help you stay motivated. Another consideration is the availability of flexible formats, as hybrid learning can make it easier to balance school with your responsibilities. You may want to choose a program that offers tailored tracks if you’re planning to pursue a specific interest and/or career goal. Finally, be sure to explore options to make your tuition more affordable, such as scholarships, financial aid and payment plans designed for returning students.

Elmhurst’s EMP program offers optional areas of specialization in finance, management, marketing and logistics and supply chain management. The EMP program also is involved in a variety of options for tuition assistance, scholarships, military benefits and payment plans.

At Elmhurst University, we strive to support students like you. The EMP is designed for adult students, which allows them to gain real-world experience and develop skills for enduring success without sacrificing work-life balance.

Work-Life Balance: An Attainable Goal

Balancing work, family and school may seem challenging, but achieving work-life balance is well within your reach. With the right strategies, support and program, you can confidently earn your bachelor’s degree without compromising your other commitments.

Ready to take the next step? Visit elmhurst.edu/EMP to learn more and let us help you turn your hard work into a lifetime of opportunities. Your future is waiting – start building it today.