Balancing college with non-college life

[PolyPride]

I'm currently in college, and I feel like it's really wearing me down. I rarely have time to go out with friends, to spend real time with family, to get a decent good night of sleep, etc. I've tried going down to just being part-time at my school (1 or 2 classes per semester) but when I look at how much I want to get out of my current job and start a GOOD and WORTHWHILE career, that has made me feel like I should be doing OVERTIME in school, as in taking 6 or more classes per semester so that I can get my degree much sooner and start on my career. But I don't want to stretch myself too thin of course so it doesn't effect my grades.

So for those of you here who are attending college or have recently, do you find it hard to balance your outside life (family, friends, boyfriends/girlfriends/hubbies/wives,etc) with your school work?


Do you have any suggestions or know anything that you've done that has eased the burden of college in your life?

The only thing I know of myself is to ask other students which teachers are easy or don't give as much work, and then of course I hurry to sign up for those classes if I need to take them. Any other suggestions or opinions/insight would be greatly appreciated.

 

[sweetlissa]

Because we made my school a priority we had to change the way we live temporarily. We chose our top priorities. Those are God, Ministry, School, Work and Family. (Not necessarily in that order). When we are pressed to do something, we see how that thing lines up with our priorities. If it isn't serving us in the priorities then sometimes we have to say no. It is a sacrifice to not be able to hang out with friends while you are in school the but payoff will be worth it, if getting your degree is your priority.

It all depends on what you want out of life and what God is telling you to do.

SweetLissa

 

[laceylee]

Hey, I wanted to let you know that James and I completely understand what you are going through. We both work full-time jobs and go to school and yes, it is hard. For me, I have chosen to go to school part-time; only on Monday and Wednesday nights. Yes, it will take me a little while longer to become a Nurse but I am unable mentally and physically to go full-time while working (i am 38). As much as I would like to hurry up and finish so I can leave my current job for one that is better, I am unable to go full-time. I agree with Lissa...just ask God what is His plan for you and the direction you need to go in.

 

[PolyPride]

Because we made my school a priority we had to change the way we live temporarily. We chose our top priorities. Those are God, Ministry, School, Work and Family. (Not necessarily in that order). When we are pressed to do something, we see how that thing lines up with our priorities. If it isn't serving us in the priorities then sometimes we have to say no. It is a sacrifice to not be able to hang out with friends while you are in school the but payoff will be worth it, if getting your degree is your priority.
It all depends on what you want out of life and what God is telling you to do.

SweetLissa

Thanks and good insight, SweetLissa. I remembered you telling me one time that you were also attending college, so I'm sure you could relate. I never thought of my situation as sacrificing but you're dead on there. It is a sacrifice and as you also mentioned, one that is worth it once I get my degree and in the long run after that!

 

[PolyPride]

Hey, I wanted to let you know that James and I completely understand what you are going through. We both work full-time jobs and go to school and yes, it is hard. For me, I have chosen to go to school part-time; only on Monday and Wednesday nights. Yes, it will take me a little while longer to become a Nurse but I am unable mentally and physically to go full-time while working (i am 38). As much as I would like to hurry up and finish so I can leave my current job for one that is better, I am unable to go full-time. I agree with Lissa...just ask God what is His plan for you and the direction you need to go in.

I know how that is because I have 2 jobs so it's not like I could take more than 3 classes even if I wanted to. I just don't have the time, although I will be cutting down my hours starting January. Thanks for that advice, Lacey. I will ask God for what direction He'd want me to go in.

 

[CecilW]

I never thought of my situation as sacrificing but you're dead on there. It is a sacrifice and as you also mentioned, one that is worth it once I get my degree and in the long run after that!

May I offer the suggestion that itis not a SACRIFICE at all, \but an INVESTMENT.

You are foregoing present pleasures for future benefits. If there is a better definition of investm,ent, I don't know what it might be!

 

[sweetlissa]

Every time I get tired or discouraged at something I can't do either because I don't have time or can't afford it, I remember that when I get that diploma, it will be something that I earned and something that no one can ever take away from me. Like where I work right now, I have a license. But since I am a beginner, if I left I would lose that. I have to be sponsored by another agent for a certain amount of time. And even then I will have to go to school every year and pay a fee to maintain that license. But the diploma is mine. The only other thing I have had that is so permanent is God's love.

So while it seems a sacrifice at times, we have also said that it is an investment. We are at a turning point in our lives and when I am done with school, the hope is that the economy will have recovered enough that I can exchange my investment into a great job that uses my talents and desires to make a better world.

Angel, keep up the good work. You too, James and Lacey. Every class you take is one thing that no one can take away from you.

SweetLissa

 

[PolyPride]

I never thought of my situation as sacrificing but you're dead on there. It is a sacrifice and as you also mentioned, one that is worth it once I get my degree and in the long run after that!

May I offer the suggestion that itis not a SACRIFICE at all, \but an INVESTMENT.

You are foregoing present pleasures for future benefits. If there is a better definition of investm,ent, I don't know what it might be!

Yes, that is a wise observation, Cecil. Thanks.

 

[PolyPride]

Every time I get tired or discouraged at something I can't do either because I don't have time or can't afford it, I remember that when I get that diploma, it will be something that I earned and something that no one can ever take away from me. Like where I work right now, I have a license. But since I am a beginner, if I left I would lose that. I have to be sponsored by another agent for a certain amount of time. And even then I will have to go to school every year and pay a fee to maintain that license. But the diploma is mine. The only other thing I have had that is so permanent is God's love.

So while it seems a sacrifice at times, we have also said that it is an investment. We are at a turning point in our lives and when I am done with school, the hope is that the economy will have recovered enough that I can exchange my investment into a great job that uses my talents and desires to make a better world.

Angel, keep up the good work. You too, James and Lacey. Every class you take is one thing that no one can take away from you.

SweetLissa

Thanks again for sharing and for your encouraging words. Keep up the good work as well! That goes for everyone else here who's in school.

 

[laceylee]

Lissa,

Thank you so much for your wisdom and encouragement.

 

[seekHim1]

Hi there angel3! I totally understand what you're going through. I was a full-time student working 2 jobs. I was in another state, so I only saw family on holidays and breaks...so I didn't have a choice but for family to be on the backburner. All I can think to say is that I think the busier you are, the better. Although it can be overwhelming, I found it kept me out of [even more] trouble and forced me to be more organized with my time. Just remember it won't last forever. Don't be too hard on yourself about juggling family and friends...I think most understand that is part of the sacrifice for the time being.

What year are you in? Looking back, it seems those 4 years were like a second...it just doesn't seem like that at the time, ay? Hang in there...

 

[PolyPride]

Hi there angel3! I totally understand what you're going through. I was a full-time student working 2 jobs. I was in another state, so I only saw family on holidays and breaks...so I didn't have a choice but for family to be on the backburner. All I can think to say is that I think the busier you are, the better. Although it can be overwhelming, I found it kept me out of [even more] trouble and forced me to be more organized with my time. Just remember it won't last forever. Don't be too hard on yourself about juggling family and friends...I think most understand that is part of the sacrifice for the time being.

Thanks for the advice and insights, seekHim1. I know that my hard life due to school is worth it, but sometimes I just get overburdened, especially when my professors decide to pile a bunch of work on me all at once. I will continue to be hopeful though, because as you and others have said, it's a sacrifice for something that's good in the long run.

What year are you in? Looking back, it seems those 4 years were like a second...it just doesn't seem like that at the time, ay? Hang in there...

I'm in my second year. I'm going for psychology so I have about 4 years to go before I can get a Masters degree (6 years for a PhD), but I may take a temporary detour to go for something in the medical field.