THE ULT IMATE GUIDE TO

Contents

Introduction 3

Section 1: To study or not to study?Chapter 1: The six benefits of studying while working 7Chapter 2: Exploring your options 17Chapter 3: The reality of doing both and how to overcome obstacles 23Want more? Additional resources for you to explore 38

Section 2: Your support networkChapter 4: Telling your friends and family 43Chapter 5: Having ‘that discussion’: how to tell your

supervisor you want to study 51Chapter 6: Conveying your decision to your colleagues 63Want more? Additional resources for you to explore 68

Section 3: It’s a balancing actChapter 7: Getting started 73Chapter 8: Time management tips to boost productivity 82Chapter 9: How to stay motivated 93Chapter 10: How to stay healthy when you’re really busy 103Want more? Additional resources for you to explore 112

Conclusion 114

2

INTRODUCTION

Hey there!

If you’re reading this, you’re either thinking about juggling study with work, or you already do.

Whatever the reason and wherever you are on this journey, congratulations! You’ve taken the first step towards exploring your options, and we couldn’t be more proud!

Let’s be honest. Making the decision to study at university and continuing to work can seem daunting, and juggling all your competing priorities will need careful thought and planning. You probably have lots of questions about how you’re going to fit everything in, what will be expected of you and what sort of support you can expect, not only from your uni, but from your employer, colleagues, family and friends as well.

Studying at university can be a different experience for students who study full-time compared to those who juggle study with work. Your experience is likely to be different to that of someone just out of high school and may not resemble what you’ve seen in

movies or TV shows. But it’s important to remember that ‘different’ does not mean disappointing. Everybody’s experience at university is different and we are here to help guide you through the decision-making process, during your degree and beyond.

Throughout this eBook, we will provide you with tips, examples and advice from current and past USQ students who have successfully balanced work with study. With the intention of helping you to make the decision that is best for you, this eBook will highlight some of the greatest benefits and challenges of studying while you are working, as well as how to overcome them.

Making the decision to study and work will allow you to challenge yourself and learn new skills, and when you cross that stage at graduation, you will realise it is one of the most rewarding decisions you will ever make.

3

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BALANCING STUDY WITH YOUR CAREER

To study or not to study?

1

Whether you have been considering making the leap into university study for a while, or it is just something you think about when you’re bored at work, having the option of being able to further your career prospects is exciting. But is it really possible?

In the first section of this eBook, we explore the benefits of studying while working and share some tips to help you suss out whether further study really is a possibility for you based on aspects of your home life, your job and place of employment, and your study goals.

At this stage, you are likely to have more questions about how you’re going to fit everything in than answers, but that’s OK. That is what this section of this book is for. You will get to do some research, talk to the people closest to you and really think about your goals and priorities. While the decision to study while you work is yours, and yours alone, the advice, tips and testimonials in this section have been compiled to help you consider all options and come to a decision that is right to you.

7

Already in the workforce and weighing up your study options? Considering getting back into the workforce while you complete your degree?

Check out these six things that make studying and working at the same time worthwhile:

1. Impress your supervisorHas your supervisor asked you to look into further study options to support your work experience or help prepare you for a new project? If your supervisor has asked you to consider completing uni study, congratulations! This is a testament to your hard work and personal attributes. Your supervisor is obviously interested in helping your professional development and has confidence in your ability to tackle new challenges in the workplace. It’s great your employer is so supportive of you, and they wouldn’t have asked you to do this if they didn’t think you were up to it, so don’t be nervous!

If your supervisor hasn’t asked you to continue your education, that’s no reason not to explore your options! Taking the initiative to research degrees that will make you a stronger employee is sure to put you in good stead with ‘the powers that be!’

‘It’s hard finding the right balance, but in the end it’s rewarding. During O-Week, the USQ Support Service teams ran some awesome workshops about time management, budgeting

and study skills which, when put together, gave me a good understanding of what USQ required of me, and what I could do in terms of a job to pay the bills.’

JARATH, BACHELOR OF PARAMEDICINE.

CHAPTER 1

THE SIX BENEFITS OF STUDYING WHILE WORKING

© Joshua Earle – unsplash.com

9

THE SIX BENEFITS OF STUDYING WHILE WORKING

2. Learn and earnThe ability to earn money while studying is one of the most common reasons students decide to juggle a career with study, as it allows you to have the best of both worlds. Not only is the cost of living getting more and more expensive, many students have a family to support, rent to pay or a mortgage to cover … and then there are your tuition fees!

For many students, juggling work with study isn’t about making some extra cash, it’s the only way they can support themselves, enjoy financial security and get ahead. For younger students, balancing work with study is also a great option because it allows them to be financially independent.

If you already have some savings, you may even be able to pay for some or all of your degree as you go, reducing the size of your HELP debt and allowing you to get ahead as a graduate!

Find out more

‘I feel a deep sense of fulfilment that by studying I’m doing something for me, but am also proud because I know my whole family will benefit from the rewards that a postgraduate degree can provide, such as increased job opportunities, financial return ... and a multi-disciplinary skill-set.’

SAM, MASTER OF PROFESSIONAL STUDIES.

10

CHAPTER 1

3. Gain further experienceDon’t let all your hard work go to waste! If you love your job, continuing to work while you study means you won’t have to give up your position or any employee benefits that come with your role, and you will have the opportunity to gain experience that will support your current position.

‘I have always tried to live a life with no regrets and, after giving it some thought, I decided I would definitely regret not giving this course a go. The learning opportunities at USQ have gone beyond the lecture room and for me, they now encompass so much more.’

TRACEY, BACHELOR OF ACCOUNTING AND SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS.

Working while you study will give you the opportunity to gain skills relevant to what you are learning about in class. Having first-hand experience working within your industry of choice, as well as a degree, will help you stand out from the crowd and put you in good stead for future career opportunities.

Having a better understanding of the industry you are studying is also a great motivational tool. Knowing why you are studying and how your degree will help your career will help you to make the most of your study time and work hard.

Even if your studies are not directly related to your current job, you will still gain valuable skills that you will eventually be able to transfer to your dream job. Balancing study with a career will help you build prioritisation, time management, communication and teamwork skills that will be valued in every industry and job! These multi-tasking skills will also come in handy in everyday life.

13

THE SIX BENEFITS OF STUDYING WHILE WORKING

4. Get real-life examples The network you have at your fingertips (in your workplace) can give you an advantage at uni. Listening to your colleagues talk about their work will give you a better understanding of the course material you’re studying. You might even hear stories you can use as case studies in your assignments! If you tell your colleagues about your study and career aspirations, they may be willing to let you sit in on (and maybe even participate in) team brainstorming sessions, projects and other opportunities that will give you on-the-job training. This will help you with your studies, as well as put you in good stead for potential job offers or promotions that may come along.

14

CHAPTER 1

5. Inspire your teamIf you are a manager or supervisor and are taking on further study as part of your own professional development, the knowledge and skills you learn will have many benefits for your team as well. By expanding on your practical experience as a leader in your field and sharing what you’ve learned with your team, you are encouraging the development of fresh ideas and new ways of thinking. This means that your team will constantly be pushing boundaries and are more likely to be innovative leaders in the field!

By demonstrating the benefits of further study and your ability to balance study with your career, you are also acting as a role model for your colleagues. Lifelong learning is an essential aspect of professional development, and by inspiring your colleagues to update their knowledge and skills you are increasing the likelihood that they will succeed as individuals and as a team. Innovation and being able to adapt to industry changes is vital for success, and utilising further study in your workplace will help your team be at the forefront of industry development. A team that studies together, stays together!

‘University education is just so relevant to my career. I often look at assignment and exam questions and I have so many real-life examples that relate to what I’m learning. In fact, my business is the direct result of an assignment I did for a small to medium enterprise subject at uni, after a lovely lecturer saw potential and encouraged me on ... Formalising this learning through university education

is my way of making that learning an asset for my business and career.’

VIKI, MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION AND MASTER OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT.

Find out more

15

THE SIX BENEFITS OF STUDYING WHILE WORKING

6. Open the door to new opportunitiesWhether you are looking to progress your career now or down the track; have been asked by your employer to complete a degree to complement your experience; or just decided to study for fun, your uni qualification can open the door to many different opportunities for you, both now and in the future.

There are lots of reasons why balancing study and work could be the thing for you, and the reasons listed in this chapter are just a few of many. We hope that the tips and advice provided have given you some things to consider and will help you weigh up whether the decision to study and work at the same time is for you.

Do any of these six scenarios speak to you? Maybe it’s time to investigate your options further …

17

If you’re still reading, you must be curious about what comes next. You’ve made the decision to think about studying while you work, but still aren’t quite sure where to go from here.

The next step in your journey to study is to explore how to make your decision a reality! To do this, it’s important that you consider all the options available to you so that you can make a decision that will work for you personally and professionally, as well as for your supervisor and your loved ones.

Here are some things to consider in terms of uni, work, and home life:

At uniCheck out the recommended enrolment pattern for the degree you are interested in. This will often help you to make a decision about whether you want to study part-time (1–2 courses per semester), full-time (3–4 courses per semester), on-campus or online.

If your place of employment isn’t able to be flexible when it comes to working hours or sharing tasks, maybe we can help! Whether it is access to extra tutoring or learning support, changing your enrolment pattern, reducing your study load or even deferring for a year, there will always be someone who is willing to talk with you about your options.

If you have questions or want to find out more about your study options, talk to one of our friendly Student Relationship Officers or Student Ambassadors!

CHAPTER 2

EXPLORING YOUR OPTIONS

18

CHAPTER 2

At workDo some research into the organisation where you work so that you can get a better understanding of the options available to you. Many organisations have programs and assistance options in place for employees who wish to go back to uni and continue their education. These are worth looking into, and can include:

• flexible working hours, allowing you to vary your working hours around uni classes and exams

• study leave, so you can attend exams or Residential schools

• study assistance. Some companies will pay an employee to complete a degree if it is related to their current position

• cadetships, where you get paid to study while receiving on-the-job training!

While every workplace is different, you can find out this information by talking to your human resources manager or, if you feel comfortable, go directly to the source and ask your supervisor. Much of this information is probably also available on your organisation’s intranet or induction material.

If you know of a colleague who is also studying, they can be a great source of advice because they have already been through this research and decision-making process. Approach them and see what advice they can offer. Find out if they are aware of, or are taking advantage of, any of the above programs. This can be a great way to gather information if you’re not ready to talk to your supervisor just yet, but remember: if you’re not ready for your decision to be made public, let your colleague know! You should also be aware that the most correct and up-to-date information will be available by talking to your human resources manager.

The next thing to think about is whether you will need to cut back the hours you work in order to have time to balance study and the other priorities in your life. Is there a possibility of working part-time, job sharing or working on a casual basis? Again, do some research, ask your supervisor and talk to your support network.

19

EXPLORING YOUR OPTIONS

Even if working reduced hours is not an option, it is better to know up-front. This way, you can plan your study schedule and your other commitments around your full-time work schedule.

How to approach your employer about study

‘I started my current part-time role about halfway through my first year. Before I approached my employer in regards to my study schedule, I knew I probably wouldn’t be able to attend every lecture of my semester’s courses – I think this is an honest mindset to adapt. My employer and I sat down and had an open conversation regarding how we can plan my university and work schedules week-to-week. Primarily, this was to ensure I

have adequate time to travel to and from university, and some study leave during examination periods.

It’s important to start planning prior to having the ‘university’ conversation with your employer by making sure you have your university timetable, a plan of hours you think is appropriate to work and a positive, enthusiastic attitude. You need to be organised and show your employer that you’ve thought about this decision and you’re dedicated to putting in the hard yards at work and business and your new role, if they can be flexible and respectful of your studies.’

SIMON, BACHELOR OF BUSINESS AND BACHELOR OF LAWS.

Simon’s top tips: 1. Show initiative and be organised.

2. Know what you want, be realistic and flexible in negotiations.

3. Be open and make sure you and your employer understand your commitments.

20

CHAPTER 2

At homeUltimately, the decision to balance study and work should be yours, and yours alone, but it helps to have the support of those around you. Things to consider before taking the leap include:

• Are your loved ones on board to support your decision? You’ll need to dedicate quite a lot of time to study and this may mean making some changes to your home life. If your family have concerns, remind them that quality is better than quantity and that it is only for a short time! While you might have less time to spend with them once you start studying, reassure them that when you do spend time together they will have your undivided attention and it will be worth the wait!

• If you have children, is there someone in your life who will be able to help look after them at times?

• If you don’t have any family or friends who can help with child minding, is paid childcare an option?

• It’s important to think about how your decision to study and work could affect any of the other commitments you may have in your life as well.

• How will you pay for your degree? It’s important to think about whether you’ll be able to afford to pay for your degree up-front, in instalments or by deferring payment before you apply. Find out how much it will cost to study your degree of choice, what payment options you have and whether you’re eligible for a student loan or can apply for a scholarship. While the thought of having to pay for uni might seem overwhelming, don’t be discouraged! There are lots of options to explore, and advice is at hand.

Check out How much will my degree cost? for more information.

21

EXPLORING YOUR OPTIONS

Before making any big decision in life, it’s important to do your research so that you can make the best choice for you, your loved ones and your future. This chapter has outlined some of the things you will need to think about before you make the decision to balance study and work, but there are also likely to be other things to consider, and these will differ from person to person.

Deciding to juggle career with studying at uni is a big decision, and it will be tough at times. But if you decide this is what you want to do, it will be worth it and we will be with you to support you the whole way.

To career change or not to career change?

Find out more

‘With each career change in life comes the usual range of emotions and thoughts: ‘should I, shouldn’t I?’ and of course ‘What if?’. Or to put it another way: ‘To career change or not to career change?’ There is and always will be the lingering fear of failure. It is important to remember that changing careers is a learning curve because with each new career you learn new skills, some physical and some mental. These skills will help build the bank of

knowledge and abilities that will eventually make up the whole you.’

‘It is important to stay positive and focused on what YOU want from your life. No one else will do it for you and would you really want someone else to make those decisions for you anyway? This feeling of empowerment is very seductive and really good for the ego; trust me, I know from experience.’

LISA, BACHELOR OF BUSINESS.

If you are thinking of changing career direction, talk to one of our Career Counsellors for free to discuss your thoughts and hear an outside perspective.

23

CHAPTER 3

THE REALITY OF DOING BOTH AND HOW TO OVERCOME OBSTACLES

Challenge accepted!

Find out more

‘There’s only one way to find out if you’re up to any challenge … you just have to jump in and give it a go. Turns out, it’s not as scary as I thought.’

MARY, BACHELOR OF LAWS.

Whether you work full-time, part-time or on a casual basis, starting study while you work can be challenging. You can’t plan for everything, which means that despite your best intentions, there might be times when you have to shuffle priorities if something unexpected crops up demanding your attention. It’s all about figuring out how to best juggle these shifting priorities and commitments.

Some of the most common concerns people have about starting university study if they are already working include:

• finding the time to work and study (as well as have a family and social life)

• making sacrifices to balance work and study

• missing out on the fun, social aspects of university and feeling isolated from other students (because many working students study online or by distance)

• the financial strain of cutting back at work to have time for study

• that their friends, family and employers will not support their decision.

If this sounds alarming, don’t worry … we are here to help! In this chapter, we will explore some of these common challenges and how to overcome them.

24

CHAPTER 3

Challenge: Finding the timeEveryone wishes there were more hours in the day, sometimes. But because adding hours to our day isn’t possible (unless your name is Hermione Granger), the trick is to make the most of the time you do have. By taking on any additional task in life, whether this be starting a new business or studying a university degree, you will need to make some adjustments to how you spend your time. Finding the time to study can be difficult, so it’s important to understand what your values and priorities are.

Why is it important to you that you finish your degree? If you are clear on the reasons why you want to study, you will find it easier to make time for it. It’s all about prioritising. You don’t need to study for eight hours straight. Whether you hit the books at night, while on your lunch break, during the commute to work or get up an hour earlier, every study session adds up!

To find a balance, you can choose to study part-time, full-time, on-campus or online. Some uni courses are available over the summer holidays (November–February) as well. This makes it easier for our students to fit study in around their other priorities in life, such as work, family and friends.

If you have the option to, you may decide that cutting back at work is the way you want to go. This is something that should be discussed with your employer, but can be a good option if you want to study full-time and are worried about being over-stretched, or if you want to finish your degree sooner rather than later.

25

THE REALITY OF DOING BOTH AND HOW TO OVERCOME OBSTACLES

Some things to consider: • When do you want to have finished your degree? Consider your budget and

the emotional and physical impact your decision will have on yourself, as well as those around you.

• How many courses is it practical for you to study in one semester?

• Can you apply for credit for previously completed courses or relevant work experience? If you can, this will speed up the process of getting your degree!

• What kind of learner are you? Do you study best by talking with others or listening to lectures, or are you more of an independent learner?

• Will you be able to attend classes on-campus?

• What time of day are you most likely to be able to study?

Every student is an individual and, therefore, is different. Everyone learns in different ways and at different paces, and can handle varying amounts of pressure, commitments and priorities. This is not a competition or a race. Don’t compare your workload to that of others; you are doing this for you.

No one can make these decisions for you. We can give you the tools to help you make the choice, but it is up to you to decide what your priorities are and how long you have to achieve your goals.

26

CHAPTER 3

Challenge: Making sacrificesWhile it is true that you will need to assess your priorities and make time to study, this does not mean you will have to say goodbye to exercise, your social life or any extra-curricular interests you have! If something is important to you, you will find time to do it. It may be less time than before you started studying, but you don’t have to sacrifice anything that you don’t want to!

Likewise, any sacrifices you do have to make don’t have to be long-term. Think of anything you give up as being put on a temporary hold. Once the semester is over or your degree has been completed, you will have the freedom to pick up right where you left off!

Communication is an important tool for all uni students, and communication becomes even more important for those studying off-campus or studying while working. When it comes to juggling study with career and busy personal lives, you will find that USQ lecturers are understanding and are happy to discuss options with you. If you’re struggling to meet a deadline, let your lecturer know as soon as possible. It is much more likely that they will be able to give you an extension if you approach them early, than if you leave it until the last minute.

© Mike Wilson – unsplash.com

28

CHAPTER 3

Challenge: I’ll miss out on a ‘uni experience’Many students who study while they work are worried that they’ll miss out on the more social aspect of university study because they are either studying off-campus or just don’t have the time. The reality is that if you want to have a ‘uni experience’, you will make time for one, because this is what you want. It’s all about your personal choices and priorities. While studying online or by distance may be the most practical way working students can fit both work and study into their schedules, there are also many ways in which students can get involved in uni life beyond attending classes on-campus. Here are just a few examples:

• Connect with other students and USQ on social media.

• Join a Meet-Up group.

• Become a Student Ambassador

• Read our online student magazine, HeyU, to keep up to date on USQ life!

• Attend networking events or workshops (these are usually on weekends, so our working students can attend!)

• Arrange a get-together with students from your course or degree

Having relationships with other students will make your uni experience more enjoyable, even if all you do is check in with your class mates on your course forum every now and again.

29

THE REALITY OF DOING BOTH AND HOW TO OVERCOME OBSTACLES

There are lots of ways to make friends at USQ, whether you study on-campus or online:

The shy girl’s A–Z guide of conversations starters

The shy guy’s legen … wait for it … dary guide to making friends

How to make friends on-the-line How to maintain relationships after O-Week

30

CHAPTER 3

Five USQ students share how they overcame the challenges associated with balancing career and study:

Find out more

‘It might seem obvious, but I’m going to say it anyway. Let your employer know what you’ve got going on and how you think they can support you. You may think that having mentioned that you’re studying and have tutorials to attend and assignments to do would be enough of a hint that you need some flexibility, but it really isn’t. You need to actually ask for what you would like.’

JODIE, GRADUATE DIPLOMA OF LEARNING AND TEACHING.

Find out more

‘Despite having long and stressful days, I find that I am so invigorated when getting into an assignment, or some research that I tend to stay awake too late and then battle to go to sleep.’

CAMILLA, MASTER OF ARTS (EDITING AND PUBLISHING).

Find out more

‘I really want to say to everyone out there: if you think that university is going to be challenging, or striking the balance is going to be challenging, yes, it is … but you’re going to love it!’

KRISI, BACHELOR OF PSYCHOLOGY (HONOURS).

31

THE REALITY OF DOING BOTH AND HOW TO OVERCOME OBSTACLES

Find out more

‘It certainly wasn’t a walk in the park, but taking the road less travelled approach to my studies by studying part-time allowed me the opportunity to back up my degree with a lot of work experience as well as the flexibility during my final year of study to be able to undertake 2 fantastic marketing internships and land a great full-time job in marketing before I had even finished my studies.’

EMMA, MASTER OF PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.

‘After leaving high school, I dove straight into studying and working as an overnight casual at McDonald’s. At first, handling a full-time study load was okay, but over time work would creep up more and more, making it extremely difficult to maintain a decent sleeping pattern and diet, seriously affecting my study. What I found helped the most in balancing out my responsibilities was building a professional and friendly

rapport with my lecturers and managers at work. Being able to comfortably talk to both parties about time management and my workloads helped a great deal. I also found it very important to manage my own expectations. As much as I wanted to continue studying full-time, I had to cut back on how many classes I took so I could maintain the hours I needed at work to pay rent and bills.’

CORBEN, BACHELOR OF CREATIVE ARTS.

© Jared Erondu – unsplash.com

33

THE REALITY OF DOING BOTH AND HOW TO OVERCOME OBSTACLES

Challenge: Money, money, money!It is by no means a necessity for you to cut back on the time you spend at work in order to study. By studying one course or two courses at a time, you will be able to complete your degree while earning the same amount of money as before you started study.

Rather than thinking about the money you won’t make if you have to cut back to study, think of your degree as a return on investment. Once you complete your degree, you will be qualified for jobs that will likely make you more money than you could before.

USQ offers a wide range of scholarships and financial advice services to students:

• Check out our available scholarships. You don’t have to be a high achiever to be eligible for a scholarship!

• Budgeting tips: your guide on how to save, plan ahead and stay positive about your budget!

• Find great budgeting tips and tricks on our Student budget Pinterest board

• Read Andrea’s blog, ‘My financial diet’.

• Make an appointment to talk to Student Services for budgeting advice.

• Check out USQ’s Financial Services.

34

CHAPTER 3

Challenge: Lonely, I am so lonely!It’s only natural that your friends and family may have doubts or questions about how you will find the time to juggle everything and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Take the time to explain to them why you’re thinking about studying and working, and tell them how you plan to reprioritise and manage your commitments. While it may be frustrating feeling as though you have to justify your decisions to them, remember that they are only voicing their concerns because they care about you. By including them in your decision and asking for their support, your loved ones are more likely to do what they can to help you along your study journey. This is a new experience for them, too, and while there may be some bumps along the way, you can bet that when it comes to graduation time, their proud faces will be smiling back at you as you cross the stage.

Other places you can find support are by joining a Meet-Up group (on-campus or online) and chatting with other students online. We know those late nights spent proofreading your assignments until 2am can make students feel like they’re on an isolated island in the middle of nowhere, but remember, you aren’t alone. If you log on to StudyDesk or social media at this time, it is more than likely you will discover others in the same boat (pun intended).

While it is important to be realistic about the changes university study will have on your life, it is also important to know that these challenges are only temporary, and that the long-term benefits of completing your degree will far outweigh them.

In the end, challenges are what we make them. Sometimes, we make something into a bigger problem than what it is. If you ever feel alone, unsure of what’s expected of you or are struggling with something, reach out, talk to your support network or get in contact with us.

Are there any other challenges holding you back from balancing study and work that haven’t been covered in this chapter? Let us know!

36

CHAPTER 3

Last words of encouragement from current and previous USQ students

Find out more

‘However, it’s important to be aware that work-life-study integration does not just magically happen. It really is a mindset shift from ‘ juggling’ all the competing domains of life to blending them in a more strategic manner. What can help, though, is careful planning, and over time you will become more skilled at prioritising the domains that matter most. Trust me, the mindset shift really is worth it.’

VERONICA, MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Find out more

‘Don’t dream it, be it! Make the right decision for you. If you are doing it for your future you won’t regret it.’

LISA, BACHELOR OF BUSINESS.

Find out more

‘Going to USQ isn’t about the qualification for me, it’s about the experiences it affords me. To move forward with my work and keep challenging myself, this place and the people in it are ideal.’

DAN, DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY.

If they did it, so can you!

37

THE REALITY OF DOING BOTH AND HOW TO OVERCOME OBSTACLES

ConclusionWhile deciding to work and study at university is a huge decision, and one that requires careful thought and planning, we know that it is a decision that will stand you in good stead for achieving your future goals. Even though you are likely to face some challenges balancing your career with study, we hope this eBook has helped by explaining the many benefits that can far outweigh any short-term challenges.

By discussing ways to talk to your supervisor, colleagues, family and friends about beginning university study, and revealing our top tips to help you find balance, we hope you feel informed and confident to make the very best decision for you!

At USQ, we will support you during your degree and beyond, and we are happy to discuss any queries or concerns you may have about starting study.

So, what are you waiting for? #yougotthis

38

CHAPTER 3

Want more?Click on any of the links below to find out more.

• 5 reasons you’re ready to study at uni

• Study round 2: The top 5 postgraduate study concerns

• 7 fast facts about postgraduate study at USQ

• Am I ready for online study?

• Emma: Are you ready to be a mid-year student?

• Candace: 5 ways to smash summer semester as a working student

• How to conquer your calendar

• Kim: A letter to first year students from a recent graduate

• Lisa: Tips for when you haven’t studied for a while

• Sam: Why I refuse to have a mid-life crisis at age 34

• Lachlan: Why I study a mix of on-campus and online courses

• Toni: 5 ways to survive your quarter life crisis!

• What to expect when you’re expecting … to study!

© shutterstock.com

Your support network

2

There are many wonderful benefits of studying while you work, but in order to successfully balance both aspects of your life, you will need the support of those around you. Whether your support system is made up of your employer, your colleagues, your family and friends, or uni staff, knowing that they have your back is really going to help you along this journey and enable you to achieve your study and career goals.

This section of the eBook will share tips on how to have those initial discussions with your family and friends, employer and colleagues, as well as the advantages of doing so. You will also be able to read about how great an impact the support networks of current and past USQ students have had on their study success, find resources for parents who study and tips to help you successfully balance study with your responsibilities at work.

43

Once you’ve made the decision to study while you work, the first people you will probably want to tell are your friends and family. Naturally, the people who are closest to you will be the ones you will want to support you during your study journey. They are likely to be excited for you, but you might also find they have a lot of questions, and maybe even some concerns.

We’re not going to lie. Balancing study with family and everything else you have going on in your life can be challenging. You might not be able to make it to every important family event, whether this be Sally’s soccer final, your cousin’s Christmas concert or your friend’s birthday drinks. This is why having the support of your friends and family while you undertake this next stage in your life can make a huge difference to both your studies and your personal life.

Here are five reasons why you should tell your loved ones about your decision to balance work with study:

1. They will cut you some slackLetting your friends and family know that you are going to be studying and that you are not going to have as much free time will mean they (hopefully) won’t get too upset if you ever have to miss a catch-up that clashes with an assignment deadline.

CHAPTER 4

TELLING YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY

© Christian Newman – unsplash.com

45

TELLING YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY

2. They will hold you accountableTelling your family and friends you are starting study is a great motivational tool that will keep you accountable throughout your degree. Once they know you are studying, they are likely to ask you how it is going, which will be an incentive to put the extra effort into your work so you have something impressive to tell them! #success!

3. They will support youHaving the support of your family and friends can be a big help for anyone balancing study and work. While the form of support your loved ones can offer may vary – from lending a sympathetic ear, to looking after your children so you can study undisturbed for a few hours – by telling them why you’re studying, they’re more likely to want to help (we hope!) and support you.

Find out more

‘We all have moments when we struggle to believe in ourselves, but I guarantee there is always at least one other person who does. When you feel like giving up, think of this person and keep going.’

BEC, BACHELOR OF SOCIAL SCIENCE.

46

CHAPTER 4

4. Pitch and soundYour friends and family can be a great sounding board for your ideas. Need a creative take on your assignment topic and lacking inspiration because you’ve been up all night cramming for an exam? Pitch your ideas to your friends and family and not only will they be able to help you decipher the good ideas from those resulting from a lack of sleep, but you might be surprised by how much it helps you to clarify your own ideas by putting them into words!

There might also be times when, although they want to, your friends and family just can’t help you with something or can’t understand what you are going through. This is a great time to reach out to your classmates, because they are most likely in the same boat as you and will definitely be able to understand any study-related issues you might be having. Organise a time to get together with your classmates over coffee, or set up a study date online or in person. You might even make some great new friends out of the process!

5. Rain, hail or shine!By telling your loved ones about going back to study, they will be there to help celebrate your achievements (#nailedit!) or commiserate when you get a less-than-thrilling grade on an assignment you thought you aced. They know how hard you’ve worked and the sacrifices you’ve made to get to where you are, so they will want to dance and scream with excitement by your side or give you a hug, depending on the results. You might even discover just how much your support network has invested in your results! If they’ve ever stayed up late with you proofreading an assignment, helped brainstorm ideas or baby-sat your kids so you could study, they may feel as invested in your success as you do!

48

CHAPTER 4

The support of your friends and family plays a huge role in your study success. They will be with you through your entire study journey, from enrolment, to getting your first exam results, to when they cheer your name as you cross the stage on graduation day. Help them feel included in your decision to study by talking to them about it, and they are more likely to want to be there to help and support you in any way they can.

But what if your friends and family don’t support you in your decision to study?

We acknowledge that this is a reality for many of our students and that this can make you feel upset, frustrated, discouraged or alone.

The great thing about studying at USQ is that, even if you study online, you can create your own support network. From connecting with other students and USQ on social media, joining a Meet-Up Group or getting in touch with the friendly staff at Student Services, there is a range of support options for you at USQ to ensure you will never be alone during this journey.

Find out more

‘I realised that by pursuing my education, I am teaching my children to follow their dreams and that dreams do come true if you really want them and work hard. I’m setting an example for them, showing them that education is possible, even if you have young children. It was [then] that I realised I would finish my degree, even if it meant I had to work harder than I had ever worked before. I was going to show my children and

myself that I COULD DO IT.’

JESS, BACHELOR OF SOCIAL SCIENCE.

49

TELLING YOUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY

Resources for parents who studyClick on any of the links below to find out more.

• Lisa: How to overcome guilt as a studying parent

• Discover activities to keep the kids entertained while you study, fun ways to get them to eat their vegies, and other tips to make studying with children easier!

• Discover quick and simple (and fun!) lunchbox ideas to give your kids

• A new normal: How to find your feet as a first-time, first in family studying parent

• Natacha: Back to the books, post mid-life crisis

• Jamie: The elephant in the room

• Shane shares his tips for studying with a new baby

• Studying is like golf … a dad’s guide to studying like a pro

• What kind of study mum are you? Take the quiz to find out!

• Brenda: Work, baby, work, and a Masters at the same time

51

Congratulations on making the decision to balance your career with furthering your education. You’ve crossed the first hurdle. How do you feel? Nervous, excited, happy …? It is normal to feel a range of different emotions from when you make the decision to study and throughout the semester (in fact, throughout your degree!).

I’m going to uni … How to navigate your way through a potentially challenging chat

CHAPTER 5

HAVING ‘THAT DISCUSSION’: HOW TO TELL YOUR SUPERVISOR YOU WANT TO STUDY

52

CHAPTER 5

Once you’ve made the decision to study while working, one of the biggest concerns for many people is how their supervisor will react. It’s normal to feel nervous about having that initial discussion. You might feel especially anxious if you are studying to change career direction or if you have never talked to your supervisor about your career plans before.

We acknowledge that every situation will be different; however, these six tips will help you prepare for ‘that discussion’:

1. Set up a meetingSend your supervisor a meeting request, and include the topic of discussion. By letting your supervisor know what you wish to discuss, they will be less likely to feel ambushed. If you are concerned your supervisor will approach you about your decision before your scheduled meeting and don’t want to be the one caught off-guard, tell them you look forward to discussing the details with them further in the meeting, and ask them whether there is anything in particular they would like you to bring.

2. Do your researchIt’s important to do some research before discussing your decision with your supervisor. Take some time to have a clear idea of what you would like to do. This may include considering cutting back hours or exploring the possibility of working flexible hours. It can be easy to forget what you want to say when nerves kick in, so write a list to take with you just in case. By having a clear idea of what you want to discuss in the meeting, as well as a list of any questions you want to ask, you will feel more confident and comfortable talking about it.

© Will van Wingerden – unsplash.com

54

CHAPTER 5

3. Be preparedUnderstand that your supervisor is likely to have questions and concerns about how your decision to study may affect your work. Some of the most common concerns employers have when employees make this decision are that they will have less time for their job, will be distracted or tired when they are at work and that they will make a habit of requesting days off in order to complete assignments.

You should also be prepared for your supervisor to ask you whether you will still be able to manage the same tasks and workload, and whether you have a strategy to make sure you can continue to meet deadlines. While your supervisor may not verbalise these concerns, take some time to consider your reaction if they do. Your supervisor’s main concern will be how your decision will affect your ability to do your job, so by anticipating these questions and preparing answers, you will help put their mind at ease.

4. Communicate openlyUse this meeting as an opportunity to develop and demonstrate your communication and liaison skills. Letting your supervisor know your reasons for your decision will help them understand why you are doing it. And as long as you are staying in the same job while you continue your education, explaining how your degree will benefit them (see the next chapter for more on this) will make them more likely to want to help and support you.

55

HAVING ‘THAT DISCUSSION’: HOW TO TELL YOUR SUPERVISOR YOU WANT TO STUDY

5. Be professionalMake sure you are polite, respectful and do your best to address any concerns your supervisor may have. If there are questions you don’t have the answer to, let your supervisor know that you will find out as soon as possible and get back to them. This will demonstrate that you are keen to make the transition as pain-free as possible and are considerate of their concerns.

6. Be proactiveAsk your supervisor about whether you can take advantage of any employee assistance programs or flexible working arrangements available to you. If your place of employment doesn’t have any formal assistance programs set up, ask your supervisor if you can come up with your own flexible schedule whereby if you work longer hours or take shorter lunch breaks, you can leave early one day to study. It doesn’t hurt to ask and this shows you’ve really given it some thought!

Find out more

‘As someone who’s worked in an office that employs a number of part-time staff, one of the most common issues I’ve witnessed is the old, ‘does anyone know where Bob is? I thought he was in today?’ I can’t stress enough how important good communication is in any workplace. If you’re lucky enough to find work that suits your uni commitments, you don’t want to risk compromising your position by going M.I.A. on your supervisor.

Keeping your supervisor and other team members informed of your working hours and exam timetable is good manners and shows you’re a considerate employee and take your job seriously (pay rise anyone?)’.

ANDREA, BACHELOR OF COMMUNICATION.

57

HAVING ‘THAT DISCUSSION’: HOW TO TELL YOUR SUPERVISOR YOU WANT TO STUDY

Once you’ve enrolledOnce you have enrolled at uni, set up a follow-up meeting with your supervisor to discuss your study workload and timetable. Prepare for this meeting by printing out a comprehensive guide for each of your classes, detailing the number of modules you will be completing, the expected readings and the assignment deadlines. Again, your supervisor will be most concerned with how studying will affect your ability to do your job. If you think that there may be scheduling conflicts or that you may have to take time off to get everything done, be honest. Preparing for this meeting prior will give you time to come up with alternative ways in which you can meet the deadlines (by working more hours to make up for time off during exam block, for example), which will show your supervisor you are still making your work a priority. Map out key assessment dates on a shared or communal calendar and request any leave you will need to take as early as possible.

Note: exam dates won’t be announced until a month or so prior.

Once you begin studying, it is just as important to maintain this level of communication, honesty and consideration with your supervisor. Stay in regular contact with them, as well as your team members, with regards to your project progress and availability. If your working hours change from full-time to part-time, make sure you keep your team updated as to when you will be in the office, and restructure your schedule so that you can tackle your assigned tasks on those days. If you have negotiated to take some time off work to complete assignments or take exams, make sure you plan your workload accordingly and remind your supervisor in advance. Even if they initially agreed to you taking time off, you don’t want your absence to be seen as unexplained or unexpected.

58

CHAPTER 5

And again, if you think you will have trouble meeting a deadline, let your supervisor know early on so that they can help reassign the task or make alternative arrangements. Remember: even if you intend to move on to a different job after you finish your degree, you will still need a good reference from your supervisor, so if you are finding it difficult to juggle your responsibilities, speak up!

By communicating honestly and openly about your decision to study, doing your research, preparing, demonstrating your professionalism and being proactive, your supervisor will see that you have thought carefully about your decision and are doing everything you can to ensure it doesn’t impact on your job.

All your careful planning and preparation will not only reassure your supervisor of your ability to successfully balance study with your job, you might even impress them with your planning and time management skills!

Find out more

‘You don’t have to agree with their ideas, but you do need to be mindful that there is still a lot to learn. Which, believe it or not, is a very valuable perspective to have in the workplace.’

AMANDA, BACHELOR OF BUSINESS.

‘I work full-time. I have an hour lunch break that I take at my desk listening to lectures and doing assignments. After boot camp at 7pm, I cook dinner and sit down to do more study until about 9.30pm! I always do one subject at work and one subject at home during the week so I don’t get confused, and then bring books home so I can study on weekends. Busy life, but that’s how I like it!’

JESSICA, BACHELOR OF BUSINESS.

59

HAVING ‘THAT DISCUSSION’: HOW TO TELL YOUR SUPERVISOR YOU WANT TO STUDY

How to deal with reluctant or wary employersMany employers may be wary of employees that go back to university because they assume their employee is dissatisfied in their job and will likely quit in the near or not-too-distant future. If you’re going to uni with the intention of resigning in the very near future, be honest with your employer about your plans. This is a personal decision and it will take time for you to weigh all the pros and cons. But by being honest about your intentions, you keep the lines of communication open and honest and can avoid having that awkward conversation later.

If you are intending to switch careers after you finish your degree, or if you think your supervisor will still be wary of your decision to study, let them know how they and the company will benefit from your education while you are still employed. Here are some examples:

• You will learn skills and knowledge that will improve your performance at work.

• If you are studying a degree relevant to your current job, you will bring additional skills and up-to-date knowledge to the company.

• You will be able to help ensure the company maintains industry standards.

• Your new knowledge and skills are likely to contribute to the company’s future growth and success. You can be a source of knowledge and a resource for other staff.

Hopefully, the fact that you have taken the time to talk to your supervisor about your decision will prove to them that you are serious about your job and your future career development. Realistically, most people who decide to study while they are also working decide to study part-time so that they can continue to work part-time or full-time. Studying part-time at uni will not be the same 8.30am to 3pm time commitment as high school. It’s important your supervisor understands this difference, because they may be against the idea of you studying because of this very reason. If that’s the case, they should be concerned!

60

CHAPTER 5

Studying at university will be a learning process for both you and your employer, which you will be able to refine along the way.

For some, however, it won’t matter how well you explain the benefits of your studying to your employer. Think about what you’ll do if you find yourself in the situation where your boss is unwilling to support you in your study endeavours before you broach the topic. If furthering your education is something you are determined to pursue, it may be time to consider finding another job that will be more supportive and understanding of your needs, such as working part-time or flexible hours.

You don’t need to make these decisions alone. If you find yourself debating leaving your job or facing a career ‘sea’ change, discuss your options with your support network and with USQ’s Career Counsellor.

Tip from a USQ student

Find out more

‘None of us know exactly what the future holds, so it’s important to be flexible and roll with the changes. It could be that a new pathway to your goals opens up and it will get you there quicker, or perhaps the journey will be richer. Some changes are great and you need to be open and flexible so that you don’t miss out on such opportunities!’

JODIE, GRADUATE DIPLOMA OF LEARNING AND TEACHING.

© Tim Swaan – unsplash.com

62

CHAPTER 6

63

CHAPTER 6

CONVEYING YOUR DECISION TO YOUR COLLEAGUES

If you work full-time, you are likely to be spending the majority of your time at work. For many of us, work is like a second home, and your colleagues become like a second family. You see them every (working) day, so it’s likely that you share personal information with each other from time to time. While your decision to begin studying is a personal choice, it may be something you wish to share with your colleagues, just as you would share the fact that you bought a new puppy or share pictures of your child’s first birthday.

We like to think that most colleagues will be supportive of your decision to study, but if it is the case that your colleagues react negatively, try not to take it personally. It is more than likely that they are worried about how your decision could affect them. For example, if you are going to start working fewer hours to allow yourself more time to study, they are probably concerned that they could be asked to complete your tasks, as well as their own work, often without additional time, meaning that they will have to fit more into their working day.

As with your supervisor, do your best to reassure your co-workers that your decision will not have a negative impact on them. It’s your decision to juggle work and study, and while, within reason, some of your tasks may be passed on to other team members, it would be unfair for them to suffer the brunt of your decision.

64

CHAPTER 6

Ensure that you are considerate of your team and keep them in the loop. If you don’t think you will be able to complete a task, let them know, and don’t forget to tell them if and when you will be taking leave to study. The best way to do this is by letting them know if your availability changes, restructuring your schedule to ensure you continue to meet deadlines and letting them know well in advance if you don’t think you will be able to. If you are going to take some time off work to complete exams or assignments, plan to complete all your work tasks ahead of time. Perhaps most importantly, if your colleagues do have to take on some of your work while you study, acknowledge this and thank them for their help. It’s hard to stay mad at someone offering you a smile of thanks and a box of chocolates!

Find out more

‘I actually found it hard to tell people at first, because the whole idea seemed pretty crazy and something so foreign to me.’

KAYLENE, BACHELOR OF EDUCATION (HEALTH AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION, PRIMARY).

When you are juggling your career with studying at uni, you are essentially trying to juggle two different worlds, each with different personalities. By bringing these two worlds together, you will not only be making it easier for yourself, you will have the opportunity to make your colleagues feel more involved, interested and invested in your decision to study.

One way to do this is by sharing what you learn at uni with your colleagues. Organise regular catch-ups with your colleagues to share what you have learned and how you can apply what you have learned to your job. These catch-ups don’t need to be formal: you could invite your teammates to coffee once a fortnight, organise a team lunch or it could be as simple as sharing notes via team email.

65

CONVEYING YOUR DECISION TO YOUR COLLEAGUES

By sharing and discussing your notes, you will be encouraging your colleagues to feel personally invested in your learning experience. You may find this approach helps to break down any negative feelings towards your decision to study, fosters an interest in team development and progression, and improves your relationship with colleagues.

However, you may also find that some of your colleagues could feel resentful of you having the opportunity to study, or might not value university education and won’t be receptive to your new ideas. By suggesting new ways of doing things, your teammates could feel offended if it seems like you’re disregarding their professional experience. While we know your intentions are good, you don’t want to step on anyone’s toes, so before you set up any appointments to share your ideas, sound out how your colleagues will react to your input first.

Further study can also be a great opportunity for you to connect and network with other colleagues who are also studying, as well as with people working within your industry, but outside the office. Making people aware that you are studying gives you the opportunity to discuss what you are learning and provide you with interesting conversation topics for that next networking event!

Having consideration for your team members is not only polite, it proves you are a professional who cares about their career. As such, you should employ the above practices in any job, whether you are studying at the time or not.

Find out more

‘The best advice I’ve ever received was to always develop your network of contacts. You never know when one of those contacts will call you with the next great opportunity for your career. Also, take every opportunity you can to build your skills. Employers want multi-skilled people on their team, so don’t get left behind!’

CAITLYN, BACHELOR OF MASS COMMUNICATION.

© Sebastian Unrau – unsplash.com

67

CONVEYING YOUR DECISION TO YOUR COLLEAGUES

ConclusionFrom the initial decision-making process, to those late-night study sessions when you’re halfway through your degree, having the support of those around you is important. This section will hopefully have given you some tips that will help you talk to your friends and family, employer and colleagues about your decision to study and work at the same time, as well as the advantages of doing so. Of course, while having the support of those around you is paramount to your success at uni, work and in your personal life, it is also important you do your part to ensure that once you begin studying, your work, professional and personal relationships don’t suffer.

The next section of this eBook will look into this topic further, sharing tips and advice from current and past students on how to successfully balance university study with work and any other commitments you may have.

‘In late-2009, my general manager approached me about getting a university degree in line with my position at work, which is project management. After I discussed this with my family, I agreed to start my uni studies. Once I was accepted to USQ, I told my work colleagues about my pending studies. Their initial reaction was ‘You are crazy! You have no time and uni will require your full attention’. Well, now I’m nearing the end of

my studies and my work colleagues are amazed that I have successfully handled full-time work and uni studies at the same time.’

ALAN SWANEPOEL, POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE OF BUSINESS.

68

CHAPTER 6

Want more? Click on any of the links below to find out more.

• Going up? Then get your elevator pitch ready

• Discover tips on finding, applying for and getting a new job

• Get that job from your pocket

• Bec: How to keep up with your industry while working 9–5

• Hello my name is … Top 10 networking tips to boost your new career

• 3 simple ways to keep your network healthy

• The top 6 ways to build connections at work (and why you need to make them)

69

CONVEYING YOUR DECISION TO YOUR COLLEAGUES

It’s a balancing act

3

So, you’ve made the decision to study while working, but what you need now are some insider tips on how to get the balance just right.

Let’s be honest … finding the time to study between classes, your work schedule, picking up the kids from school and everything else you have going on in your life can seem daunting. But the great news is, you can do this! At times you might struggle, but the key to successfully balancing study and work is all about trial and error.

Everyone has different time commitments and priorities and everyone finds different ways to balance their schedule. Read through the tips in the next few chapters to help you find your own balance and see what works best for you.

This section will provide you with tips on how to get started, how to stay motivated during study, how to stay healthy when you’re really busy (which we know you will be) and time management tips that will help boost your productivity.

73

When it comes to the balancing act that is necessary when you’re juggling work with study, being prepared and organised is the first step to success. This chapter will help you set up the perfect study space, and provides you with general study tips. Complete these first few steps before your classes officially start and you will be able to start your degree feeling confident and in control.

1. Get started!The first step is … to get started! See, that’s not so scary. The best way to find a balance that works for you is to actually start doing the things you need to do (study and work). But where and how, you ask?

2. Set up a great study spaceFirst things first! To make the most of your study session, it’s important to have a great study space. This can be anywhere really: in your kitchen, at the library, in the garden … What is most important is that you are comfortable, have good lighting, a supportive chair and access to stationery, a computer and internet connection.

CHAPTER 7

GETTING STARTED

© Vladimir Kudinov – unsplash.com

75

GETTING STARTED

Your guide to setting up the ultimate study space• Hang this goal planner up in your study space so you keep on-track!

• Our Study Spaces Pinterest board has lots of decoration ideas to get you started!

• Studying in bed may sound amazing, but here are some tips to make sure you don’t get a sore back (or fall asleep mid-study sesh!)

• This guide will help you make the most of your study space, no matter where life takes you!

• Studying with technology

• Print out these free ‘do not disturb’ signs to make sure your study session doesn’t get interrupted

• If you find listening to music helps you concentrate, check out our Spotify playlists

3. Find the study method that works for you and stick with it Are you a visual, auditory or kinaesthetic learner who learns by carrying out physical tasks? Do you find you are most alert in the mornings or in the afternoons? Do you prefer hardcopy study materials or online resources? If you’re not sure, do some research, look up study tips for your ‘type’ and try different study methods until you find the one that works best for you. If you’ve always studied one way and now find it isn’t working, change up your routine and try something new!

Find out how you can spice up your study life here.

76

CHAPTER 7

4. Minimise distractions There is nothing worse than when you’re on a roll with an assignment and the phone rings or your roommate comes in for a chat … especially when you are approaching a deadline! To avoid getting snapped out of ‘the zone’, do what you can to avoid potential distractions before you sit down to study. If you can’t find a quiet space of your own, invest in some noise-cancelling headphones. Tell those around you that you need to concentrate for a few hours; but that you will be happy to come chat once you’re done. And – perhaps most importantly – turn your phone on silent or put it away somewhere where you won’t be distracted by the flashing notification lights!

This also applies to checking your work emails when you’re at home or supposed to be studying. If you’re a model employee who loves their job so much you have your work email synced to your personal phone, it can be tempting to check them when you’re on a study break. Let’s be honest, though, this can lead to hours of time spent on work tasks which, although not unproductive, isn’t doing your study any favours!

5. Break it downIf you’re feeling overwhelmed by what seems like a mammoth task, break it into smaller chunks. For example, on day one of working on your assignment, set yourself the challenge of doing research to give yourself a good understanding of your topic. Not only will you feel more positive about tackling the task, you’ll be able to give yourself lots of pats on the back by crossing off each small task on your to-do list!

78

CHAPTER 7

6. Gain momentumJust like any new habit, the first semester of study may be challenging. But give yourself some time to adjust. Once study becomes a regular part of your life, you’ll gain confidence and momentum in no time. Full steam ahead towards graduation!

We’re here to help!

Find out more

‘Having a full time job, a young family and a generally busy life was always going to be a big challenge to me, so I decided to break the course up into small chunks and just focus on reaching the next checkpoint (1 module per semester in my case), before looking too far ahead knowing that every one of these checkpoints would bring me closer to the finish.’

JAMIE, MASTER OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION.

Check out the range of services and types of support USQ can offer students and alumni here.

79

GETTING STARTED

USQ students share their tips for balancing work and study:

Find out more

‘Write your goals down and add some dates so you have a deadline in place. Then go and share your goals with someone you trust. These little steps will increase your commitment and make your achievement of the goals more likely.’

JODIE, GRADUATE DIPLOMA OF LEARNING AND TEACHING.

Find out more

‘I am well on my way to completing a formal degree that compliments my work experience. Already this degree has provided me with opportunities to meet likeminded students, network with potential employers and helped me grow not just professionally but personally too.’

MICHELLE, BACHELOR OF BUSINESS

Find out more

‘I have had a great time meeting and getting to know other students and the USQ staff, who have all been very friendly and supportive throughout my studies. The study flexibility offered by USQ ... was just what I was looking for. Instead of having to attend lectures every week they offer intensive workshops conducted on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, which allowed me to continue working while undertaking my studies.’

ALAN, POSTGRADUATE CERTIFICATE OF BUSINESS.

Find out more

‘Managing your time and finding a work-life balance can seem like just another overwhelming task to add to the list, but it has become the most important task to me. It’s taken quite some time to grasp this concept and to find the right tools that help me achieve balance in life while still fitting in everything that I want.’

BEC, MASTER OF BUSINESS AND INNOVATION.

81

When you are balancing study and work, one of the most challenging techniques to master is also the most effective way to ensure your success: time management. Time management is key, so keep this list of tips on-hand or come back to it for future reference throughout your study journey.

While what works for one person might not work for someone else, these are some of the time management tips that have helped our past and current students boost productivity and maintain a successful work-life-study balance.

1. Make study a priority What are the most important priorities in your life? When you begin studying, it’s important that you make study one of them. Setting aside time to study and acknowledging that you may now have less time to spend on other things is an important step towards making study a priority and knowing how to best manage your time. After all, you wouldn’t want to have to re-take a course because you didn’t give it your all the first time around!

2. Study whenever and wherever you can If you’re working, study in shorter sessions to fit around your work and lifestyle, for example, during your commute, at night or during your lunch break. Whatever works for you. The good news is that people tend to be more focused and productive when they have limited time, so you’re in luck!

CHAPTER 8

TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS TO BOOST PRODUCTIVITY

82

CHAPTER 8

3. Get organised! One of the best ways to do this is by looking at your work schedule and deadlines, and comparing this with any classes and assessment due dates you have for uni. Identify the peaks and troughs. You may find that the best time to work on an assignment is during a time at work when you don’t have too many deadlines, even if this is two months before the assignment due date. If you know you have a huge project coming up at work, you can always take time off from studying for a semester to ensure you give this project your full attention.

There are lots of organisational tools to help keep you on track, including apps (discover 10 apps to help you boost your productivity here) and your student calendar. You can also set reminders on your Outlook calendar, your phone or laptop, or mark your calendar with all your due dates and hang it in your study space. Find an organisational tool that works for you.

Being organised at home can help you feel more in control of your schedule at work at uni, because there is a flow-on effect. Some practical strategies to help become more organised at home include considering family commitments when scheduling your week, making time once a week to prepare meals for the week ahead, planning when you do the washing and help kids with school homework, and enlisting the help of those who share the house with you.

By planning ahead, utilising the ‘trough’ times and being flexible, you will be doing your best to make sure you are able to meet deadlines at both uni and work.

© Erol Ahmed – unsplash.com

84

CHAPTER 8

4. Stick to itA schedule is only as effective as your ability to stick to it. Make sure you use those quiet periods to get ahead on work so that when you hit the peak busy times you will be prepared to power through them. Keep yourself accountable by displaying your schedule and the deadlines you set for yourself somewhere your family and colleagues can see. This can serve not only as a conversation starter, but as a reminder to yourself to stick to those due dates.

5. Multi-taskIf you’re short on time, a great way to fit more into your day is to become a pro at multi-tasking. This isn’t recommended for all activities (say, driving and reading a text book), but there are lots of simple, easy, safe ways you can combine two tasks to leave more time for the important stuff (study!). Next time you have to call your parents to check in, why don’t you go for a walk so you can get some exercise and clear you head at the same time? If you haven’t seen your best friend in a long time, ask them out to lunch. You might be busy, but you’ve still got to eat!

6. Budget your energyDo you find it easier to concentrate early in the morning, in the afternoon or late at night? Knowing when your energy levels are highest, and arranging your day so that you can study during this time, is an effective way to ensure you are making the most of your time. If you find you are most alert in the mornings, use this time to do your most brain-intensive study tasks!

85

TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS TO BOOST PRODUCTIVITY

7. Apply skills you have learned in other areas of life to study If you’ve ever spent time working, you are likely to have already developed the skills you need to succeed at uni. It is likely that you already know how to prioritise workloads and manage your time, so apply these skills to your study workload as well.

8. Study time is study timeNo, that isn’t a typo, and yes, this does seem obvious. While we’re big fans of multi-tasking, it’s important to set some boundaries. Are you someone who gets distracted by the ‘new email’ message that pops up on your screen and feel like you have to read and reply straight away? We know it’s hard to hold back, but setting yourself certain times of day to check emails can greatly help your time management skills by making sure that when you’re studying, you maintain focus on study. This goes for mobile phones and social media and text notifications! If you just can’t help yourself, put the phone away and turn your email notifications off.

Find out how to free your study from internal distractions here.

87

TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS TO BOOST PRODUCTIVITY

Time management study hacks• Read your textbook backwards: begin with the summary and conclusion,

then the headings and subdivisions, and then the introduction.

• Read for the ‘big ideas’. If you’re short on time, skim text for the most important, recurring themes and concepts, before delving into the detail when you have more time.

• Listen to recorded lectures at double speed by importing them to iTunes. Most lecturers will speak slowly, so by fast-forwarding or speeding up the audio file, you’ll still be able to understand what is being said in a shorter amount of time.

• If you get stuck on something for more than 30 seconds, move on. It will come to you later, and you’ll waste less time.

• Allocate 15 minutes to write the first draft of your assignment. Don’t question yourself; let it be bad. You’ll have time to revise later.

• Brighter lights improve productivity so crank those lights up!

88

CHAPTER 8

9. Keep your goals front of mindAt the end of each study session, set yourself clear goals for what you want to achieve during the next session. Review these goals at the beginning of your next session so that what you need to achieve is fresh in your mind. Limited time? Focus on completing the most important task early in your study session. This way, if you lose motivation, get distracted, or get called away, you will have got what you needed done and can focus on other tasks later.

10. Indulge your distractionKeep a notebook next to you when you study and write down any thoughts that distract you. By writing them down, they are less likely to keep popping up in your head when you’re trying to stay focused, and you can address these ideas later.

11. Be honest with yourselfIf work has been particularly hectic lately, be honest … are you really going to want to stay up late studying for uni? It’s OK to give yourself an opportunity to rest and relax after work and you shouldn’t feel guilty about this! Having that awesome schedule you’ve set up will allow you that well-deserved downtime so you can rest and re-boot!

12. Be realistic about how much you can achieveDecide what your main priorities are and make decisions based on how much time you really have. If you take on too many commitments, it is likely that your work, your physical health, mental health, grades and relationships will suffer.

89

TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS TO BOOST PRODUCTIVITY

Time management tips from USQ students

Find out more

‘I don’t need to tell anybody reading this that if you fall behind while studying it’s fairly difficult to catch up again without some hefty sacrifices. If you stay on top of it as best you can, you’ll reap the benefits later. Even studying small amounts at a time, you’ll end up having more time to spend doing other things that may or may not be far more enjoyable than studying!.’

SHANE, BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING (HONOURS).

Find out more

‘It’s important to make the most of every moment you have to study. I study on the bus, listen to lectures and read my notes on the way to class.’

RAJANI, BACHELOR OF NURSING.

Find out more

‘Because my job is so diverse and I could be in any city at any time, I often study in my hotel room or in airport lounges listening to lectures on my iPhone.’

RENAE, BACHELOR OF COMMUNICATION.

Find out more

‘I avoid distractions while I study by letting my phone battery go flat (or you could just put it away somewhere so you won’t be tempted!).’

JEREMY, BACHELOR OF ARTS (INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS).

90

CHAPTER 8

13. Learn to say ‘no’Many of us struggle to say ‘no’. Whether it be catching up with friends, a great party or our sibling who needs someone to babysit their kids, saying ‘no’ can make us feel guilty and disappointed, especially if you’re saying no to something you want to do. But if you are finding it difficult to fit everything in to your busy schedule, it’s important you learn the valuable skill of knowing when and how to say that word: ‘no’.

14. Be resilientBoth uni and work provide you with structure in terms of when certain tasks need to be completed. But the unexpected will happen. You might get sprung with a sudden urgent deadline at work that means you can’t study during your lunch break, or be asked to work extra hours to cover for a colleague who has taken unexpected leave, which will have an impact on your study time. Try not to panic and learn how to adjust your schedule to accommodate these surprises. If you find yourself really struggling to meet a deadline at uni because you’ve taken on unexpected extra responsibilities at work, talk to your lecturer as early as possible to arrange an extension.

It’s normal to have days where you just can’t focus, and days when you could write for hours straight. Make the most of this natural ebb and flow by working when you’re in the zone, and relaxing or doing smaller, less brain-intensive tasks when you’re not.

91

TIME MANAGEMENT TIPS TO BOOST PRODUCTIVITY

15. Embrace technologyTechnology can help you organise and motivate your study, as well as save precious time! Not sure where to start? We asked other USQ students for the study apps they couldn’t live without, and compiled them into one handy list! Check it out here.

16. Thinking aheadYou know you need to include a list of the books and journal articles you read for your assignment, so make sure you compile them as you go! There’s nothing worse than completing your assignment and then realising you forgot to write down where that amazing quote came from when you were in the library taking notes.

Visit the Library website for information about referencing your assignments.

Find out more

‘When others try to bring you down, back yourself and your dreams. If you want to achieve your goals you can do it, you just have to believe you can.’

MAREE, DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY.

92

CHAPTER 9

93

CHAPTER 9

HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED

The first year of study can feel a little bit like a rollercoaster. Sometimes it’ll feel like a nice smooth ride, while at others, you’ll be going up or down, or doing loopy-loops. There will be times when you are excited and motivated to get things done (such as the beginning of semester), and other times when study is the last thing you feel like doing.

It’s important to realise that this ebb and flow of motivation throughout the life cycle of each semester is normal, and you’re not alone in feeling this way. Knowing beforehand that the motivational slump may hit you, allows you to prepare in advance what to do about it. Whether you set yourself a goal of chipping away at your tasks bit by bit, or focus on the way you will celebrate once you’ve finished the semester, here are some ways in which you can keep yourself motivated during the semester.

To find out more about what to expect during your first year of study, check out The first-year rollercoaster.

94

CHAPTER 9

Reward systems When you’re lacking motivation, one of the best things to put the spring back in your step is to focus on the reward waiting for you at the end of your study session. Not just the satisfaction of knowing you’re one step closer to completing your assignment, but what about that movie you’ve been wanting to see for weeks, or a slice of that decadent cake calling to you from the fridge? When you know there’s immediate gratification at the end of your study session, you’ll be more motivated to do your work.

95

HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED

Set yourself goals One of the best ways to stay motivated during study is to set yourself goals. Setting up visual reminders of your goals, such as a photograph of your dream career, can help motivate you to focus on the task ahead.

Feeling as though your to-do list is constantly growing and nothing is ever achieved? One tip is to assign dramatic emotions to how each task on your list will make you feel once achieved. For example, by categorising a task with the emotion ‘triumphant’ you are sending yourself a mental note that will motivate you to want to reach that positive state. Another tip is to set expiration dates for each of the items on your list.

Find out more

‘Different things work to motivate different people, but a good source of motivation is to think about your ultimate goals, and use that as the inspiration and driving force for all your decisions … The key to being able to achieve your goals and be successful is by being able to balance motivation and productivity effectively so that you maintain momentum.’

FELICITY, BACHELOR OF BUSINESS.

© Greg Rakozy – unsplash.com

97

HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED

Take a breakWhen we’re on a deadline, we often think cramming our brains full of knowledge late into the night is the best way to get everything done. But if you find the screen starts to get blurry as your eyes start to glaze over, sometimes, what you really need to do is step away from your notes, put down the coffee and take a break. Taking regular breaks from study increases your alertness, attention, ability to retain information and makes you much more productive in the long run!

Get others involvedIf you find it difficult to motivate yourself, find some way to hold yourself accountable. One way of doing this is to let other people know what your study goals are, so they can ask you how you are progressing and whether you are going to meet your deadline for each challenge. Another great way to keep yourself motivated and hold yourself accountable is to study with classmates or find a tutor. Including others in your study plan will make you more likely to turn up to meetings and do the work, because your actions have the potential to let someone else down.

Make studying socialConnect with other students on social media, USQ StudyDesk forums or in person. Read our online student magazine to find out what’s been happening at USQ on-campus and online, get study tips, healthy snack recipes and read music and app reviews.

98

CHAPTER 9

Resources to keep you motivated• Does your motivation need a kick start?

• How to get motivated and smash out that assignment!

• The secret behind staying motivated

It’s a stereotype for a reason! Many students keep motivated for study during long days on-campus, or to make it through late-night study sessions, with coffee.

99

HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED

Don’t be too hard on yourselfSometimes, the biggest thing holding us back is the pressure we put on ourselves. While many of us excel under pressure, the expectation to write a perfect first draft or come up with a million brilliant ideas as soon as you look at your assignment task sheet can actually make our brain freeze up in a panic when this isn’t the case. Try to relax. Facebook’s company motto is ‘Doing is better than perfect’. Don’t worry so much about being perfect and just get started. It’s better to hand in a less-than-perfect assignment and get part marks than to stress over achieving perfection and have nothing to submit!

Re-define failureWe all suffer setbacks in life. If you don’t get as good a grade on an assignment as you were expecting, or even if you fail an exam, don’t beat yourself up about it. Learn from the experience, remind yourself that you are doing the best you can and get back up on that study horse! Remember that everyone has a different idea of what ‘failure’ is to them, and this is a personal understanding, rather than a generic one. While you might feel like you’ve failed because you didn’t get an A or 7, another student would be ecstatic to get a B on the same assignment. Don’t ignore a downfall, but learn how to take advantage of the experience. Use the opportunity to reflect and improve. Maybe it’s time to re-visit your schedule or scale back your workload?

Read about how to bounce back after a ‘fail’ at uni here.

100

CHAPTER 9

It’s all about attitude!Think positively and remind yourself of your abilities. Everyone gets stressed sometimes, but what’s important is that you’re conscious of your frame of mind and make sure you can manage your stress effectively. The more you tell yourself ‘I can do this’ the more you will begin to enjoy studying and look forward to each session! For more information on keeping yourself in a positive headspace, check out these 10 apps.

101

HOW TO STAY MOTIVATED

USQ students share their tips for staying motivated:

Find out more

‘It can be difficult to stay motivated when you’re juggling so much extra on top of study, but what helps me is knowing that everything I do contributes to the extension of my knowledge bank and that this knowledge will help contribute to so many fantastic opportunities in the future.’

SIMON, BACHELOR OF BUSINESS AND BACHELOR OF LAWS.

Find out more

‘Look ahead. Just see yourself in that position and it is manageable and it is achievable!’

EMILY, BACHELOR OF ARTS (LEGAL STUDIES).

Find out more

‘When you’re struggling to find the motivation to study, think of why you started’. Tony wanted ‘to improve myself and set a better example for [my kids], rather than just getting by in a job I don’t like.’

TONY, MASTER OF ENGINEERING PRACTICE (MECHANICAL ENGINEERING).

Find out more

‘I can honestly say that studying at uni has been an incredible experience and while it’s not quite over, I feel I have already come so far compared to the person I was when I started. The prospect of standing up on the stage and having my family cheering for me on graduation day is the motivation that will see me through to the completion of my degree. If you’re sitting there reading this and thinking that it’s too dangerous to do

something for the first time, embrace that fear, because I can guarantee you that studying at uni is a decision you’ll never regret!’

MITCH, BACHELOR OF COMMERCE.

102

CHAPTER 9

103

CHAPTER 10

HOW TO STAY HEALTHY WHEN YOU’RE REALLY BUSY

It’s important to remember that even though you might be taking on more work – balancing study with a career – you still need to look after yourself. Your health is important, and if you work yourself too hard without taking breaks, you are more likely to get sick or burnt out.

This chapter contains lots of tips on how to stay healthy during this busy period of your life, as well as resources to help keep you on track.

Find out more

‘Nothing ruins a well-laid plan quite like a meltdown. While it’s admirable (and often necessary) to juggle several responsibilities at once, it’s also important to make sure your health and wellbeing are on the same page as your ambition. Never underestimate the power of a nutritious meal or a good night’s sleep … or a really, really good belly laugh! Friends and family are often the best antidote for stress, and it’s important to keep your

social life alive and kicking while you conquer your study.’

ANDREA, BACHELOR OF COMMUNICATION.

104

CHAPTER 10

Our top tips for staying healthy during study

1. Eat healthily and regularlyWe all know we should eat our fruit and veg, but sometimes when we’re stressed and busy we can get into the habit of quick and easy meal solutions, rather than taking the time to cook healthy meals. Caffeine is great, but it’s no substitute for a hearty lunch, and there are downsides to consuming too much caffeine!

By planning your food for the week and cutting up ingredients for meals when you first bring them home from the shop, you won’t have to make choices every meal time and all your ingredients will be ready to go when you need them. There are lots of quick and easy recipes online, but if you want the best recipes, as voted by USQ students, we’ve got the full list right here!

For more information on how healthy eating can help you improve your lifestyle and study habits, this presentation has all the answers.

2. Get lots of sleepThis goes without saying, really, but make sure you get enough sleep every night. It might seem like a good idea to stay up late cramming for an assignment, but if you’re tired the next day, you are likely to lack motivation and focus. Being tired can also affect your performance, attitude, appearance and overall health!

© Mike Petrucci – unsplash.com

106

CHAPTER 10

3. ExerciseNobody expects you to be a professional athlete, but any form of exercise, even brisk walking, will improve your health. Exercising regularly not only keeps you fit, it offers the added bonus of endorphins, allowing you to return to study feeling energised and focused.

4. Drink lots of water Keep yourself hydrated by drinking lots of water. Keep a bottle or a glass of water beside you at your desk when you’re studying, and if you need to, set reminders on your phone or computer every hour to take a drink. If you’re someone who doesn’t like the taste of water, jazz it up with some fresh fruit, such as strawberries, lemon, orange or even mint. Water feeds oxygen to the brain, and dehydration is hugely detrimental to your concentration!

5. Take regular breaksRegular breaks not only keep you focused and motivated for study, they’re an absolute necessity for your health! During your study session, make sure you get up and stretch your legs, get some fresh air, talk to someone or sit with a pet. Try and avoid your phone or computer during breaks, and make sure you have a good stretch and are comfortable before settling in for more study.

There are various scientific theories about how long you should study at a time before taking a break. Some of these are outlined in this article, published by Buffer.

107

HOW TO STAY HEALTHY WHEN YOU’RE REALLY BUSY

6. LaughGet your giggle on during your study breaks by doing something fun, like catching up with friends or chatting on the phone. There are many health benefits of laughter, including improving sleep quality, reducing depression and anxiety, boosting your immune system and putting you in a more positive mood.

7. StandIf you’re on a deadline and don’t have time to go to the gym or for a walk, stand up and walk on the spot while you study at your computer, rather than sitting down. While this can take a little getting used to, it’s a great way to burn calories, as well as avoiding the old stiff back, sore butt situation of sitting at a desk all day!

8. RelaxIf you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, try some relaxing activities. Meditate, breathe deeply, go for a walk or listen to classical music. There are some great relaxation, meditation and mindfulness apps that can help you unwind, such as Smiling Mind. For more great apps to keep you in a positive headspace, check out this list!

© Dan Carlson – unsplash.com

109

HOW TO STAY HEALTHY WHEN YOU’RE REALLY BUSY

9. Stay positiveAccept that you can’t control everything. Even though sometimes you might fall short of expectations, actively decide to focus on the positive, and you’ll feel better for it.

10. Reach outIf you’re feeling overwhelmed, talk to someone. Whether you just need to vent to your friends about how you feel, or you need to talk to a professional, the first step is to reach out and ask for help … and the earlier, the better! Check out the Student Services website to see what services are available to you.

USQ student Kathy shares her top tips for staying healthy during study

Find out more

‘I have found Pilates has helped me develop my mental and physical strength and wellbeing, which, in turn, has helped me better manage the stress and anxiety I experience on a day to day level, but especially during exams. My only regret is that I didn’t find out about Pilates when I was younger.’

KATHY, BACHELOR OF BUSINESS.

110

CHAPTER 10

Resources to help you stay healthy during studyClick on any of the links below to find out more.

• 5 reasons physical activity helps stress management

• De-stress without leaving your desk

• Free yourself from internal distractions

• Krisi shares her tips for staying healthy during busy times

• The basics of stress

• USQ Insider: Stress eating

• Jenny: 3 easy ways to create lasting good habits

• Mind over matter: 10 apps to keep you in a positive headspace

• Ready, set, go! Register your disability with USQ (in 3 easy steps)

• USQ’s Health and Fitness Pinterest board has lots of tips for staying healthy or discover delicious but healthy recipes and snack ideas on our Brain Food board

• What is USQ counselling?

111

HOW TO STAY HEALTHY WHEN YOU’RE REALLY BUSY

ConclusionAfter reading this third and final section, you will hopefully be feeling more confident about your ability to successfully balance your career with study. You’ve heard from current and past USQ students, who have also had to make difficult decisions about their priorities and have lived to tell the tale. We hope the advice, tips, and links to other helpful resources included in this section, have helped you realise that even if sometimes the going gets tough, balancing study with work is not only something you can do, but something you can do well … and maybe even excel at!

We have all the faith in the world that you will be able to make this decision work for you.

If you ever need our help or advice, we are right here, ready and willing to support you.

112

CHAPTER 10

Want more?Click on any of the links below to find out more.

• Discover study tips and tricks to help you refocus, prioritise and stop procrastinating

• Find out how to spice up your study life

• Find out how to have the ultimate study session

• Free your study from internal distractions

• Free printable goal planner

• 10 ways ecards sum up online study

• Andrea: 5 pitfalls of study procrastination and how to quit

• Jodie: How to make your long-term goals a reality

• Krisi: How to get an assignment started when it’s just not coming to you

© Jakub Sejkora – unsplash.com

114

We hope you have found this eBook helpful. From the benefits of studying and working, the importance of exploring your options, and utilising your support network and tips on how to successfully balance all aspects of your life, this eBook was written with the intent of inspiring you to believe that it is possible to achieve each and every one of your study and career goals.

We believe in all our students, and are as heavily invested in their successes as they are (well, almost)! That’s why we work hard to make sure we can provide them with advice and tips that will help them in all they aspire to do, and are always on-hand to support them. If studying while working is something you might be interested in, but haven’t yet enrolled, you can find out more about studying at USQ here.

Additionally, if you have any feedback about this eBook, or you are a current or past USQ student wanting to share your own story, we would love to hear from you.

CONCLUSION

115

CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081Photos: USQ Media Services