Going Back to School as a Full-Time Professional: A Balancing Act
Are you thinking about going back to school while working full-time? Whether you're pursuing a degree, certification, or simply gaining new skills, balancing work and school can feel overwhelming. I understand how challenging this can be—this fall, I’ll be diving into my PsyD program while continuing to run my private practice. It sounds like a lot, but with the right strategies in place, I know I can make it work. And I’m confident you can too.
1. Time Management: The Key to Everything
If there’s one thing I’ll need to master, it’s time management. Right now, I balance a part-time job at an agency, while also running a thriving private practice. By July, I’ll be transitioning to full-time private practice, which will give me more flexibility in my schedule to accommodate school. But even with the added flexibility, time will still be tight.
Managing multiple priorities means carving out time in the evenings and weekends for studying, completing assignments, and reading. Whether I’m reviewing coursework after therapy sessions or setting aside study time on weekends, creating a detailed schedule will be crucial in making sure I stay on track and avoid burnout. If you're struggling with balancing work, school, and personal life, this is a practice I recommend to all my clients—whether you’re focusing on academic goals or other big changes in your life.
2. The Importance of Setting Boundaries
As a full-time professional and student, setting boundaries will be essential. When you have multiple responsibilities, it’s easy for work and study time to blend together. To avoid this, I’ll set clear boundaries to protect my personal time. For example, I’ll resist the temptation to work on assignments during downtime with my partner. Those small moments of connection will be key in keeping my mental health in check and preventing burnout.
This is also an important lesson for clients I work with in my private practice—especially those experiencing anxiety, trauma, or work-life balance struggles. Establishing healthy boundaries is crucial for well-being and stress management. And once I transition to full-time private practice, I’ll have to continue being intentional with my schedule to maintain a balanced lifestyle.
3. Financial Planning is Your Friend
Going back to school while managing a career also requires financial planning. Tuition, textbooks, and other school-related expenses can add up quickly. Thankfully, I have a stable income from my private practice, which will help cover day-to-day expenses. I’ll need to carefully manage my finances to avoid unnecessary stress and keep my long-term goals in mind.
As my practice grows, I’ll also adjust my budget to accommodate changes in income and ensure I’m financially prepared for the future. Financial planning is something I talk to clients about often, particularly those who are juggling multiple priorities. Whether you’re in school or transitioning to a new career path, taking control of your finances will help you focus on the bigger picture.
4. Stay True to Your Goals
One of the biggest reasons I’m pursuing my PsyD is to deepen my expertise in trauma, assessment, and neurodivergence. I’m especially excited about the opportunity to focus on ADHD and autism assessments for teens and adults. The more I learn in my program, the better I’ll be able to serve my clients. I’m also looking forward to diving deeper into research, contributing to the field of psychology, and offering better services in my private practice.
For anyone balancing school and work, staying true to your long-term goals is essential for motivation. It’s easy to get distracted or discouraged, but remembering why you started in the first place can help you stay on track. If you’re struggling to align your goals with your current life demands, this is an area where therapy can really help. Whether it's working through trauma, anxiety, or simply feeling overwhelmed by all of life’s demands, I’m here to support you.
5. Don’t Forget to Celebrate the Wins
As I move through this journey, I’ll be sure to celebrate the milestones—whether it's completing a challenging assignment, reaching an academic goal, or simply taking time to recharge. It's easy to get caught up in the grind, but pausing to celebrate your progress is key to maintaining motivation and mental health.
So, if you’re considering going back to school while working full-time, don’t let the challenges discourage you. With careful planning, setting boundaries, and staying focused on your long-term goals, you can thrive in both your professional and academic life.
If you're looking for support to balance your work, school, and personal life, don't hesitate to reach out. I offer therapy services tailored to individuals navigating stress, career changes, academic goals, and more. Schedule a consultation with me today, and let’s work together to help you find the balance you need to succeed!
