LIBF blog Balancing full-time work and study: strategies for full-time professionals

Whether you're planning a career switch, crafting ideas for a future start-up, or just hoping to develop the skills employers are looking for, we're here to tell you that it's all within your reach - full-time job or not.

Recent reports, such as the 2021 Adult Participation in Learning Survey, indicate you're not alone on this journey. Over a third (34%) of UK reported that they were looking to change jobs or careers in the next two years. The real surprise? A staggering 69% of respondents said they would need to develop their skills to navigate a career transition.

These figures highlight how balancing work and study is an increasingly common route for anyone who's ever dreamt "what if". Ready to understand how to keep your professional and educational commitments aligned? Read on for practical strategies to make your path to personal progress a reality while fitting learning around life.

Telling your manager about your plans to study part-time can be a great way to show that you’re serious about your professional development while ensuring your study time outside of work is respected.

Being transparent from the start could also lead to some added flexibility when you need it, such as shifting your working hours to make space for an important exam or deadline. They might even support you by offering advice or putting you in touch with other employees who are studying while working.

A well-organised schedule is crucial to maintaining a healthy balance between your study and work commitments. It enables you to allocate specific time slots for studying without compromising the time you need for work and personal activities. A good schedule should have a clear structure outlining the time you dedicate to work, studying, and leisure activities. You can experiment with different plans to identify what works best for you and then stick to it. Consistency is key to achieving a good balance, so follow your schedule as closely as possible.

With a well-planned schedule, you can effectively manage your time and achieve your academic and professional goals while maintaining a fulfilling personal life.

One of the advantages of studying while working is having the opportunity to apply your learning in real workplace situations. As you acquire new knowledge or skills, try using them in your job. It will help you retain information and reinforce your studies.

Even if you’re studying a topic in preparation for a career switch, your course should provide you with valuable soft skills, such as analytical thinking, problem-solving or leadership. You can practice these skills in any role, building your confidence ready for that next step.

As a student, it's important to know that there is always help available when you need it, and that you can reach out to your student support services for help with your studies or managing your workload. A good degree provider will always have support staff and resources available to help you succeed.

At LIBF, you can access advice anytime, from any where. our Study Coaches are experts in advising you on your learning strategies, time management and motivation. And you can contact them at any time to book a call with one of the team.

The right digital tools can make your studies more efficient and less overwhelming – especially if you're balancing work and study. Tools like Office Calendar or Trello can help you manage your time and prioritise your academic and professional tasks. And productivity apps can further help you plan your studies and keep track of deadlines to ensure timely completion.

But it doesn’t just stop at scheduling. There are advanced note-taking apps like Evernote or OneNote that can transform the way you compile, organise and access your academic content. From saving course readings and lecture notes to compiling research materials or brainstorming assignment ideas, these apps ensure your study resources are neatly organised, easy to locate and simple to revise.