Tips to juggle studies and a job

Continuing to study while working is fairly acceptable these days, and is often a ticket to professional progress. Here are some suggestions to balance studies with your professional commitments:

Pick the Right Course

Make sure your course adds to your current profile, and watch out for the travel time involved. Online courses are the best option if you just can't afford to travel to study centres. "It is possible to get a high-quality learning experience though online learning, which costs much less than classroom learning," says Shailesh Mehta, CEO, Gurukul Online Learning Solutions.

Start Early

Start the day a few hours before you generally would. This will give you the cushion to utilise your evenings for studies.

Take a Colleague Along

It always helps if you have some one to prod you on, and enrolling with a colleague might help. "Studying together gives you the pace to study as it did in college, as one tends to be lethargic after a hard day's work," says Manish Sabharwal, CEO, TeamLease.

Let the Boss Know

Prepare a calendar for your studies, and mark the important dates. You will know when you require leave for your course preparations or exams. Keep your boss and team informed. This will also allow for a back-up.

Be Sensitive

A sensitive management will accommodate employee needs. You too can show some sensitivity by attending to emergency calls. "My recruitment head has taken up a course and he needs to leave early. He compensates by keeping himself free during late evenings as he has to take care of international appointments," says Divakar Kaza, president, HR, Lupin.