How to balance work and studies

Nhlengethwa suggests the following strategies to achieve work and study success:

• Set aside study time daily to tackle the workload in bite-sized chunks and reduce pressure.
• Try studying in the early morning when your mind is fresh and there are fewer distractions.
• Begin tasks and assignments early in order to keep on top of the workload.
• Take advantage of technology to enhance your learning experience.
• Say no to unimportant activities and avoid procrastination.
• Get sufficient sleep, exercise and nourishment to ensure optimal performance. 
• Stay committed and inspired by viewing challenges as growth opportunities.

Sam Paddock, co-founder of digital education company GetSmarter, suggests that you schedule a monthly review of how you performed relative to your work plan (GetSmarter partners with leading universities to deliver short online courses). ‘This will help optimise your time and you’ll complete your studies with new capabilities in prioritisation and planning,’ he says.

THE BENEFITS OF BETTERING YOURSELF
There are a number of benefits of upskilling yourself, says Paddock, including:

• Improved skills to do your job better.
• Greater potential for promotion, better pay and benefits.Increased respect from colleagues and friends 
• A chance to be more competitive in an increasingly demanding workplace. 
• An opportunity to reach your full potential.
• Strengthened self-esteem.

‘Upskilling yourself is one of the best investments you can make,’ says Nhlengethwa. ‘Educating yourself sets you apart, better positions you in the workplace and helps unlock career advancement opportunities, while building your knowledge stimulates your thinking skills and gives you a competitive advantage.’