How to manage time for study when you are a working person

It can be difficult to study while working a full-time job. Online learning is a great option for busy professionals, but you must still manage your time effectively if you want it to work for you.

We've all heard the expression "fail to plan, plan to fail," and while it's almost cliche now, the sentiment remains true. A good plan will be essential to your success in studying while working full-time. Consult your course syllabus at the start of each semester to make a list of your assignments and the due dates for papers. Maintain a general calendar – Google Calendar is a dependable and free option – where you can see all of your important dates at a glance and request notifications of approaching deadlines.

We understand that studying while working can be difficult, but having all of your key dates entered from the start will make it less likely that you will lose track of important deadlines.

Your employers can have a significant impact on how smoothly your online learning goes. It's a good idea to inform them of your study plans right away; many employers will want to know that your studies will not interfere with your day job. Being open and honest with your employer may also make it easier to arrange time off for study days' or to complete an assignment. When deadlines approach, you may even be able to negotiate a study-friendly schedule. Rory Cawley, the Principal Implementation Consultant at Qualtrics, told the Silicon Republic that when he was studying for his Master's, his employers helped him find ways to incorporate his studies into his job, including working on research.

Everyone is unique and will have a preferred time and location for studying. You'll need a location where you can be most productive and not easily distracted. Set up your study area; have everything you need nearby so you don't waste time looking for your notes or a pen. Disconnect from all distractions, including your phone, tablet, email, and social media. Researchers at the University of California, Irvine discovered that when people are interrupted, it takes them 25 minutes, if they return at all, to their original task.

Your comfort zone is where you can fully concentrate on your studies. Some people will find that their comfort zone is within the confines of the office – you  may be able to work out an arrangement with your boss that allows you to study at your desk after hours – while others will work better from home, a library, a quiet café, or a hotel lobby. Stick to it once you've found the space and time that works for you. Your brain will recognize that this is your study time and study location, and you will be able to switch into this mode more quickly as time passes.