how do you balance work and school?

[LookForward]

Im starting grad school part time this fall while working full time. I was wondering how you keep your "life's balance" amidst two types of pressures.

On my days off, I like to paint...and I was wondering if I can still enroll in a once a week art class on top of these..I am also living on my own, which means I basically do all the chores at home....

So I am curious how you manage your time, and is it still possible to have a 'life' with work and grad school...

Thanks!

[LisalaRN99, BSN, RN]

I think that it all depends on what you feel is important to you. I, too, am on my own. I work 3 12 hr shifts/wk and graduated with my BSN this past June. I am starting grad school in a few weeks. I have a housekeeper come in twice a month. This is a big help. Since I attended an online school, and will for my MSN, I did not have to factor dressing, grooming, travel time and time sitting in a lecture into my weekly schedule. I study a few hours before and after work. My days off are generally spent studying, writing papers, grocery shopping, and visiting with friends and family a few times a month. I talk on the phone or text more frequently. There's the occasional movie, lunch or dinner out. I get a mani/pedi once a month and have a hairdresser color my hair. These self-care things are my solace. At some point in grad school I will have to do a practicum, so there goes how ever many days/week that will take. So really look at what you have to do, and then go accordingly. Remember, don't overload yourself. School is time-limited. You will have the rest of your life for hobbies. Good luck!

[lmccrn62, MSN, RN]

I worked full time 5 day work week and took 1-2 classes a semester. It was hard balancing but had to decide what I wanted. If i had a lot going on i would take a semester off. the down side to that is it just extends the agony. At times the dust was thick but today I have my degree and wouldn't change a thing.