Balancing Life and Online MBA Studies

Online MBA students typically seek to complete their degree while working full-time. That means they must find a way to make their work, home, and school lives all fit together.

This requires thoughtful planning and self-discipline. Students also need a solid support system to understand their long-term goal of earning an MBA.

Flexibility

One of the most significant benefits of pursuing MBA courses online is the flexibility to learn at your own pace. However, juggling schoolwork with work and other responsibilities can still be challenging.

To help make your schedule as effective as possible, it’s essential to find a study place that is quiet and free of distractions. This can be a room in your home, a local library, or a coffee shop. Invest in upfront planning to identify the hours needed for coursework, readings, assignments, and meetings with advisors and classmates.

If you’re a full-time working professional, consider alerting your supervisors to the additional demands of your MBA program and asking for support in meeting those obligations. Some employers are open to flexible arrangements that can accommodate the unique needs of their employees while making it possible to earn an MBA simultaneously. This arrangement can be the key to reaching your academic goals while continuing to thrive in your career.

Time Management

Online MBA students at La Salle University must manage work responsibilities, family life, and academic pursuits. Effective time management strategies and a supportive network can help maintain this balance.

One strategy is scheduling study time in advance, such as setting aside a weekly block for class readings and studying. This approach can have significant positive effects, such as improving comprehension and retention of course material.

Another essential strategy is establishing a dedicated study place free from distractions. This can be a designated room in your home or a quiet public location like a library or coffee shop. Ideal study locations typically have low noise levels and are comfortable, organized, and inviting.

Whether through an app or a traditional calendar, creating a schedule that includes work and school commitments is essential. It’s also helpful to mark tasks off a list as they are completed. This can provide a strong sense of achievement and boost your productivity.

Prioritizing

While the flexibility of Online MBA programs allows students to fit coursework around their professional and personal responsibilities, the workload can be intense. To succeed, students need to plan strategically and prioritize their work.

One of the best ways to manage a demanding schedule is to use a calendar or planner to record your commitments. Whether you prefer an electronic version or an old-fashioned paper agenda, it is essential to have some way of recording all of your obligations, including schoolwork, classes, and family activities. For example, some students find it helpful to use an app that allows families to coordinate their events in one place, see a day’s schedule at a glance, and even color code events.

It is also essential to communicate with family and friends about your MBA studies so that they understand the demands and expectations. This may include asking for help with household chores or scheduling “date nights” to encourage study consistency and engagement.

Self-Discipline

Developing self-discipline is essential when balancing work, family, and other commitments with graduate-level education. You’ll need to be disciplined in many areas, including time management, money management, and emotion regulation.

Adding hundreds of hours a year of studying and assignment writing to your life can feel daunting. However, it is possible with the proper planning and commitment. Define your academic and career objectives, then create a well-organized daily or weekly schedule. Allocate specific time slots to MBA studies, and stick with this plan as much as possible.

You can also improve your ability to motivate yourself by taking small, easily doable actions with a clear outcome. For example, organize one room at a time rather than tackling a tax return or decluttering your home. Then, gradually expand your efforts as you grow in confidence and discipline. The result will be you’ll reach your goals with less stress and more success.