Returning to Study After a Long Break: What to Expect and How to Prepare
You’re Not the Only One If it’s been years – or even decades – since you last studied, you’re not
Balancing Study with Work, Family or Other Commitments
You’re Juggling a Lot - And That’s Okay
Many of our students at Asset College aren’t studying full-time. They’re working jobs, raising families, managing health, supporting others – and somehow making time to complete a course.
If that’s you, know this: you’re not doing it wrong. You’re doing something challenging, and it’s normal to feel stretched. This article is here to help you find your rhythm, protect your time, and reduce the stress of trying to do everything at once.
The Myth of “Balance”
Let’s be honest – most of the time, balance isn’t a perfect 50/50 split. Some days your course gets the focus. Other days, life takes over. That’s okay.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s intentional planning – so that your study doesn’t constantly come last, and you can manage the other parts of your life without feeling like you’re failing.
The goal isn’t perfection. It’s intentional planning – so that your study doesn’t constantly come last, and you can manage the other parts of your life without feeling like you’re failing.
Step 1: Know Your Commitments
Start by making a clear list of what you’re managing:
- Work schedule
- Family responsibilities
- Appointments or health needs
- Travel time
- Study hours required for your course
Seeing it all written down helps you identify pressure points and set realistic expectations.
Step 2: Set Realistic Study Goals
Ask yourself:
- When do I have the most energy or focus?
- Where can I realistically fit study time into my week?
- What am I willing to say “no” to during this course?
Then:
- Block out specific study times in your calendar
- Plan short sessions if long ones aren’t possible
- Plan short sessions if long ones aren’t possible
- Let others know those study blocks are important
Step 3: Communicate With Your Circle
You don’t need to do this alone. Let your employer, family, or housemates know:
- When you’ll be studying
- What support you might need (quiet time, fewer interruptions, schedule flexibility)
- How long the course runs and what’s involved
People can’t support you if they don’t understand what you’re trying to do.
Step 4: Use the Support We Offer
If your schedule becomes overwhelming, talk to us. We may be able to:
- Help you reschedule an assessment
- Offer flexibility in how you complete some tasks
- Suggest study strategies for your situation
But we can only help if we know what’s going on – so don’t wait until you’re weeks behind and stressed. Reach out early.
Step 5: Give Yourself Permission to Let Go
You might not cook from scratch every night while studying. You might miss a few social events. Your house might not look perfect.
That’s not failure – that’s prioritisation.
Studying is temporary. The long-term reward is worth a few short-term adjustments.
That’s not failure – that’s prioritisation.
Studying is temporary. The long-term reward is worth a few short-term adjustments.
Quick Tips to Stay On Track
- Use timers to stay focused during short study blocks
- Keep your study space tidy and ready to go
- Break tasks into smaller chunks
- Study while commuting (if safe) or during kids’ nap times
- Review content on your phone when waiting in queues or on breaks
- Celebrate small wins - finishing a module, submitting an assessment, sticking to your plan for a week
Making It Work, One Step at a Time
Balancing study with life is never easy – but it is possible. You don’t need to be a superhero. You just need a plan, support, and a commitment to show up for yourself, even in small ways.
Asset College is here to support your journey – but you bring the determination. Every hour you invest, every challenge you overcome, brings you closer to your goal.
Asset College is here to support your journey – but you bring the determination. Every hour you invest, every challenge you overcome, brings you closer to your goal.
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