That’s an excellent goal! Continuing your education while working remotely is very achievable with the right strategy. The flexibility of remote work can be a huge advantage.
Here are some tips and resources to help you balance both successfully:
1. Master Your Time and Create a Structure
- Create a Realistic Schedule: Don’t just hope you’ll find time. Block out specific, dedicated hours for studying in your calendar, just like you would for a work meeting. Be honest about when you’re most productive.
- Separate Your Spaces: If possible, have a different physical space for studying versus working. Even just moving from your desk to a different chair can help your brain switch modes.
- Use Time Management Techniques: Try methods like the Pomodoro Technique (working in focused 25-minute intervals with short breaks) to stay on task and avoid burnout.
- Leverage “Micro-Learning”: Use small pockets of downtime. A 15-minute coffee break or your former commute time can be perfect for reviewing notes, watching a short lecture video, or doing a quick lesson on an app.
2. Find the Right Program or Platform
There are many high-quality online learning platforms designed for working professionals. Here are some of the best:
- Coursera: Partners with top universities (like Yale, Duke) and companies (like Google, IBM) to offer individual courses, professional certificates, and even full online degrees. Great for academic rigor and recognized credentials.
- edX: Founded by Harvard and MIT, it offers similar university-level courses and programs across a wide range of subjects. Many courses can be audited for free.
- LinkedIn Learning: Excellent for practical, professional skills. Courses are taught by industry experts, and you get a certificate you can add directly to your LinkedIn profile. It’s a subscription-based service.
- Udemy: A massive marketplace with courses on almost any topic imaginable, often at very affordable prices (especially during sales). Quality can vary, so be sure to check reviews and ratings.
3. Communicate and Set Expectations
- With Your Employer: Let your manager know you’re pursuing further education. Many employers are supportive and may even offer flexible hours or tuition assistance.
- With Your Family/Friends: Let your support system know when your dedicated study times are so they can help minimize distractions.
4. Stay Motivated
- Keep Your “Why” in Mind: Remind yourself why you started this journey—whether it’s for a promotion, a career change, or personal growth.
- Reward Yourself: Celebrate small wins! Finishing a tough chapter or submitting a big assignment is worth acknowledging with a break or a small treat.
- Find a Community: Connect with other students in your online courses. Having a study partner or just someone to discuss concepts with can make a huge difference in staying engaged.