Time Management Skills for Adult Learners: 6 Recommendations

Bravo to you for considering a return to school as an adult. You probably know it won’t be a cakewalk, but you also know that earning a degree or certification beyond a high school diploma can be life-changing. Time management skills will be crucial to helping you manage your responsibilities at home, work, and now in the classroom. To help you stay on track, we’ve assembled the following six recommendations.

1. Commit to crossing the stage. Go into your education journey fully committed to finishing. A half-hearted attitude like “I’ll give it a try” or “Maybe I’ll be able to do this” isn’t enough. It takes enthusiasm and commitment to get through the rough spots and cross the stage at graduation.

Before enrolling, write down your commitment to yourself. Admit it, it won’t be easy, but promise yourself that you’ll remain dedicated to finishing. Picture yourself in that new career you’ve always dreamed of and keep that picture in your mind if you ever start to doubt.

2. Assemble your team. The phrase “it takes a village” applies to any adult wishing to return to school while balancing work and family. Who do you know that will provide support when needed? Do you have family members who can help with transportation? Who might be willing to get your child to and from soccer practice or take your kids to the library so you can get a school project completed? Would someone be willing to prepare your family’s dinner from time to time?

Extended family members, neighbors, and other parents may willingly lend a hand to help you achieve your goal. Retirees are often looking for meaningful ways to fill their time. Before your education journey begins, assemble a team that agrees to provide support.

3. Schedule your time. There’s no doubt that juggling work, school, and family will be a challenge sometimes. “That’s why it’s important to establish a schedule,” stresses David Hesson, Director of Programs for The Chatfield Edge. “Block off Thursday afternoons from 2-4 p.m. and treat it like a real obligation. Or commit to studying every Saturday morning until noon. If instead you tell yourself you’ll tackle schoolwork in your free time, it may never happen.”

David recommends using a planner on your phone. “Input your classes, study times, and other work and family obligations, and stick to the schedule. Look ahead to bigger projects, too. Your normal schedule may allow time for math homework, but what about that 8-page paper due in three weeks? You need to schedule time on your calendar to get that written.” Be realistic. David adds, “If you know you can’t write the paper in one sitting, look for slots of free time that will add up to a completed project.”

“Using your in-between time wisely can make a huge difference,” says David. “If one class ends at 11 a.m. and the next doesn’t start until 1:30 p.m., don’t leave and come back,” he says. “Head to the library and hammer it out!”

Good time management skills can mean the difference between graduating and dropping out. Putting together a solid schedule and sticking to it is crucial to success.

4. Don’t expect perfection. Sure, you’d like a 4.0 GPA, a boss who is absolutely delighted with your performance, and a family who greets you at the door with hugs, then leads you to the dinner table where they enchant you with their stories of accomplishment. But that’s what some people refer to as “la-la land.”=

Maybe your path to graduation will be a breeze. But likely it won’t. Expecting everything to work out perfectly and every person in your life to be happy at all times is setting yourself up for disappointment. Your graduation path is likely to include lots of ups and downs. Expect them. But know that with the support of others, you can work through challenges. Do the best you can, and don’t give up. Your dream of graduating is within your reach.

5. Say no to procrastination. It’s normal to procrastinate now and then. But repeatedly putting off schoolwork or skipping classes or work will never get you to the finish line and that life-changing career you dream of. If you find yourself tempted to ignore what’s essential, sharpening your time management skills may be all it takes to get back on track. 

Many schools have mentors or counselors to help students through rough spots. They may tell you about resources on campus that you didn’t even know existed. They’re experienced with juggling school, work, and family obligations. Tap into these school resources when you need help.

If you need flexibility, ask your boss for an adjusted schedule. And ask your support team (the one we recommended in #1 above) for advice. Procrastination is often a sign that you’re overwhelmed. There are people in your life who can provide support. Ask them.

6. Take care of yourself. Eating right, exercising, and getting a good night’s sleep will make juggling a busy schedule much easier.

A solid night’s sleep means you’ll wake up recharged and ready for the day. Resist the urge to spend precious minutes scrolling your phone or in front of the TV. Aim for lights out at the same time every night to establish a healthy sleep routine.

Eating healthy foods and exercising regularly are essential to a sharp body and mind. Family walks or time at the park, gym, or pool keeps the blood pumping and the body ready for a good night’s sleep. Meals and snacks that include lots of fruits, vegetables, and water to drink (instead of sugary sodas) will keep your energy high and improve your ability to focus.

Returning to school is a significant undertaking, but success is within reach with dedication and the right strategies. Mastering time management is paramount for adult learners, as they must balance multiple responsibilities. By committing fully, building a support network, scheduling effectively, managing expectations, fighting procrastination, and prioritizing self-care, you can navigate the challenges and confidently stride across that graduation stage. We’re all cheering you on!