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3 Lessons from a Single Mom on Balancing Family, School and Work
Oct 4, 2018

The thought of going back to college can be overwhelming by itself. Then throw in your job, or multiple jobs, your family, your kids, your pets – it’s a lot to keep track of.
Here are three lessons I’ve learned while balancing school, two jobs and three kids:
1. Get into a routine and stick to it
My life can sometimes feel like a crazy mess with too many things to take care of in a short amount of time. I’ve learned that you have to have a routine to keep things in order, and I dedicate certain days for certain tasks and activities. For example, Saturdays are my family day, when I do something special with my kids.
I’ve also mastered the art of multitasking, which makes it possible for me to stick to my routine. I work five or six days a week, but I am home with my kids every night. As the kids are eating, I am in the kitchen engaging with the children, but I might also be doing dishes or packing lunches. We might have a family movie night, but I’m working on my homework while I watch.
2. Do not procrastinate
Another lesson I’ve learned is not to procrastinate. I have been guilty of this a few times and turned in assignments late. I would have gotten full credit if I had just turned them in on time. This is not a life skill that just happens – I really had to train myself to work ahead and prioritize.
3. Save some time for yourself
The third lesson I have learned is you just have to take a “cheat” day to relax and enjoy the day. On my cheat days, I go to the zoo or to the beach with my children. Your mind needs a break to be able to focus better – at least my mind does.
It took me almost eight years to get my associates degree from a local college in my area because I did not learn these lessons. When I enrolled at Herzing University, I kept telling myself that I had to be better than I was when I was earning my associates degree. So far, I’ve been successful in sticking to my routine and not procrastinating, while still finding time for myself here and there. Hopefully these tips can help you as well!
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BLS pay estimates calculate the median annual wage for various occupations. Per the BLS the median wage for an occupation is: "The wage at which half of the workers in the occupation earned more than that amount, and half earned less. Median wage data are from the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics survey." Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook 2024. BLS median wage estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geographic market in which you want to work, and degree level and field, will affect career outcomes, including starting salary and earnings as an experienced employee. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the median salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, particular wage or salary, or other career growth.
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