Striking a balance: Juggling job, personal life, and acquiring fresh abilities
In today's fast-paced tech landscape, balancing a demanding job and acquiring new skills is a challenge many face. Here's a structured approach to help manage this balance effectively.
**Energy Management and Avoiding Burnout**
Recognising that sustained learning and work require high mental energy, it's crucial to prioritise rest and recovery. Regular breaks, adequate sleep, and activities that replenish energy, such as exercise or meditation, are essential. Setting realistic expectations is also key—balance isn't about doing everything perfectly; it's about prioritising and making messy compromises[1].
To avoid burnout, delegate and automate routine tasks where possible, and avoid getting stuck in planning or tool selection. Instead, start learning even if conditions aren't "perfect." Progress, not perfection, is the goal[1].
**Choosing the Right Learning Format**
Opt for shorter, focused lessons that fit into your schedule, such as microlearning modules or video tutorials. These are easier to integrate into a busy routine and reduce cognitive overload[3].
Use platforms that adjust content to your pace and knowledge level, making learning more efficient and relevant[3]. Mix media types to match your learning style and keep engagement high[3]. Incorporate elements of gamification (badges, leaderboards) to maintain motivation, especially when learning feels like a chore[3].
**Protecting Learning Time**
Setting boundaries is essential. Clearly define work hours and learning hours, use digital tools to block distractions, and notify others of your "do not disturb" times[2]. Batch learning sessions by dedicating specific, recurring slots for learning—early mornings, lunch breaks, or after work—and treat them as non-negotiable appointments.
Accountability measures, such as sharing your learning goals with a colleague, mentor, or online community, can increase commitment and help you stay on track[3]. Limit multitasking to focus on one task at a time, as multitasking fragments attention and reduces effectiveness[1].
**Discussing Options with Employers**
Initiate conversations with your manager about opportunities for skill development. Frame your learning goals in terms of how they benefit the organisation: increased productivity, innovation, and adaptability to industry changes[3]. Negotiate flexibility, such as flexible work hours or remote work days, to carve out dedicated learning time[4].
Many organisations offer online learning platforms, tuition reimbursement, or internal knowledge-sharing sessions. Take full advantage of these offerings[3].
**Final Thoughts**
Balancing work and learning new tech skills is about managing your energy, choosing learning formats that fit your life, fiercely protecting your learning time, and proactively seeking employer support. By adopting these strategies, you can stay competitive in a rapidly evolving tech landscape without sacrificing your well-being.
The learning institution offers flexible ways to learn new skills, including free classes, workshops, short courses, and bootcamps. Whether you're starting with a free class and gradually progressing to a short course or bootcamp, remember that balancing work and learning is about being intentional, strategic, and kind to oneself, rather than striving for superhuman abilities. Building a learning plan around rest is important, including blocking off recovery days, taking regular walks, and eating nutritious food.
[1] Fast Company (2021) How to balance work and learning new tech skills. [Online] Available at: https://www.fastcompany.com/90600863/how-to-balance-work-and-learning-new-tech-skills [Accessed 13 April 2023]
[2] Harvard Business Review (2020) How to Manage Your Energy, Not Just Your Time. [Online] Available at: https://hbr.org/2020/12/how-to-manage-your-energy-not-just-your-time [Accessed 13 April 2023]
[3] Forbes (2021) 5 Ways to Balance Work and Learning in the New Normal. [Online] Available at: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbescoachescouncil/2021/03/08/5-ways-to-balance-work-and-learning-in-the-new-normal/?sh=6273838a3260 [Accessed 13 April 2023]
[4] Inc. (2020) 5 Tips for Balancing Work and Learning. [Online] Available at: https://www.inc.com/jessica-stillman/5-tips-for-balancing-work-and-learning.html [Accessed 13 April 2023]
Incorporating education-and-self-development into a busy lifestyle can lead to personal-growth and a career change, but it's essential to manage energy effectively to avoid burnout. Adopting strategies such as energy management, choosing the right learning format, protecting learning time, and discussing options with employers can help maintain a balance between work and learning, as mentioned in the articles from Fast Company, Harvard Business Review, Forbes, and Inc.
