Higher Education

Juggling Career,
Family, Education

 

Finding the time to do it all - career, family, continue
education? Having trouble jugging? Some problems in this area that people
face are very similar to those of the beginning juggler. According to The
Instant Jugglers' Manual, (c)1993 Infinite Illusions/Lofty Pursuits, four common
problems are handling two areas of focus at the same time, moving forward while
you try to juggle instead of standing still, not being able to juggle in a third
area of focus, and keeping all three areas from bumping into each other or
overlapping. So let�s take a look at some solutions to these problems.



Two at Once



To juggle two objects, you first toss one into the air to about eye level, then
toss number two. The same with life. Pick any two areas of focus, and only try
to tackle one at a time to establish goals and a system for it in your life.
Then work in the second area. And just as juggling wouldn�t work if the wrist
puts too much or too little force into the toss, causing one or both objects to
go too high or too low, the same can happen in life. If established goals are
too high or low, not compatible with one another and your lifestyle, that
juggling act doesn�t stand much chance.



For instance, if fictitious person, John Wentworth, wants to complete a doctoral
program, yet only earns minimum wage, he may need financial assistance with
his continued education to balance the act. Otherwise, John could have to work
over time and take on a second job to fill gaps and pay bills. He may miss out
on valuable family time with his wife and young son and become stressed out and
exhausted. Not to mention his grades could take a dive! Student
loans, grants
and work-study could be some possible solutions in this case.



Where is juggling help? Instead of The Instant Jugglers' Manual, there are many
resources available to help with juggling career, family and education. Local
colleges are a good place to start.



Not Being Able To Juggle In A Third



Ready to add a third factor into the equation? Concentrate on throwing ball
number #3 and do not even try to catch ball #2, advises The Instant Jugglers'
Manual. Or once you have two areas of focus pretty much underway, say your
career and family, add the third � education.



Get help planning your education into the mix with resources. Head to your
local educational center or public libraries for help. Don�t get left
dropping � or not juggling � the ball!