Stress
Working and going to school can cause tremendous stress, particullary when work adds more to an already overloaded plate.
I my case while working and going to school my stress caused a week long stay in the hospital and a permanent lifestyle change. I didn't quit school, but it I came very close.
Good points, but what do you tell the student who must continue working to support his/her family?
I believe that one must take a look at themselves before they are ready to enter a new setting (i.e. academic). If it seems that it may be too much at that time, it may be better to wait until the time is available to avoid stress. This happened to me when I was a student in my Master's Degree. I realized that I needed to focus on school at that time since it was what would help me in the future. I tell my students this story and remind them that which is more important in their life. Although work is very important (no one doubts that), an education will likely help them even more in the future.
If you are fortunate enough to have a support team that is willing and able to take on more responsibilities for you while you are going to school full time, maybe cutting your hours to part time would be beneficial to avoid as much stress. I know this is not always able to happen, but you never know till you ask for help, either.
I agree. It's very important that people have the balance in their life that school creates. It's not always the best idea to remove vital things from your plate. You definitely to forge ahead and realize your goals and how to accomplish them.
Do you relate some of the mechanisms that you used to your students? It would seem that they could benefit from your insights and experience.
I understand were my student are coming from. I have always worked while attending school as well as be a mother and wife to my family. We all need to find our own coping mechanisms for stress.
Not everyone has the motivation and discipline that you describe, Shawnie. For many, failure as we might view it is just a part of life because of limited resources or skills. Thinking things through and planning are higher order skills that hopefully they will be exposed to and taught as part of their education.
I think quitting would have only enhanced your stress in the long run as you would have been aggravated with your lack of discipline within yourself. To quit is to be defeated and the only way to balance stress is to stay strong. Think things through and look at the picture outside of the box. Figure out ahead of time what you need to do to get to where you want to be and don't deviate from the plan.
Finding the proper balance is very challenging - both for the student but also for faculty who must assure that their students are learning the skills of their trade without overwhelming them.
How has your personal experience as a student helped you find the balance point?
