Suzie Key Tima

Welcome to my world, where I’ve embarked on a wild journey to conquer two formidable beasts simultaneously: a full-time job and a master’s degree. Some call it insanity; I call it a thrilling balancing act. Today, I’ll spill the beans on my secret sauce for managing time, all while keeping my sanity intact (kind of).

1. The Grandmaster Planner

If you’re diving into the double-duty world like me, you’ve got to be a Grandmaster Planner. My life revolves around calendars, to-do lists, and sticky notes. It’s like a personal game of Tetris, fitting tasks into every available slot.

Pro Tip: Using online tools like Google Calendar or Trello can help you keep track of deadlines and appointments efficiently.

I use three main calendar tools to help me manage everything.
– Google calendar: for all my scheduled events and planned class times
– Todoist: for all my repeated tasks that are not necessarily timed
– Sticky Notes List: for random things that pop up during the day and for work related tasks

2. The Art of Time Bending

Ever wished you could bend time like Doctor Strange? Me too. But since I don’t have a mystical amulet, I’ve mastered the art of time bending instead. Commute time? Study time. Lunch break? Study time. While waiting for dinner to cook? Study time. You get the idea. It’s all about squeezing in those precious minutes wherever you can.

Pro Tip: Finding ways to optimize your schedule and make the most of every moment can significantly improve your productivity.

3. The Art of Saying No

One thing I’ve learned on this wild ride is the importance of saying no. No to that extra social event, no to that Netflix binge, and no to anything that doesn’t bring you closer to your goals. It’s a tough lesson, but necessary when you’re managing a full-time job and a master’s degree.

Pro Tip: Setting boundaries and prioritizing your commitments is crucial for maintaining a work-life-study balance.

I am currently going through a process of ruthless elimination. I’m taking a step back from everything that isn’t a necessity or a previous commitment for the next 1-2 years. It started with Jiu-Jutsu which I love, but it doesn’t fit my schedule right now. Over the next few months, my D-Group will end 😦 which will free my Friday nights. I also plan on stepping down from teaching 2024-2025 to finish my master’s degree strong. Those are big ticket items, but I’m also cutting back on social events especially around important dealines.

4. Embracing the Chaos

In this topsy-turvy journey, you’ve got to learn to embrace the chaos. There will be days when you’re running on fumes, and your brain feels like mush. But remember, it’s all part of the adventure. Laugh at the absurdity of it all, and you’ll find the strength to keep going.

Pro Tip: Embracing challenges and maintaining a positive attitude can help you overcome obstacles and achieve your goals.

5. The Power of Support

Last but not least, I couldn’t do this crazy balancing act without the support of my friends, family, and colleagues. They’re my cheerleaders, my motivation, and my sanity keepers. Don’t hesitate to lean on your support network when you need it.

Pro Tip: Building a support network can provide you with the emotional and practical support you need to succeed in your dual pursuits.

Balancing a full-time job and a master’s degree is no small feat, but with heaps of planning and a whole lot of determination, you can conquer the world, one task at a time.