AIU Online CareerPointers Time is the most precious element of human existence. The successful person knows how to put energy into time and how to draw success from time. --Denis Waitley
HOMEADMISSIONS & FINANCIAL AIDDEGREE PROGRAMSVIRTUAL CAMPUSCONTACT USCLICK TO TALK January + February 2006, Issue 34
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Career Services CornerQ.  How do I find the time to search for a new career opportunity between my job, school, and family commitments?

A.  That is a great question! Looking for a new job opportunity can be a full-time job in itself, not to mention work, school, and family and friends thrown into the mix. A well-organized time management plan is going to be very important for you to balance everything.

It is going to be necessary for you to keep a schedule and a "to do" list of everything you have going on so that you don't miss a step. Block off specific time each week where you can conduct your job search and other time for you to study and work on assignments, to ensure both get adequate time. Think realistically about how long you are able to study before you become restless and schedule breaks for yourself, so that time isn't wasted. Also, ask for support from your family and friends. Knowing that they are behind your decisions can help motivate you and relieve that stress.

It may also be a good idea to think of alternative study locations that are free from distractions. That way you will be able to complete your task and move on to the next item. Being interrupted can really break up time and make it difficult to finish your work. Any extra time you have to spare, send an extra résumé to a job opening, or review those study notes again. Utilize your lunch hours, commute home (if using public transportation), extra time in the morning, or before you go to bed. It is a lot easier to turn on the television; however that will not lead you to your ultimate goal of graduating and finding a new opportunity. The more you do now, the more time you will have to relax later.

Finally, and most importantly, don't procrastinate! With so many things going on in your life, it will be easy to get behind. You need to commit to your goals and see them through. Family and work will normally be priorities, but eventually once you graduate and find a new opportunity, that will alleviate some time commitments. Just remember not to give up! With proper organization and time management you can achieve all of these commitments.

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