Graduate Study Challenges And Strategies For Success
Graduate Study Challenges and Strategies for Success
I recently made the life changing decision to return to school. Although there are many benefits to returning to school to earn a graduate degree, it is also very challenging. In response to these challenges, I have developed several strategies that I plan to use to reach my ultimate goal.
One of the biggest challenges I am facing involves role conflict. I can foresee numerous obstacles balancing work, family, school, and personal time. Evidence suggests that it is difficult “juggling the roles of student, work, and family member” (Muench, 1987, p. 10). My family is my highest priority. I am a wife, mother, daughter, aunt, and sister. My career can be very demanding. As a night shift manager, I am a full-time employee and I am also on-call at all times. Now that I am enrolled in graduate school, I must meet the demands of deadlines and assignments. On top of all these requirements, I must also find time for myself.
Another challenge will be managing my feelings. This new adventure is like an emotional roller-coaster ride. I have been faced with numerous fears, enormous bouts of anxiety, struggles with low self-confidence, moments of happiness, and periods of excitement. I sometimes experience all in one day.
The third challenge is financial. According to a survey of registered nurses by Leonard (2003), financial concerns were listed as the third major obstacle to enrolling in school (¶ 6). Graduate school can be expensive, but it is certainly worth obtaining. Since I have chosen an online program, I still have the flexibility to work. Therefore, the financial strain may not be as significant as it would have been if I had chosen a traditional program. However, school still costs money and must be a consideration.
Overcoming these challenges will not be easy, but will be possible. There are several solutions for success. My first strategy for success is to focus on time management. I...