If you are thinking, “I want to go back to school,” you’re probably also wondering the same thing many University of Massachusetts Global students once did: Is it even possible to add classes and homework to everything I’m already juggling? Between working, parenting, and/or caregiving, plus the rest of life’s responsibilities, the idea of going back to school can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. You might worry about school life balance, burning out, letting someone down, or investing time and money into something you are not sure you can sustain.
You are not alone in those concerns — but they do not have to be a reason to not pursue education. UMass Global is built specifically for working adults, and many of our students have been exactly where you are now, trying to figure out how to balance school and work without dropping the ball on everything else.
When we asked our community, “What helped you MOST to juggle work, school, family, and other responsibilities?” one theme stood out clearly.
70% of respondents pointed to flexible or self-paced classes as the single biggest factor that made it possible to keep moving forward in their program. For busy adults learning how to balance work and study, being able to choose when to log in, watch lectures, and complete assignments often makes the difference between staying on track and falling behind when life gets unpredictable.
14% of students also highlighted the importance of support from family, friends, and employers. Knowing that the people around you understand your goals and are willing to help with schedules, childcare, or encouragement can ease the pressure and create space for school. Others pointed to supportive, caring faculty and clear plans from advisors as key ingredients (8% selected supportive faculty and 8% chose a clear plan from an advisor). The students made it clear that having someone in your corner at the university can be just as powerful as support at home.
If you work full-time, manage a household, or care for others, your schedule may not look like a traditional college calendar, where school is your main focus, and that is exactly why flexibility is so important for school life balance.
Flexible online and self-paced formats allow you to fit school around irregular work shifts, overtime, or changing caregiving demands instead of trying to fit your life around fixed class times. At UMass Global, online coursework is intentionally designed for busy adults, with multiple ways to learn and options that let you progress at a pace that makes sense for you. That might mean logging in after the kids go to bed, using a lunch break to participate in a discussion, or dedicating a weekend morning to projects — realistic approaches to balancing work and school without stepping back from your responsibilities.
When you have a learning format that fits your life, you are more likely to stay consistent, even when work gets hectic or family needs suddenly increase. If you are not sure how to go back to school as an adult or which format is right for you, UMass Global offers resources to help you explore your learning preferences and find a path that matches your needs.
Time management is not just about color-coding a planner. It is about having systems and supports that make it possible to keep going when your schedule changes or energy dips.
We also asked students, “Which UMass Global resource has the biggest impact on your time management?” and again saw clear patterns in their answers.
Students frequently pointed to easy-to-use online classes as having the biggest impact on their ability to stay organized and on track—74% chose this as the top resource. When your courses have a consistent structure, simple navigation, and clear weekly expectations, you don’t have to waste time figuring out where things are or what’s due. UMass Global designs online coursework with busy adults in mind so you can focus your energy on learning, not on wrestling with technology — critical for time management for students who are also managing work and family.
Students also highlighted the importance of clear faculty expectations, with 26% selecting this as the resource that helped them most. Detailed syllabi, assignment timelines, and frequent communication from instructors help you plan ahead around work, family events, and other commitments. When you know what’s coming, it is easier to block out time, ask for help early, or shift your schedule before things pile up. UMass Global’s focus on real-world curriculum and intentional course design means expectations are set to support adults who need to plan every hour carefully.
Resources like academic advising, tutoring, and writing support play a significant role in helping working adults succeed. Advisors can help you map out a realistic course sequence, taking into account your busy seasons at work or at home, and balance work and school over several sessions. Tutoring and writing centers give you a place to ask questions, strengthen your skills, and get feedback so you spend your time more efficiently when you sit down to study. UMass Global offers dedicated support services designed for adult learners, encouraging you to seek help early and often rather than waiting until you feel overwhelmed.
Two UMass Global students, Norma and Bridgette, show what it can look like to pursue a degree while managing work, family, and personal challenges — and what balancing school and work has looked like in their real lives.
Norma is a 6th-grade teacher at Magnolia Student Center and a student in UMass Global’s Master of Arts in Teaching, Multiple Subject program in the School of Education.
Speaking to future students, Norma says:
“During my journey, my youngest child was hospitalized for about a month, and I had to step away from my studies for a semester. It was an incredibly difficult time, and I worried about what it would mean for my degree. What stood out to me was the compassion, flexibility, and constant support I received from the university. When I was ready to return, they welcomed me back and helped me transition smoothly into my program again. That experience reminded me that behind every student there is a unique story, and that support and encouragement can make all the difference. Because of what I experienced at UMass Global, I am committed to creating a classroom environment that is academically strong, while also being flexible, supportive, and responsive to my students’ needs. I want you to know that it is okay to pause, to take a breath, and to gather strength, but to always keep going. One step at a time. Even the smallest step forward is still progress.”
Bridgette, a graduate of UMass Global’s Bachelor of Arts in Social Work program shares her story. Her daily life includes full-time work, supporting her children’s education and activities, and managing the responsibilities of a military-connected family — exactly the kind of reality that makes many people question how to balance school and work.
Bridgette’s story encourages students that at UMass Global, they are not alone in their journey:
“One of the most memorable parts of my journey at UMass Global was the unwavering support I felt while balancing school with a very full life. I am a Department of Defense employee, married to a retired Army service member, and we have two sons—one currently serving in the military and one who keeps us busy with his schoolwork, growing interests, and activities like music and football. Life was, and still is, a constant balancing act, but throughout my time at UMass Global, I never felt like I had to choose between my education and my family. There were many late nights spent helping my youngest son with homework, attending events, and managing daily responsibilities, but what stood out most was the flexibility and genuine care I received from my professors and classmates. Even though we were all learning online, the sense of community was real. We were not just students; we were parents, spouses, caregivers, and professionals striving to improve our lives and the lives of those around us.
My advice to you is simple: do not wait for the ‘perfect’ time because it may never come. Enroll now and allow yourself to grow. UMass Global is designed for people who are already balancing real responsibilities, whether it is a demanding job, raising children, serving in the military, or navigating personal challenges. The flexibility of the program allows you to pursue your education without sacrificing the things that matter most, and the support you will receive from your instructors and peers will make you feel like you belong from day one. UMass Global did not just give me a degree; it helped me find clarity and direction, and it showed me that it is never too late to chase a meaningful goal. If you are willing to show up and stay connected to your ‘why,’ this journey can open doors you never imagined.”
Even with strong support, balancing school and work and family is not easy. When we asked, “What was your biggest challenge in balancing school with everything else?” students identified several common pain points.
Students frequently mentioned feeling tired or burned out as their biggest challenge (45% selected this). Between long workdays, caregiving, and coursework, it can be hard to find time and energy for yourself. Others pointed to the weight of parenting or caregiving responsibilities (23%), the unpredictability of work schedules (18%), and staying organized on tasks (14%) as significant hurdles.
The good news: students also shared practical advice that helped them move from feeling overwhelmed to feeling more in control of their time. Their advice is useful whether you are already working full-time and going to school or still figuring out how to balance school and work before you enroll.
When we asked, “What’s the BEST time-management advice you’d give a future UMass Global student?” their responses centered around a few key strategies.
UMass Global also offers guidance and resources to help you think through your time management plan, so your goals feel challenging but achievable. Learn more in our blog, Time Management Tips: How to Balance Work, Family, and School.
Feeling nervous about balancing work and school and everything else is completely normal, especially if it’s been years since you were last in a classroom. Many UMass Global students started with the same questions you have now: Do I have time? Can I really do this? What if something unexpected happens?
Their experiences — and the poll results — point to a reassuring conclusion: with flexible online classes, clear expectations, and a community that understands adult learners, it is possible to work toward a degree without putting your life on hold. You may not control every twist and turn in your schedule, but you can choose a university designed to help you navigate those twists and keep going.
If you are thinking “I want to go back to school” and trying to figure out how to balance school and work realistically, here are a few simple steps you can take:
Once you decide it is time to move forward, you can follow a step-by-step guide that walks you through the UMass Global application process, from applying to getting ready for your first classes.
Have questions about enrollment, degree programs, financial aid, or next steps?
