Balancing work, family, and school is a big commitment and a powerful act of growth but you don’t have to do it all on your own. Asking for support is not only okay—it’s smart, proactive, and a key step toward long-term success. Whether it’s talking to your boss about adjusting your workload, leaning on family for extra help, or using the resources your school offers, building a strong support network can help you thrive.
1. How to Ask for Support at Work: Flexibility That Works for You
Many workplaces recognize the value of continuing education and might be more willing to support you than you realize. By communicating your needs clearly and professionally, you can work together to find solutions that fit both your goals and your job.
- Be prepared. Outline your class schedule and think about how it might affect your work availability.
- Focus on the value. Share how your education can help you grow your skills and bring even more value to the company. role.
- Offer solutions. Suggest options like adjusting your hours (starting earlier, finishing later, or combining shifts into fewer days), using paid time off to prep for exams or study, and exploring remote or hybrid work setups.
- Be proactive. Start the conversation early, before any potential conflicts come up. This shows thoughtfulness and reliability.
ReUp Tip: Check if your employer offers tuition reimbursement or education assistance.
2. How to Get Support at Home: Involve Your Family and Friends
When you’re juggling family life and going back to school, it’s easy to feel like you’re letting someone down. But opening up to your loved ones can turn them into your biggest supporters.
- Share your why. Talk openly about why you’ve decided to return to school. Help your family see how pursuing your education benefits everyone—whether it’s better opportunities or personal growth.
- Be clear about what you need. Instead of saying “I need help,” try being specific. For example, asking “Could you handle bedtime on Mondays and Wednesdays so I can get some study time?” gives them something concrete they can do to support you.
- Show appreciation for their support. Acknowledge how your schedule impacts them, and let them know you’re grateful for their understanding and help.
- Stay connected. Even with a busy schedule, quality time with your loved ones helps keep relationships strong.
Ways Your Family Can Offer Support:
Your family can be one of your greatest sources of support as you work toward your goals. Here’s how they might help:
- Pitching in with daily tasks like cooking, cleaning, or childcare to ease your stress.
- Creating space for focused study time by helping to limit distractions.
- Cheering you on when you achieve milestones, big or small, like completing a semester or passing a tough exam.
3. Using School Resources to Support Your Academic Journey
Whether it’s tutoring, academic advising, or counseling services, school resources offer support to help you reach your goals.
- Academic Advisors – They can help you choose the right courses, plan your degree, and stay on track toward your goals.
- Professors & Teaching Assistants – Join their office hours to ask questions and get guidance on your coursework.
- Tutoring & Writing Centers – Many schools offer free support with essays and research papers.
- Counseling & Wellness Services – Manage stress, burnout or other mental health challenges with these campus resources.
- Career Services – Get help with resumes, interview prep, and job connections that align with your degree and goals.
- Success Coaching – Many schools partner with ReUp to provide success coaching. ReUp success coaches assist with setting goals, improving time management, and creating strategies to overcome challenges, ensuring you get the most out of your college experience.
How to Make the Most of School Resources:
- Attend orientation or info sessions. These sessions can give you a helpful overview of the resources available, saving you time and stress later.
- Introduce yourself to your professors early. Building a relationship with your instructors now can make it easier to ask for guidance or flexibility when you need it.
- Join study groups or student organizations. Connecting with other adult learners in your program can offer both academic and emotional support.
4. Building a Support System That Works for You
Support doesn’t just come from one place. The most successful adult learners build a three-part support system that includes the following.
Three-part Support System Includes:
- Work Support: Helps you stay on top of your schedule, manage responsibilities, and provides the financial stability you need.
- Home Support: Offers emotional support and helps with daily tasks so you don’t have to carry everything on your own.
- School Support: Gives you academic guidance, tutoring when needed, and opportunities to connect with others on a similar path.
When these parts work together, you can thrive in school without burning out.
You Deserve a Strong Support System
Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a strength. The people around you—your employer, family, and school—want to see you succeed. But they can only support you if they understand what you need.
- Be open and honest about the challenges you’re facing.
- Clearly explain the type of help or support you’re looking for.
- Use the resources available to make your academic journey a little easier.
With the right support in place, you can successfully navigate work, school, and life. You’ve got this!
