Returning to studying after a break

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

If you’re thinking about returning to study, but it’s been a while, chances are you’re feeling a little apprehensive. Does your brain still have the ability to focus and learn new things? Will you be able to fit it all in?

Don’t worry — it’s not as challenging to get back into the swing of things as you may think. With the right support and some top tips, you will be able to return to studying with ease, even after a big break.

Whether you’ve been busy starting a family and caring for your children, your high-school gap year went longer than planned or you are keen to start a fresh career or upskill, returning to study is achievable.

Feel confident with returning to study after a break with these tips

Feeling concerned about how you will get your brain back on track for studying focus is normal. And at first, you might find it a little tricky, but in a short time you will flying along. These tips will help you settle into student life faster and more easily:

Goals in mind

Keep your eyes on the prize — you know what you want to achieve and how to get there, so if you start to feel overwhelmed or stressed during the training process, just remember why you’re doing this. You should also be able to reach out to your trainer who will help you to make a plan to tackle your studies and reach those goals in a way that is manageable for your circumstances.

Get organised

Things like knowing what’s coming up, what you need to do for it, and ensuring you have the right materials ready to go are all part of being organised for returning to study. Check through your course information and add important dates and deadlines into your calendar to keep track of everything that needs to be done. A little organisation goes a long way when it comes to creating a balanced study life.

Make a solid routine

Life can be busy. Between work, leisure, family commitments and taking care of yourself, it’s not surprising that the idea of fitting in study seems a bit much. A solid plan, schedule or routine will help you to manage everything effectively and reduce any potential stress in the process. Write it down or print it out and stick it on the wall or keep a photo of it on your phone so that you can refer to it and stay on top of everything in a manageable way. Be realistic and try to allow a little leeway for when things don’t go exactly to plan. Don’t forget to leave time for yourself and leave time for yourself and plenty of rest.

Create a dedicated study area

Engaging with your course materials and focusing on your studies is often easier when you are in the right environment. For most people, it’s important to minimise distractions. Seek out an area with good natural light and make sure you have everything you need within reach: a notebook, pen, chargers and accessible power points. A comfortable chair is a must too! Your study space may change from time to time; perhaps a café sometime, a library or even on the train, and that’s fine. It’s all about finding a space that works for you and maximises your ability to focus and learn effectively.

Enrol in a course with plenty of support

The last thing you want is to enrol, receive your course materials and be left to it on your own. This is especially true if you are just returning to study after a break. A high-quality course should always provide you with adequate support from experienced, knowledgeable trainers who will guide you through every step of your training journey.

Getting back to study and kicking career goals

Finding the right course to reach your individual goals is an important part of the process. A high-quality course with equally high-quality trainers (even for online courses) is key to study success, whether you’re returning after a break or just getting started.

Practical Outcomes dedicated trainer support is invaluable for every learner. With their wealth of experience in the sector within which they train, they have the insight required to guide learners on every step of their study journey. Our trainers take your individual goals and needs into account and ensure you get tailored support for the best study experience.

Online courses provide flexibility to help you get the most out of your time, while practical placement is incorporated into our courses so that you can finish your course feeling confident and ready to shine in the workforce. We also take a human-centred approach to education, supporting learners in developing soft skills that will add to their ability to thrive in early childhood education.

We have created a checklist to help you decide whether it’s time for you to start studying early childhood education! Take a look here.

Chat to the Practical outcomes team about your early childhood education career goals and how we can support you to reach them.