Balancing Work, Life, and Online Studies

Written By Ashlay Koshy Thomas Batch - July 2024
Ashlay Koshy Thomas

"It's not always about achieving; it's about the pain, the confusion, the struggles, and the moments we experience along the way. It's about how we live and how we choose to perceive that living. Becoming something is inevitable, but the journey you walk is far more important than the destination. These paths shape where we go. Embrace the failure, confusion, pain, and joy—they are all part of the journey. Each stone in your path has a purposeful meaning." ~ Ashlay K.

These words ring true for many who find themselves navigating the delicate balance of work, life, and online studies. It’s a constant tug-of-war between responsibilities, deadlines, and personal well-being. But what if the struggles and setbacks are not just obstacles but stepping stones toward a deeper sense of fulfillment?

Let’s take the story of an individual—someone just like you or me—who faced the daunting challenge of juggling a full-time job, an online degree, and the ever-demanding expectations of personal life. At the start, it seemed impossible to manage it all. Long days at work drained energy, leaving little room for anything else. After-hours were often consumed by a growing list of assignments and tasks. Yet, despite the odds, this person found a way to make it work.

The Struggles: Time Management and Motivation

The biggest challenge that arises when trying to balance work, life, and online studies is time management. After a full day at work, it’s easy to feel too exhausted to focus on schoolwork. Motivation lacks, distractions emerge, and suddenly, it feels like everything is falling apart. How can you find the energy to stay committed when your body and mind are begging for a break or just peace maybe?

But it’s in these moments of struggle where the journey really begins. This person learned early on that true success didn’t come from pushing harder—it came from understanding that balance wasn’t about equal distribution of time, but rather prioritization of what mattered most.

One key lesson was embracing the power of small wins. Even when energy was low, completing just one assignment or taking a small step forward felt like a triumph. Over time, these small victories built up, fueling further progress and keeping the momentum going.

The Path Forward: Embracing Fulfillment and Staying Motivated

Through the ups and downs, this person came to understand a valuable truth: motivation comes from internal fulfillment. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that motivation is only fueled by external rewards—grades, praise, or recognition, probably that how society has thought. But the real key is finding satisfaction in the process itself.

Incorporating this mindset into daily life made a massive difference. Instead of focusing solely on the end goal, this individual started finding joy in the learning, the growth, and even in the struggles. They realized that making themselves happy and fulfilled in each step of the journey was what kept the motivation alive. As they often reminded themselves: "It’s not about the destination, it’s about how you perceive and embrace the journey."

This was the turning point but limited to. No longer were late-night study sessions and long work hours seen as burdens. Instead, they were part of a meaningful experience, one that would shape not only their career but their life.

Overcoming Procrastination and Dealing with Distractions

Procrastination is often seen as the enemy of productivity. But as this individual discovered, the real issue was not procrastination itself, but the lack of commitment to the goal. When there was a firm belief in the purpose behind the work—when the individual was clear about why they were doing it—distractions started to fall away. Social media, Netflix, or even just the need for a break no longer had the same hold.

The focus on long-term success was key. By reminding themselves of the bigger picture—the career growth, the personal development, and the fulfillment of achieving something meaningful— the desire to push through distractions became stronger than the distractions themselves.

The Success Story: Making It All Work

As the months went by, this individual’s dedication began to show results. Their work performance improved, not only because they were more organized but also because the skills gained through online studies enhanced their problem-solving abilities. At the same time, they were able to maintain a healthy balance with personal life. Even on busy weeks, there was always room for rest, relaxation, and connection with loved ones.

One day, after completing a particularly challenging project at work, they looked back and realized that everything they had done—the late nights, the moments of doubt, and even the mistakes— had shaped them into someone more capable and resilient. The path had not been easy, but it had been worth it. As I said before “Each stone in your path has a purposeful meaning.”

A Call to Action: Embrace the Journey

Balancing work, life, and online studies may feel overwhelming, but remember, it’s all part of your personal growth journey. Embrace the challenges, find joy in the small victories, and commit to staying true to your path. You’ll find that the key to success isn’t about perfect balance but about embracing the experience as it comes, one step at a time.

Final Thought: It’s All About Your Journey

Ultimately, life isn’t about achieving a perfect balance; it’s about the moments we live, the lessons we learn, and how we choose to embrace the process. Keep pushing forward, stay connected to your purpose, and never underestimate the power of each small step. The journey might be difficult, but it’s shaping you into something greater than you can imagine.

And as you walk this path, know that you are not alone. Many others have faced the same challenges and come out stronger on the other side. Keep going—you’re creating something incredible.

“Thank you for reading! Remember, the journey is what shapes us — keep embracing every step along the way.”

- Ashlay Koshy Thomas (MBA)