Reconciling Family Life and Training: The Keys to Success

Have you decided to invest in an executive education and are worried about finding the right balance between work and family? Indeed, between personal life, work and studying, this period can be a real challenge. Difficult, but not impossible! Let's look at the best practices you can put in place to reconcile your family life with studies.

1 Realise what the workload will be

When you take a training course, you're bound to have a fuller life. In addition to attending the various sessions, you will also have some personal work to do. There are several questions to ask yourself:

- How much time do you have?

- How can you organize your day-to-day learning?

- Is this the right time? The right pace?

- Can you cope with this volume of work in relation to your professional and/or personal constraints?

And above all: do you have the necessary mental space for this (temporary) overload? This question is obvious, but it's one you need to keep in mind before committing yourself.

GOOD TO KNOW

Family, children and everyday tasks are probably all part of your private life! To better integrate them into your training project, be aware of these various constraints.

2 Choosing the right training format

In Switzerland, there are many different types of executive education diplomas. In terms of format, some are better suited to managers' busy schedules. These include:

- Online courses

- Modular courses

- And virtual (or hybrid) training programs.

Take the time to check out the important criteria for choosing your executive education course. In addition to the program, format and cost, check the pace, timetable and duration of the course:

- Do you have to take a day off?

- Will you be able to take the course during working hours?

- What is the workload involved?

- What are the training hours?

- Do I have to attend every session?

- Is it possible to "make up" certain sessions?

These questions will help you make your final choice.

3 Find your own pace and organization

Whatever the length of your training course, make sure you establish a realistic schedule and objectives for your learning. On the planning side, take note of important dates such as training sessions and assignments to be handed in. You will need to organize your working time around these milestones.

In terms of objectives, set yourself realistic milestones, taking into account your personal and professional constraints. Break them down into small tasks, then adapt your work slots. Don't overload yourself unnecessarily: one small step at a time! This will keep you motivated throughout the course.

GOOD TO KNOW

Trello or Notion are excellent online management tools, enabling you to centralize everything (appointments, note-taking, database, etc.). A word of advice: don't spread yourself too thin!

4 Balancing your working time

Time is the most precious commodity you have. If you do not plan ahead, you can quickly let your workload build up, to the detriment of your private life. It's hard to leave time to relax when you're constantly on the go.

And yet, disconnecting is essential... and leads to an indispensable balance between work, training and personal life. Make time in your schedule for leisure and relaxation.

GOOD TO KNOW

Do not neglect your health during training. Exercise, a balanced diet and quality sleep will help you concentrate and be more productive.

5 Create favorable environment to learning

If you can, set up a dedicated workspace for your studying. Ideally, this space should be free from outside distractions that could impact your concentration.

In this respect, identify the sources of distraction that you can "easily" eliminate from your environment: cell phones, television and all screens are top the list!

6 Involve those around you in your training

Your entourage (family, friends, colleagues) will be one of the fundamental pillars of your balance... and your success. The one key word is communication! Three essential points on this subject:

- Inform the people around you about your training project (and the organizational changes that will take place).

- Explain the importance of their day-to-day support.

- Involve them in your learning process, and let them know how they can help you: by taking over everyday tasks, by helping you "revise your classes", etc.

GOOD TO KNOW

Get in touch with other training participants. They will probably have another opinion to share. These exchanges can help you unblock situations, encourage you and keep you motivated!

You now have all the tools you need to reconcile your private life and executive education. Anticipation, organization and time management will be your best allies in this intense but rewarding adventure!

 

More information on the HEC Lausanne EXECUTIVE EDUCATION

A 10% discount is offered to paying members of the Alumni HEC Lausanne Association