How to Balance Upskilling and Full-Time Job

Hybrid working is gradually becoming a norm and it is here to stay. But as the world of work does a 180-degree flip, for companies to stay efficient and employees to remain relevant, upskilling and re-skilling will have to be accelerated. 

Be it the new-age soft skills (like communicating in a virtual world), or keeping pace with the latest technical skills, it has become necessary for companies to encourage and provide the right resources to their employees. 

But once the companies do their part, how can employees make sure that they upskill and perform efficiently at their job simultaneously? Remote working has blurred the boundaries between job and home life, often making it difficult to switch off from one and be present in the other. When learning (upskilling) enters the equation it becomes all the more difficult to balance and prevent fatigue. 

Here are some ways in which employees can upskill, give their best at the job and not miss a beat of their home life:-

1. Upskilling = Investment in Efficiency 

You need to understand that when you decide to upskill yourself, you are investing in your career and future efficiency at your current job. Your upskilling is going to benefit you as well as your company, so do not let the time that you borrow from your job to upskill make you feel guilty. Because this borrowed time is going to give huge returns to you and your company.

    2.Communicate with your manager

Make your expectations and needs clear to your manager. Communicate with your manager about the course you are undertaking, the time that you would have to devote, how it will benefit the company and the team, and finally your career advancement expectations. Having this conversation not only helps you but also your manager to assign you tasks for that period accordingly as well as guide you in your career acceleration, complementing your efforts in training and development.

    3.Find a Study-Buddy

It is always nice to have a study partner, as it translates into peer learning as well as motivating you to complete the course undertaken till the end. Study-Buddies enable you to learn better, keep you driven, help you build a true connection, and also ensure that you do not overwork yourself to fatigue. Learning with someone is always more fun than to do it all by yourself.

     4.Find a course that complements your existing job

When you are looking to upskill yourself, it is generally preferable to undertake a course that is harmonious with your current role. As this will make communicating with your manager about the course, and doing your job much easier. Further, the course will assist you to become better at your job, reflecting on the results you deliver. 

Companies around the world have realized the value that lies in the employees who have the drive to keep learning, and hence your decision for upskilling will be seen in a positive light by your manager aiding you to achieve your goals with ease