Balancing Work, Family, and Studies: How Working Adults Can Excel as Part-Time Students
In Singapore’s fast-moving economy and highly competitive job market, upskilling is no longer optional — it’s part of the equation. Many working adults are returning to education to stay relevant, improve their career prospects, expand their expertise, or switch industries. Yet balancing studies with work and family responsibilities can be demanding and an uphill task for many. Here are some pointers or tips to help you excel as part time student which will be useful when you embark on a learning journey with the Institute of Maritime & Business Managemen.
1. Plan Like a Project Manager
Time won’t just appear—you have to manage it. Treat your schedule like a project: plan your work hours, family time, and study time. Tools like Google Calendar or a ‘good ol” notebook can help you see your week and set focus periods. For those of you who use public transport to work, you can go through your course notes and slides during your commute to work to make the best of your waking hours for a start.
2. Your Commitments
Part of your success could depend on the people around you. Let your employer know about your study plans—they often appreciate staff who want to improve and can be come across as a motivating factor. Tell your family when you’ll be “in class mode” so they can support you in the best way they can. Asking for real support isn’t weakness—it’s strength and commitment.
3. Make it job relevant
When you have to manage between work, family, and study, efficiency and proactiveness matters. Apply what you learn at work—this makes studying more practical and easier to understand and leave room for improvement.
At IMBM, you won’t just study theory—you’ll learn to apply concepts to maritime and business scenarios you can use right away.
4. Build a Network for life, Not Just a Certificate
Part-time study is more than getting a qualification—it’s about meeting people and makng your learning journey more enjoyable and sustainable. IMBM students come from many industries, giving you a chance to make professional connections. Also, class discussions are more than textbooks—they’re about sharing experiences, solving problems, and learning from both peers and lecturers alike.
5. Remember Your Goals and Aspirations
Keep in mind, there may be late nights and busy weeks. That’s normal. Keep your goal in mind—whether it’s a promotion, a new job opportunity, a career change, or simply for personal growth and continuous learning mindset.
6. Modular and Structured Learning
With modular learning, supportive lecturers, and practical content, you’ll earn more than a qualification—you’ll gain a real pathway forward, just like many of our graduates have done.
That’s why the Institute of Maritime and Business Management (IMBM) offers insightful, manageable and industry-focused courses designed specifically for working professionals who want to progress without affecting work and family life. It is certainly doable than most people think, that is, with determination, focus, good time management and planning, just to name a few.
Balancing multiple commitments requires structure and careful planning. By treating your studies like a project — planning timelines, setting milestones, and maintaining consistency — you can stay on track while managing daily responsibilities.
IMBM supports this balance with evening and *Saturdays’ sessions (*for certain part time courses). Every module is structured to help working adults learn effectively without disrupting their careers.
Supportive Learning Structure and Course Relevance
IMBM’s lecturers are industry practitioners ‘who have been there, done that’. They guide, mentor, and provide practical advice to help you succeed. Students are also encouraged to communicate openly with their employers and families. With support from both home and work, learning becomes a smoother, more sustainable experience.
IMBM’s courses emphasise practical application and real-world relevance. Our Diploma and Advanced Diploma in Maritime and Logistics Management courses combine theoretical concepts and frameworks with case studies from Singapore’s maritime, logistics, and business sectors.
You’ll gain knowledge that’s immediately useful at work — from improving operational efficiency to enhancing leadership and problem-solving skills.
When you study at IMBM, you join a community of professionals from diverse industries. The classroom becomes a platform for exchanging ideas, sharing experiences, and building industry connections that can lead to future collaborations and career opportunities.
In a nutshell, IMBM’s part-time courses not only equip you with skills — they expand your network and perspective.
We aim to provide accessible and affordable maritime, logistics & business management courses for all working adults in Singapore so that more learners can benefit from our courses and gain good and unique skillsets leading to quality and recognised credentials.
We are happy to inform you that IMBM’s courses are MPA MCF claimable and SkillsFuture Credit eligible for short courses and allowing Singaporeans and PRs to upgrade their skills with financial support. Having said that, even for some of our non-funded courses, the course fees are considered affordable in today’s context.
All in all, whether you’re working toward career opportunities, promotion, planning a career change, or building a stronger foundation in your field, IMBM provides the platform and structure you need to achieve your dreams and goals.
With IMBM, you’ll gain the right support, skills, and opportunities to advance your career without sacrificing your work-life balance.
The Institute of Maritime and Business Management (IMBM) empowers Singapore’s working adults to learn, grow, and lead effectively and efficiently in the maritime and business sectors.
Explore our part-time certificate, diploma and advanced diploma courses today. Thank you.
References:
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Institute of Maritime & Business Management (IMBM) — Course listings: “The maritime business and logistics courses … part-time courses … with a business focus.” www.imbm.edu.sg
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IMBM website — Short-courses page: “MPA pre-approved short courses … SkillsFuture Credit can also be utilised to offset the balance fees.” www.imbm.edu.sg
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IMBM provider registration: “SkillsFuture Singapore Agency (SSG): 14 June 2023 to 13 June 2027 … UEN/PEI Reg. No…” www.imbm.edu.sg
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Institute for Adult Learning (IAL), Singapore – research on effective strategies for adult learners balancing work and study.
https://www.ial.edu.sg -
OECD Skills Outlook (2021, 2023) – explores adult learning, reskilling, and lifelong education trends globally.
https://www.oecd.org/skills/ - MindTools: “Time Management for Adult Learners.”
https://www.mindtools.com
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LinkedIn Learning Reports (2022–2024): “Workplace Learning Report” – highlights how networking and upskilling fuel career growth.
https://learning.linkedin.com/resources/workplace-learning-report -
World Economic Forum – Future of Jobs Report (2023): stresses soft skills, networking, and continuous learning.
https://www.weforum.org/reports/the-future-of-jobs-report-2023
