As someone who works a full-time job at Microsoft, teaches part-time, and is also working on obtaining multiple certifications through the SANS Institute, I understand the importance of balancing work, education, and personal life. To help manage my time and stay organized, I’ve adopted the time blocking technique.
What is Time Blocking?
Time blocking is a scheduling method where you allocate specific blocks of time for different tasks and activities. It helps you prioritize tasks, reduce distractions, and maximize productivity.
My Example Schedule
Here’s an example of my weekly schedule, which incorporates time blocking:
6:00 AM - 7:00 AM: Wake up, shower, and breakfast
7:00 AM - 4:00 PM: Work at Microsoft
4:00 PM - 5:00 PM: Exercise or run
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Study for SANS certification
6:00 PM - 7:00 PM: Dinner and downtime
7:00 PM - 10:00 PM: Teach part-time
10:00 PM - 11:00 PM: Study for SANS certification or work on a personal project
11:00 PM - 12:00 AM: Wind down and prepare for bed
Advantages of Time Blocking
- Helps you stay organized and focused on specific tasks
- Prioritizes tasks based on their importance
- Minimizes distractions and maximizes productivity
- Allows you to allocate dedicated time for self-care and downtime
Of course, this is just my example schedule, and everyone’s schedule will look different based on their individual needs and responsibilities. The key is to find a time blocking system that works for you and stick to it. This will help you stay organized and focused, allowing you to achieve your goals and find a healthy balance between work, education, and personal life.