Whether you started your skin care training right out of high school, or are learning a new career as an adult student, you are embarking on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. It’s not uncommon for family members or friends to have mixed feelings about your education, and the changes it will cause in your routine. Part of the process of continuing your education is getting support from family and friends.
Recent High School Graduates
Skin care students who have recently graduated from high school may waver between a desire for independence and a continued reliance on family. This is a normal process but can cause frustration, as instructors and classmates will view you as an adult, while parents may continue to treat you as a child.
You may be also coping with your first move to an independent living situation. Students who move away from home must learn to manage homework, free time, finances, roommates, and other basic living requirements such as getting enough rest and proper nutrition. It is common to experience acute loneliness or feel homesick. Be aware of this possibility and take appropriate measures to help yourself through this time of transition.
Students with Significant Others
Spouses, boyfriends, or girlfriends often struggle with their partner’s commitment to continuing education. Even the most supportive partner may be caught off guard by the impact of school on your home life, and additional stress may be caused by the financial costs.
Maintaining your relationship will require communication and a commitment to set aside time for your partner. You may have to make adjustments to how you share responsibility for childcare, household chores, and meal preparation.
Social outings and personal time together can suffer, which may lead to one or both of you feeling neglected and lonely. Plan regular date nights, and each day, share some of what you are learning and let your enthusiasm become contagious.
Students with Children
Planning and good time management are key for students with children. When the child is past infancy, communication is vital too. If your child is old enough, sit down with him or her and talk about your schedule. Identify what parts of the day will be parent-child playtime and parent-only study time. If children know they will have your undivided attention during scheduled playtimes, they are more likely to respect your private study time. Ground rules for study times must be enforced or you will face constant interruptions. Involve children by asking them to do specific chores that will help the household run smoothly during the school term.
Friends and Family
Adult students often struggle to balance their commitment to school with their social life and their obligations to friends and family members. Those not living with the adult student often have difficulty understanding that a skin care education is academically demanding and time-consuming. If this happens, share your textbooks and completed homework with doubters. Often they will understand better when they see for themselves what sort of coursework is keeping you busy.
Just as with partners and children, communicate and schedule time with your close friends. It is likely that you will have to see friends and family less often than usual, but remember (and remind them, too) that this is temporary. Fears are soothed when people know you have a plan for their ongoing inclusion in your life.