How I Balanced Work While Earning My Online MHA

I debated for several years before finally taking the leap to pursue my MHA. One of the biggest reasons it took so long was everything I was juggling at home. I had a full-time job, young children, and was settling into a new home. Going back to school seemed daunting and unrealistic.

Then I began researching different programs, including online degree options. That’s when I realized earning my MHA might actually be feasible. The flexibility of an online program was one of the biggest selling points — no commuting, no rigid class times, and the ability to fit coursework around my job.

What I didn’t fully appreciate was that “flexible” doesn’t mean “easy.” If anything, it placed more responsibility on me to structure my time effectively.

Here’s what helped me make it work.

What I Thought an Online MHA Would Be Like

When I began my first course, I assumed I’d be able to casually squeeze schoolwork into small pockets of time throughout the week. My plan was to chip away at assignments whenever I had a few spare minutes, but I quickly realized that approach wasn’t going to cut it.

Online classes often included:

• Weekly discussion posts
• Group projects
• Longer writing assignments

They weren’t nearly as self-paced as I expected. On top of that, I hadn’t taken a college-level course in over a decade, so getting back into an academic rhythm took time.

After realizing how much structure I actually needed, I stopped treating school like something I could squeeze in “when I could” and started treating it more like a part-time job.

Treating School Like a Second Job

One of the most helpful strategies was scheduling classwork the same way I scheduled meetings or work responsibilities. I blocked time on my calendar for reading, discussion posts, and assignments just like I would for anything else. Some weeks that meant early mornings before work. Other times it was an hour or two after my kids went to bed.

Because my courses were only eight weeks long, everything moved fast. Assignments came quickly and consistently, so it was easy to fall behind if I didn’t stay on top of them.

Making study time non-negotiable kept me from scrambling at the last minute. Instead of relying on motivation alone or waiting until the last minute to submit work, treating school as a standing appointment made it feel manageable.

Using My Job to My Advantage

One unexpected benefit of pursuing my MHA while working full-time was how much overlap there was between school and my job. Much of what I was learning showed up directly in my day-to-day work.

Analyzing data, leading improvement initiatives, and managing projects weren’t just assignments; they were things I was already doing. My courses gave me better tools to do that work more efficiently.

Because of this, I started aligning my coursework with real projects whenever I could. Even my capstone focused on a diagnosis documentation improvement initiative I was leading at work. Instead of keeping school and work separate, I blended them together. It made everything feel more practical and less like extra work piled on top of an already full plate.

Maintaining Balance Without Burning Out

An online MHA program still requires a lot of hours, and it’s easy to underestimate how much energy it takes. Over time, I learned a few strategies that helped me stay balanced without feeling constantly drained.

My most useful trick: get a head start at the beginning of each class.

I’d set aside the first weekend of each course — and sometimes even take a day off of work — to knock out readings and start assignments early. Yes, it occasionally meant sacrificing weekend plans or using PTO, but it made the rest of the weeks much more manageable.

That head start created a buffer. If something unexpected came up at work, I was already a step ahead on my schoolwork. It also helped me protect parts of my normal routine — I could still exercise, spend time with my kids, and show up for family events without constantly feeling stretched too thin.

What I’d Do Differently if I Started Over

If I restarted my online MHA program today, I’d pace myself more and take short breaks between classes. I moved through my MHA program pretty continuously, which worked, but it felt rushed and overwhelming at times. Even a few weeks off here and there would have helped me reset and recharge.

I also would have been more intentional about protecting my personal time. For a while, I just powered through everything — work, school, and home obligations — and figured I’d rest later. That approach got me through the program quickly, but it wasn’t always sustainable. Giving myself permission to slow down occasionally would have made for a healthier balance.