Juggling degrees and demands – How mid-career students can protect their mental health
Educational psychologist Delia Hamlett says mid-career students aren't starting from scratch; they are building on a solid foundation of experience, resilience, problem-solving and purpose.
Photo credit: Jamaine Krige
Returning to university as a mid-career professional is a bold and often transformative decision, but it can also be mentally and emotionally taxing. Delia Hamlett, an educational psychologist who works closely with adult learners, says that although these students bring valuable life experience to the classroom, they also face a unique set of mental health issues that younger, first-time students typically don't encounter.
'Many adult learners are juggling caregiving, full-time work, financial responsibilities and, in some cases, chronic health conditions,' she explains.
Between board meetings, school runs and assignment deadlines, these students must learn to balance an already full life with the rigours of postgraduate study. 'These stressors create a significant emotional and cognitive load, which can impact academic performance and overall well-being,' says Hamlett
Mid-career professionals often wear several hats — employee, partner, parent and now, student. 'This creates a high cognitive load,' says Hamlett. 'Many are highly motivated but feel pressure to 'do it all', which can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, difficulty concentrating and even feelings of isolation, exacerbated when their learning environments don't reflect their lived realities.'
Strategies for mental resilience
There is no one-size-fits-all formula for mental wellbeing, but a mix of structure, support and self-compassion can make the journey more manageable. Hamlett believes that setting boundaries and building systems of support is a good place to start.
'Let your family, friends, and colleagues know what you're working towards. Tell them when your assignments are due and when your focus time is non-negotiable — and then remind them, kindly but firmly.'
She also recommends setting up a dedicated study zone, even if it's just a corner of a bedroom. This helps signal both to yourself and others that it's time to focus. Peer groups, both in-person and online, can also be helpful.
And never forget to move. 'You don't have to join a gym. Walk, stretch, dance around your lounge — anything that gets you moving can help reduce stress. Lean on your support systems and aim for sustainability, not perfection.'
Time management as self-care
Time management is equally critical for protecting mental health. But Hamlett cautions against rigid schedules. 'Your time management strategy must serve you, not stress you. Choose one to three key tasks per day. If everything is important, nothing is. And don't forget about yourself in the process — sleep, nourishment and downtime are not luxuries, they're necessities.'
She advocates for short bursts of focused work — 25 to 45 minutes, followed by breaks — and realistic time blocking. Success, she says, isn't about doing more, it's about doing things differently.
'Evaluate what works for you and what doesn't through weekly reviews. Make small, consistent adjustments. Prioritise rest and connection. Some weeks you'll have to drop a few balls — that's okay. Just be mindful of which one is glass.'
Her metaphor resonates: 'Most of the balls you juggle are rubber — they'll bounce if dropped. But the glass ball — whether it's your family, work, studies or your health and wellbeing — will shatter if neglected. And that ball changes all the time. Pay attention.'
Most importantly, she says, be kind to yourself: 'Progress matters more than perfection. This is a marathon, not a sprint.'
Advice for the hesitant returner
To those in their 30s, 40s or 50s contemplating a return to university but worried about the psychological toll, Hamlett's message is clear: 'It's normal to feel apprehensive. But just considering this step shows growth and courage. Never forget that you're not starting from scratch — you're building on a solid foundation of lived experience, resilience, problem-solving and purpose. These are powerful assets that should be acknowledged and valued.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Herald
3 hours ago
- The Herald
How an innovative literacy project is transforming young lives
Amid a sluggish government response, Astra Primary School started a grassroots literacy project that is transforming young lives and attracting families in search of better educational opportunities for their children. Led by principal Helma Boggenpoel, a literacy initiative centre was launched at the school in Bethelsdorp, Gqeberha, in 2019. The programme has reshaped classroom culture and sparked a love of books and reading among the children. Boggenpoel said northern areas residents who had witnessed a positive change in the pupils' attitudes now wanted to enrol their own children at Astra Primary. However, space is limited. 'T he school has partnered with United Through Sport for more than 10 years, and they go out and seek sponsorship for the school,' Boggenpoel said. 'The interest was to capacitate the reading programme because, obviously, you know that reading plays a pivotal role in education. 'You cannot excel without reading and understanding. 'It was crucial for us to have such partnerships because of our few resources in our community.' Boggenpoel said that through partnerships with the Masinyusane nonprofit, the school now had a librarian and literacy coaches. 'The goal of the project is to take those struggling and push them up to be on par with those already excelling, and we work with those pupils for the year. 'I'm a language teacher and I can see a huge improvement, and the love of reading has become quite evident. 'Learners have access to the library during breaks and during reading periods. Teachers can take them to the library and the learners can also take out books from the library. 'We have a reading period where we say, drop down and read. 'So that period, the whole school reads, and I will walk through the classes and see. Even maths teachers and learners are supposed to read. 'Whether it's that textbook of that subject, they must read, because I mean they are supposed to be able to read anything that is a reading material, not just a language reading book. 'So we do create an environment for the love of reading, and there is an improvement. 'Some parents are actually inquiring why their child is not involved ... but they don't understand. We explain to them who we target for the programme.' Boggenpoel said the project had added value to the school and influenced the children's schoolmates. 'It's rubbing off on other learners. Learners are starting to write and comprehend more. 'Because I'm a language teacher, I would go into the doing word and into the action word ... and they can identify. 'So, the teacher must still teach the learner with a barrier. We've not handed our work to the youth working in the library. 'Our parents here are supportive. Initially, some were in denial regarding their children's abilities, but they've come around.' Boggenpoel said there was an average of 35 pupils per class at Astra Primary though a few classes had more children. This special report into the state of literacy, a collaborative effort by The Herald, Sowetan and Daily Dispatch, was made possible by the Henry Nxumalo Foundation The Herald
Mail & Guardian
4 days ago
- Mail & Guardian
Soft skills, hard results – Why leaders who connect are the ones who succeed
Once considered secondary to technical qualifications, Melini Moses says skills have become the cornerstone of effective leadership. Technical expertise might get you the job — but it's emotional intelligence, clear communication and the ability to connect that will keep you there and move you forward. According to Melini Moses, communications strategist and founder of Express Yourself, soft skills are now leadership essentials. 'They're not separate from strategy — they are strategy.' With a background in journalism, Moses brings a unique lens to leadership development. 'I've lectured in business communications and this reinforced that stories are how we move people, shift perceptions and, ultimately, build trust. You can have an MBA or a PhD — but if you can't work in a team, resolve conflict or rally people around a shared goal, you're going to hit a ceiling.' She notes that the perception of soft skills has undergone a marked transformation in recent years. Once considered secondary to technical qualifications, skills such as empathy, communication and emotional resilience have become the cornerstone of effective leadership, especially in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. Leading in a changing world 'When lockdown hit, people were anxious. Some were grieving. Others were juggling work with home-schooling,' Moses recalls. 'Leaders had to change their approach. Soft skills training shifted towards tone, presence, and creating space for people to be heard. The result? Improved productivity, because people felt valued.' Business is about people, not just processes, and while the value of these skills is clear, she says not all South African organisations have embraced the shift. 'Some are waking up to it, but not nearly enough,' she says. 'In a climate of budget cuts and staff shortages, soft skills often fall off the priority list.' But Moses warns this can be short-sighted. 'Misunderstandings, low morale and staff turnover aren't just HR issues — they're often communication problems. And they can cost more to fix later than what it would have taken to prevent them in the first place.' Stories that connect During her time as a news editor leading a team of journalists in a fast-paced Johannesburg newsroom, Moses completed a management course that incorporated soft skills such as emotional intelligence, personal mastery and conflict resolution. 'That high-pressure environment demanded more than just technical know-how,' she recalls. 'I had to lead with empathy, build trust quickly and navigate conflict.' Her transition from newsroom leader to entrepreneur reinforced those lessons. 'Running a business means dealing with uncertainty, managing client expectations and being resilient. I wasn't formally tested on these — but they've shaped my success more than any qualification.' Engaging teams in a digital world She frequently coaches leaders from highly technical fields such as engineering, mining and finance — sectors where logic, precision and results are prized. But these environments can struggle with relational communication. 'One client, an engineer, was technically brilliant but his team felt overlooked. Through coaching, we worked on storytelling, body language and engagement. Slowly, his influence grew — and so did team morale and performance.' Communication blind spots often go unnoticed, Moses explains. 'Leaders assume a message has landed just because they've said it. Or they default to WhatsApp and email, even for emotionally charged conversations. Not everything can be handled digitally — sometimes you need a voice, a presence, and space for real exchange.' Looking ahead, she believes the most critical leadership skills over the next five to 10 years will be emotional agility, presence in uncertainty and storytelling for influence. 'We're entering an era where connection, not control, defines great leadership,' she says. Courageous, communicative and character-driven leaders Her advice to young professionals who aspire to lead? 'Don't wait for a title. Lead where you are. Build your skills, but also build your character. Ask better questions and lead with heart. In South Africa, we don't just need competent leaders — we need courageous, compassionate ones.' Above all, Moses believes in the transformative power of communication. 'Your voice matters,' she says. 'In times of change, your presence can bring peace. In moments of conflict, your words can bring clarity. Use your voice — and use it with wisdom.'
Mail & Guardian
4 days ago
- Mail & Guardian
Juggling degrees and demands – How mid-career students can protect their mental health
Educational psychologist Delia Hamlett says mid-career students aren't starting from scratch; they are building on a solid foundation of experience, resilience, problem-solving and purpose. Photo credit: Jamaine Krige Returning to university as a mid-career professional is a bold and often transformative decision, but it can also be mentally and emotionally taxing. Delia Hamlett, an educational psychologist who works closely with adult learners, says that although these students bring valuable life experience to the classroom, they also face a unique set of mental health issues that younger, first-time students typically don't encounter. 'Many adult learners are juggling caregiving, full-time work, financial responsibilities and, in some cases, chronic health conditions,' she explains. Between board meetings, school runs and assignment deadlines, these students must learn to balance an already full life with the rigours of postgraduate study. 'These stressors create a significant emotional and cognitive load, which can impact academic performance and overall well-being,' says Hamlett Mid-career professionals often wear several hats — employee, partner, parent and now, student. 'This creates a high cognitive load,' says Hamlett. 'Many are highly motivated but feel pressure to 'do it all', which can lead to exhaustion, anxiety, difficulty concentrating and even feelings of isolation, exacerbated when their learning environments don't reflect their lived realities.' Strategies for mental resilience There is no one-size-fits-all formula for mental wellbeing, but a mix of structure, support and self-compassion can make the journey more manageable. Hamlett believes that setting boundaries and building systems of support is a good place to start. 'Let your family, friends, and colleagues know what you're working towards. Tell them when your assignments are due and when your focus time is non-negotiable — and then remind them, kindly but firmly.' She also recommends setting up a dedicated study zone, even if it's just a corner of a bedroom. This helps signal both to yourself and others that it's time to focus. Peer groups, both in-person and online, can also be helpful. And never forget to move. 'You don't have to join a gym. Walk, stretch, dance around your lounge — anything that gets you moving can help reduce stress. Lean on your support systems and aim for sustainability, not perfection.' Time management as self-care Time management is equally critical for protecting mental health. But Hamlett cautions against rigid schedules. 'Your time management strategy must serve you, not stress you. Choose one to three key tasks per day. If everything is important, nothing is. And don't forget about yourself in the process — sleep, nourishment and downtime are not luxuries, they're necessities.' She advocates for short bursts of focused work — 25 to 45 minutes, followed by breaks — and realistic time blocking. Success, she says, isn't about doing more, it's about doing things differently. 'Evaluate what works for you and what doesn't through weekly reviews. Make small, consistent adjustments. Prioritise rest and connection. Some weeks you'll have to drop a few balls — that's okay. Just be mindful of which one is glass.' Her metaphor resonates: 'Most of the balls you juggle are rubber — they'll bounce if dropped. But the glass ball — whether it's your family, work, studies or your health and wellbeing — will shatter if neglected. And that ball changes all the time. Pay attention.' Most importantly, she says, be kind to yourself: 'Progress matters more than perfection. This is a marathon, not a sprint.' Advice for the hesitant returner To those in their 30s, 40s or 50s contemplating a return to university but worried about the psychological toll, Hamlett's message is clear: 'It's normal to feel apprehensive. But just considering this step shows growth and courage. Never forget that you're not starting from scratch — you're building on a solid foundation of lived experience, resilience, problem-solving and purpose. These are powerful assets that should be acknowledged and valued.'
