Whenever someone says they are studying and working full time you usually sometimes hear people say “How do you do it?” It’s not necessarily about getting enough time as it is about having the energy to pick up a book after a stressful long day at work. Additionally some of us are working more than 40 hours a week.
I have done both my Masters in Financial & Business Economics and I am currently completing ACCA while working full time. This time around has been extra difficult as I now have a son to add to the equation. It has proven difficult as sometimes when I want to study he wants to be put to sleep or just wants to smell me while watching TV (yea I know right). I have detailed some of the tips I have used to be successful in completing my studies while working full time.
I will start by providing just three tips and if you want to hear the rest please comment at the below:-
Creating a Vision Board – I have a vision board that captures all my goals with one being the successful completion of ACCA by the end of this year. The vision board is located in my study room – a room I frequently pass while getting ready for work. This reminds me of my goal every day and in most cases in the morning time. If I am not where I need to be there is the reminder that I need to do some work. You can also capture other goals you may have on this board. It is a great way to stay focus during the course of the work week.
Creating visual reminders at work – At work I have placed a paper up on my wall – right behind my computer where I can see it but customers cannot – that reminds me of my goal to do some studying during the week. My visual reminder simply have numbers but they represent each week in the months coming up to my exams. I cross out a number only when I have successfully done the required studying for the week. If I haven’t crossed out a number in a week’s time it’s a reminder that I am behind and that I must use the weekend to catch up.
Handling the study material in small doses – It has been proven that the best time to study is in the morning time for at least 90 minutes. By ensuring that you at least study one hour during the day it means that you consume the information in smaller doses. This means that I have a higher probability of retaining the information. I wake up at 4am every morning and study for at least 90 minutes. This is when the house is quite and I can truly focus.
I hope the above helps someone who is either thinking about studying or currently studying while working full time and just need some tips. It’s so important that we stay relevant in today’s working world. Gone are the days when you could depend on your work experience to guarantee promotions or job opportunities. Employers want to see that you are also developing yourself. It is hard but the rewards will be worth it when you may want to change jobs or seek a promotion.
Whatever you do please don’t wait until last minute to study – it’s just too stressful. Managing your studying over a longer period of time ensures that you have a higher chance of passing your exams and having less stress.
All the best to everyone studying and working full time. It is truly not an easy task.
IF you have any additional tips or want to hear my remaining tips please feel free to leave your comments below.
If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us at support@afbconsultingservices.com
Until next time LinkedIn family take care and God bless!
Prepared by
Sherryann N Bourne