Need Advice; Working Full Time and Studying a Degree Part Time

Rilo 117 on 02/02/2020 - 07:15
Last edited 07/02/2020 - 10:55 by 1 other user

Hi,

I’m looking to get some feedback or advice regarding working full time and studying a Degree part time.

Bit of background that may or may not be relevant;

A previous manager contacted me for a coffee, said he was looking at creating a succession role for himself, as the business had a career path for himself laid out. Offered me a supervisor position and business willing to pay for a Degree relevant to the industry. It’s in the wine industry where I worked for over 5yrs prior, as a snr laboratory technician, only left due to no career path at the time, and it was a bit of a drive. The Degree would be in Wine Science.
Prior my highest level of education is a Diploma of Laboratory Operation, I did in 2014, most recent study was Cert IV of Food science and Technology. Year 12 I did fantastic during assignments but suffered during exams.

I’ve accepted the role, as it’s a fantastic opportunity. I’m excited to study and progress my career.

However, there is a little voice in the back of my head saying, “what if I fail” “maybe its too hard and I wont pass”. It honestly scares me and stresses me a little. Because work is provided it too there is pressure to pass (which I feel is more of a good thing in a way then a bad thing).

At the moment, I’d start the course mid year, and I’ve been watching a ton of study tips and listening to a couple of podcast to help try and get in the right mindset but would really appreciate some real applied advice on Balancing working full time and studying a degree part time. I do have a family, wife 4yr and 2yr, but would have time of weekends & evenings to study.

  • Does anyone have general tips or advice regarding this? Maybe you felt the same initially?

Any advice is really appreciated, thank you.

  • EDIT, the degree is with Charles Sturt university, if anyone has studied with them or has experience with what they're online learning portal is like, it'd be great to hear. The course would include some on campus learning, but is primarily online, with 1 week sessions every 3/4 months. Work is still paying me during that time, so i'm not losing annual leave, and also accommodation. It's ~3.5hrs drive away, work wont cover but I'll be able to claim on tax.

*** 2nd edit, 7/2/2020, Hey thanks for ready and replying to my thread, i've posted a comment below summarising the comments and what helped me/spoke to me. I feel confident i can take it on now. Thanks again for reading. Hopefully other people can find this and by reading my summary and your comments below it helps them. Cheers!… ***

Education & Work

Comments

  • Nugs on 02/02/2020 - 07:25
    +1

    I will start by saying I hated studying.
    I did not finish my degree after switching to part time study and full time work.
    I would suggest you would need to really enjoy studying to make it work.

  • Mikinoz on 02/02/2020 - 07:36
    +9

    The voice in your head is wrong. But if you don't try you will fail.

    What have you got to lose the people around you believe in you, so do the Nike thing and just do it.

    • Rilo 117 on 02/02/2020 - 08:09

      All true, love the Nike mentality, cheers!

  • SharedSugar on 02/02/2020 - 07:43
    +2

    I am doing full time work with part-time study at the moment.
    As mentioned it is often quite tiring and difficult. Doing it with kids is going to be very hard, but certainly possible.
    I switched into full time work and the biggest change was before switching during exams and major assignments I would put in a lot of hours in the last few days. I can't do that anymore, so I need to be prepared well in advance. There are also little things like not have big blocks of time to study, competing work pressures and using leave for exams.

    • Rilo 117 on 02/02/2020 - 08:08

      What are you studying?

      How do you prepare in advance?

  • Muzeeb on 02/02/2020 - 08:22
    +1

    Ask work to give you 1 day off per week or fortnight (paid of course) to study / assignment work /exam prep. If they are offering you to study a degree for their benefit also then I think this is only fair.

    Is your wife a stay at home mum and backing you in this? You will definitely need her support but remember she will want time away from the kids and time with you with and without the kids.

    • Rilo 117 on 02/02/2020 - 08:39
      +2

      Work is going to support it with paid time off for exams and on campus study (1 week every 3-4months) already, I think I could ask but it'd probably come from my own annual leave, which is probably something I'd do when exams are coming up for sure.

      My wife currently works 1 day on weekends, she is super supportive and feel that she'll continue to be supportive during the degree with allowing time to focus on study. I'm pretty lucky in that regard.

  • cheaplee on 02/02/2020 - 08:38
    +1

    My wife and I both work full time and have 2 young kids, 3yrs old and 2yrs old. She is studying part time and I am studying (informally) for barrier examinations in my field.

    It's not easy, but we knew it wouldn't be.
    Planning is key. Mark out the gates of your exams and assessments at the beginning so you can figure out which weekends you need to study and which you can relax on.
    Keep on top of it. An hour each night after kids go to bed is worth an entire day full time.
    Some weekends your wife will just have to take the kids, or you will have to stay late at work to finish assignment, again plan for it

    • Rilo 117 on 02/02/2020 - 08:46

      Appreciate the advice, and my hat off to you both for taking it all on while having such young kids. My 4yr is at a good age where he does his own thing and enjoys playing with his younger brother, while sometimes my youngest is like a little cheeky shadow :) great when i'm trying to clean and fold clothing.

      I think I'll have to tax a serious look at scheduling my time. Anything you can suggest to help? Obviously Yearly calendar and planner would be the main things.

  • Chewie on 02/02/2020 - 08:44
    +1

    I've been working full-time and studying part-time on and off since 1996.

    The first degree I didn't really like, but I was working in the industry so made it easier to learn.

    The second degree (Masters) was to slightly shift my career path, I enjoyed it and I was working in regional NSW, so I had plenty of time to study bring single, Asian and introverted at the time.

    The third degree I did, I did it out of interest (postgrad in energy studies and innovation) but didn't do well in greenhouse accounting. I nailed the innovation subject though.

    The fourth degree I'm doing now (grad Dip Psych), I find harder (particularly statistics) but social psychology and behaviour modification I enjoyed. I have another 5 years left of part-time study to be a fully registered psychologist. This will be another career change for me as I enter semi - retirement (hopefully).

    So, what's helped?

    • Be interested in the subjects.
    • Write down and revise what your long term goal is by doing the course; is it still viable?
    • Have a good support structure - financially, mentally and familial/friends
      -Always remember what is important to you first and foremost - family might not always be there but study can be continued.
    • Rilo 117 on 02/02/2020 - 08:52

      Great advice thank you.

      I'm lucky that I'll be working in the industry and with my prior level of studies it should all hopefully come a bit easier.

      All the subjects look doable, the ones i'm a bit funny about might be the higher levels of chemistry, but I really want to throw 110% at it and try to find the best study method for myself and possibly tutoring as well.

      Long term goal, is completing the course and being in a manger position, will be 36 (currently 30) when that happens. Work has also said that there is a loose plan in place as a Quality and Technical manager as well after I graduate, which is something that excites me.

    • Muzeeb on 02/02/2020 - 09:00

      fourth degree I'm doing now (grad Dip Psych)

      I didn't do tertiary study. So is this a degree or a diploma?

      • kerfuffle on 02/02/2020 - 09:23
        +1

        A Graduate Diploma

      • Chewie on 02/02/2020 - 12:26
        +1

        It's a Graduate Diploma in Psychology which is equivalent to the 3 year Bachelors to move on to the 4th year Honours or Advanced Diploma course before going to the Masters. The graduate diploma (sometimes) has a higher workload on assignments, etc as those who already have a non - psychology degree go through that way, if not via the Bachelors route.

  • Chewie on 02/02/2020 - 08:45

    (apologies for my formatting in the previous comment - posted it via the app)

    • Muzeeb on 02/02/2020 - 08:58

      The official ozbargain app?

      • Chewie on 02/02/2020 - 09:00

        No, the Deals Lite app on Android

  • mightyfes on 02/02/2020 - 09:42
    +1

    If you're worried and planning by watching videos you're already on the right track. It's a great opportunity and you'll do fine.

    I've studied to a post-graduate level, at a Uni with arguably higher standards (assuming because it was one of the 'Go8') and it is extreeeemly hard to fail. People who fail are usually the ones that never show up to class, forget to submit assignments and tried to wing it in the exams. To pass a class you need 60~65%, if you attend the lectures, take notes and do your assignments, it would actually be a challenge to fail.

    • Chewie on 02/02/2020 - 12:27

      I second that

  • TheBilly on 02/02/2020 - 12:26

    Go into it head first. It won't be easy but you'll do it. Likewise you will become a stronger individual.

    I worked full time 6 days a week and studied a bachelor's and master's with full time subject commitments, I even overloaded 1 year I.e. 4 subjects per semester generally and 2 semesters I requested special consideration for 6 subjects for accelaration.

    As a result, leaps and bounds ahead of people I started working and studying with.

    At some points I got depression and almost gave up, but do not regret it today one single bit.

    That little voice in the back of your head is the (profanity) you. Giving you the justification to be a soft.

    • HardlyCharly on 02/02/2020 - 12:46
      -6

      If the 'profanity' is meant to be pu—y then I'm surprised you're gay (straight people trying to use pu—y as an insult doesn't make any sense, it means they think it's a bad thing they don't want anything to do with) considering the toxic masculinity shown with 'justification to be soft'. You're clueless about people, obviously didn't study anything to do with psychology or logic lol!

      • HighAndDry on 03/02/2020 - 00:43

        lol!

      • TheBilly on 03/02/2020 - 05:59
        +1

        Are you homophobic, why does sexual orientation surprise you. Do you get surprised when somebody is asian african, caucasian, middle eastern. Is being different to what you think is normal, surprising. Are you surprised about people's genetic make up? you obviously are not well cultured and need to meet more human beings.

  • HardlyCharly on 02/02/2020 - 12:43
    -1

    It'll be tough as hell, but you already know that. My husband's work varies between part-time and full-time work, so there are months at a time where he's both working and studying full-time. I don't know how he does it because I never could, although he says it's still less stressful than studying at an ivy league university which he did for a couple years (you also have social and all kinds of other obligations at a place like that). People are different, maybe it won't suit you, or maybe you'll enjoy it, you'll never know until you're doing it and if this is the path you desire you should try.

  • Muffinman01 on 02/02/2020 - 13:38
    +2

    I'm working full time and studying my masters part-time (almost finished, thankfully).

    I had the same apprehension as you when I started. Depending on how your program is structured and the requirements of your work, you could look to 'dip your toe' in like I did when I started. I started off with just one subject to get the feel of how it would be to study with work. Doing this my confidence grew throughout the semester, especially as the results started rolling in. I then progressed to 2 subjects/semester, and have been doing that since.

    The best advice I can give you is to understand your learning style and use that to your advantage. As an example, I'm a very practical learner. I hate to sit and listen to lectures or read textbooks, I prefer tangible examples to apply things to. As a result, I don't bother with listening to lectures or reading textbooks (I'm 10/12 subjects through my degree without having bought or read a single textbook, despite every course requiring one). Instead I use the lecture slides and summary information available to understand and apply the knowledge to the assessment pieces. When it comes to exam time, I use past exam papers and other activities provided throughout the semester to test myself and ensure I have all the key concepts covered (though at the moment I have an exam tomorrow and am procrastinating :)).

    As others have said, key to everything is time management. As soon as assessment pieces are posted, I mark those dates down and start straight away. I find the earlier you start, the easier it is to deal with studying, plus everything life throws at you along the way. I don't stress too much about keeping up with actual course content (listening to lectures etc.), I usually just get straight in to the assessment - the assessment is designed to test your knowledge of content afterall, and I find I save time and learn more effectively this way.

    Even though there are some days you get home from work, and you just feel like doing absolutely nothing, I find if I can force myself to do just a little bit of work (usually around an hour) I feel much better about my progress. Sometimes this could be as little as 100 words on an assignment, but if you're doing the research and reading etc. and can do 100 words on an assignment a night, that's 700 words a week, which is good progress.

    Undoubtedly life will throw unexpected things up at times, but if you know what you're getting yourself in to with assessment dates/residential schools upfront, you'll quickly learn how long it takes you to do things and you'll be amazed at how you're able to adapt and manage your time effectively. Doing little bits here and there can quickly add up if you can work in that sort of way, and you'll be surprised at how little effort doing things that way feels like.

    Obviously this isn't for everyone, but it's my way of dealing with it. Good luck, let me know if you have any other questions!

  • brad1-8tsi on 02/02/2020 - 15:42

    I've had 5+ jobs where I doubted my ability but had a crack. The learning curve was steep but things slowly got easier.

    Have a go! You won't regret it

  • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 02/02/2020 - 17:10
    +3
    You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.
  • Halo375 on 02/02/2020 - 17:41
    +1

    Short term pain for long term gain - go for it. I did a masters degree part time and it was a lot of hard work. The key is keeping on top of the workload - tackling and finishing assignments well before they’re due. Managing your stress and anxiety will be key to staying on top. It will be hard but worthwhile if you’re prepared. Uni really isn’t very hard if you just apply yourself. Good luck!

  • peteru on 03/02/2020 - 01:20

    It's going to be hard work, but ultimately it will depend on how well you deal with stress and how much support you will get from your partner.

    One piece of advice I have is that it's better to get a shit mark or even fail a subject, rather than jeopardise your family life or relationship.

    Give it a go, you can always declare it "too hard". At least you'll know, rather than spend the rest of your life wondering "what if".

  • fenikkusu on 03/02/2020 - 08:01

    Go for it!

    I never much liked studying but I’m contemplating a part time course while working full time now. I’m fascinated by this new field. Work will support this with some paid leave but won’t fully compensate for it, I’m still keen. Like you, I’m also afraid of failing because I get sick a lot, overworked, single mother with young child yada yada yada… I think I’ll be okay though. I think you will do just fine too.

    Your (prior?) manager will support you. Your family will be there for you. Don’t miss this opportunity. Your passion won’t let you fail ;)

    All the best!!

  • Goldcoasterlinda on 03/02/2020 - 08:09

    I too did all my university study while working fulltime. 2 degrees and a diploma over 20 years. It's easier studying in the area you work in. There will be times it is stressful and times that it is not. Most mature aged students do very well. Take it slowly with your study load while you're kids are young, maybe 2 subjects at a time. Even look into summer school to knock a few more subjects off. Can you apply for credit or RPL?
    Yes it can be a juggle, but making progress toward a goal should give you a sense of achievement. A qualification is always worthwhile to help you get ahead in a career.

  • HeWhoKnows on 03/02/2020 - 08:37
    -1

    Nothing new about this OP
    Its been going oin since uni degress started

    Im sure you will work it out and survive just as the 100 million people before you did.

  • ozbjunkie on 03/02/2020 - 09:58

    To phrase this delicately… Online courses, and Charles Sturt in my experience, tailor the difficulty of courses to the nature of their clientele. Often these clients are time-poor, returning to study after a long break, or otherwise not suitable for top tier full time attendance courses.

    In other words, it might be a little easier than you expect. Particularly the exams.

  • OzHunterNSW on 03/02/2020 - 10:10

    The voice in your head comes from your father yelling at you when you were a kid….
    Of coarse you can do it… you can do anything you desire…

    Go for it

  • curious101 on 03/02/2020 - 10:40

    Your wife is 4 years old :O :O :O - "I do have a family, wife 4yr and 2yr"

  • mhasan on 03/02/2020 - 11:43
    +1

    I completed my Master in teaching (online) with CSU, they are awesome, highly recommended. Amazing support from the staff and teachers.

  • sandman87 on 04/02/2020 - 19:49

    Sounds like a pretty exciting opportunity and also seems like you have the interest and aptitude for the job as well.
    I was in a similar position about 6 years ago when I had the chance to return to study and attend university. I had been out of high school for about 8 years at that point, and also looked back on my schooling and its lack of success in the HSC, examinations, assessment tasks, etc and thought "can I do this?".

    How you performed when you were in high school is going to be completely different to how you perform now. I'm now a high school teacher myself and I see so many year 12 students who just scrape through because they dont have motivation or a real plan. The ones who succeed are the ones who have a goal and purpose.

    You also have a goal and purpose. You're also older than you were in high school, so you've matured a lot and you know that you have to work at the things you want to achieve it.

    When I began university, the best tip I recieved was to start your assignments the same day you recieve them and begin the process of researching, drafting and most importantly… getting feedback on your drafts. This will help you to succeed. In my first year, I got a high distinction and over the course of my entire degree, I managed just under a distinction average. I was not a smart kid in high school, but as an adult in Uni, I knew what I wanted to achieve and I was motivated to do it.

    As for time management, I was doing my masters of teaching when my first child was born and managed to complete it with a full time load and a part time job. It will require some sacrifice, but dont let it deter you. The university will say that you need something unrealistic like 50 hours of face to face hours + study per week. If you're organised, you could get away with half of that and still do quite well.

    Going back to study, even with a family is definitely achieveable and I would encourage you to do it if the only thing thats holding you back is self doubt or worry.

    If you want any study tips or support, feel free to PM me :)

  • Rilo 117 on 07/02/2020 - 10:53
    +1

    Hi Guys,

    Just wanted to have a follow up comment, might help those in similar situation if they find this thread.

    Firstly, I wanted to thank everyone who contributed to the thread, there was tons of great advice and overall, I’m feeling much more positive about it all.
    Things that really spoke to me / helped;

    • Time Management and Preparation is key.
    • Understanding my Learning Style
    • A little bit of work each day can add up to a lot
    • Study smarter not harder
    • Manage Stress and Anxiety, make time for some fun
    • Course is Majority online, and most likely tailored to take the clients in account (time poor, returning to study…etc)
    • Start assignments ASAP, complete prior to due date to allow time in case SHTF.
    • Understand the marking system and what criteria I need to pass.
    • Get feedback on assignments and tutors.

    All that really helped and grounded the situation for me.
    I also spoke to my prior manage about (guess new manager soon), we have a really good relationship, known each other for 10years, worked together for about half of that, we grab coffee’s and beers every now and again and play golf. I’d say he’s one of my closest friends. He pretty much talked me up, gave me complete confidence and mentioned some of the above.
    When he did his course, he failed a subject, no big deal, just meant another 6months. Life happens kind of thing. He recommended that I buy all the suggested reading material, not just the must haves, as work is reimbursing me the costs and that helped him.

    All in all, I feel with correct time management and applying myself to it, I should be capable of doing the degree.

    Again thanks to all those who commented, really appreciate it.

    • Typical16-bitEnjoyer on 10/02/2020 - 23:28
      +1

      Great stuff. Good luck.

      I wish I could +10 this comment for you actually coming back to update everyone. So rare these days.

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