Struggling to study alongside full-time job

[Patbutchersearrings1]

I am studying a CIPD course in my spare time alongside a full time job as I'm looking to change careers to HR and I haven't had any luck finding a job in that field with my current experience. I am paying a substantial amount each month for this. The problem is, every day I am absolutely exhausted and drained when I come home from work and I can never find the motivation to do the work- the modules require a lot of concentration and i just find myself reading and not taking anything in. I don't want to waste money on something I am actively not working on, I was wondering if people had any tips for combining full-time work and study and not burning out?

It depends on your circumstances. I did a law degree while working full time, but it was before children and I had a supportive partner. I listened to lectures during my commute, worked from 7-9pm Monday-Thursday, had Friday night completely off and one weekend day completely off, and only worked the morning of the other. My partner sorted out food and we got a cleaner.

There's also the issue of how is examined. I was ruthless at focusing on what I needed to pass the exam, rather than all the recommended reading. Don't try and do everything they suggest, just do what you need.

I think you have to want it with a passion. Because it really is tough. You have to want it more than other hobbies or going out. It has to be your priority.

I got my undergrad part-time, alongside full-time work. I also have a successful hobby business. I’m now almost at the end of my Masters and I’ll be applying for a PhD. I couldn’t imagine not doing this — I love it. But I really think you have to.

Are you able to compress your work into four days? Or reduce some hours etc?

I divided my time to reading, highlighting on bursts of 40 min get up and do a task. I found mornings early 5am ish worked for me.

I did all qualifications up to current doctorate part time. It takes discipline and passion. But it is very important to keep yourself motivated so small bursts of focused work with plenty of activity. Best of luck it will be worth it.

What is the situation at home? Partner? Kids? Any other responsibilities?

Im not sure how to advise, if you’re tired at the end of your work day, you’re tired. My suggestions would be if you have quiet times at work, steal that time to study if you can get away with it. And use a day of annual leave and use the whole day to study. Somehow get a few hours at the weekend, maybe a Saturday morning so it’s out the way to do some study?

When I was studying alongside working FT (though shorter than usual office hours as I was a TA - 8:30-3:30), my workplace supported it as part of my CPD. They made some adjustments like offering me use of a room to study over lunchtime to support me, is there anything your workplace could offer?

Depends if you have kids or not. I’ve done both. I used to get to work for 630 and study somehwerr before. With kids it’s tricky - annul leave to get work done, evenings etc. you don’t have the luxury of studying when you feel in the zone you just have to plough through in every ten min slot you get

What kind of person are you? I'm a night owl so used to work, have dinner and chill out and then study from 10pm - midnight. It's tough starting but I usually found once I had summoned up my strength to crack open the text book, I got into it. I'd also have chocolate/biscuits to keep my going too.

I was a single parent with young DCs when I got my MSc. Evenings were a write off - I was just too tired from work, ferrying about drama, rainbows, gymnastics etc. XH had the DCs one Saturday a month for a few hours when I got housework/laundry etc done. What worked for me:

I used index cards to make notes while I commuted. I did have a company car but I allowed one of my team to have it and he would give me a lift home at night. Also used time when the DCs were at horse riding or birthday parties - I'd be the anti social one sitting in the car with my books! The index cards were really portable - could glance over them while waiting on meetings etc.

I would get up early Sunday mornings and get some studying in while DCs slept or played.

I had A3 sheets of things I had to remember stuck on the wall (just as well I had no partner!)

I still had to do a couple of all nighters to get assignments/essays done.

I tried to do another MSc when DCs were young teens - almost impossible. I found that age to be so much more demanding of my time and energy than it had been when they were younger. Also, I have no idea how people manage FT work, childcare, studying and a partner. Probably why so many failed relationships with mature students on my courses.

Good luck with your course. The CIPD is an essential qualification for many HR jobs. It will be worth it if it's the route you want to take.

I've just completed my level 5 and paid for it myself. I did mine with level 5. For the first two modules I went through all the notes reading etc but one of the tutors advised to only simply read the material based on the questions in the brief. I did this and managed to do the essays successfully. I listened to the webinar for each question and then did my research.

I’m doing my Chartered Accountants exams atm. It is really tough to get motivated around work. I wouldn’t recommend my approach up to now of leaving everything until the last minute though. I think little bursts as often as you can manage is meant to be the best way. So maybe half an hour every day before you go to bed, or before you get up if you’re more of a morning person.
Prioritise quality work over quantity too, so focus on active learning like past paper questions or creating mind maps more than reading if you have a spare 5 mins.

If you're really tired after work, have you tried getting up a bit earlier and working in the morning? You may find you're an early bird rather than a late owl!

Can you review the hours you're doing at work and find a way to cut them down slightly? Is it a 9-5 job or are you working more hours than that - and if you are, do you have to? I know it's a horrible phrase, but 'work smarter not harder' might work for you. Can you delegate more at work?

I'm doing law exams at the moment too, one failed done, one to go, for my current two modules. I don't work full time, I'm 9-3 then pick up the kids (primary) do homework and dinner, evening activities, etc. I'm just too tired to do anything in the evenings outside my prescribed lectures. Dh works long hours but picks up what he can with activities, dog walking, etc. I've been atrocious this semester and it's biting me on the arse now. I found the assignments stressful but doable, but closed book exams are the stuff of (literal) nightmares. Perimenopause and 20 years out of practice mean I just can't seem to retain the information, case names, etc. I'm starting my next module next week and I'm going to have to come up with a better plan than this term. Sorry, OP, no solutions, but a lot of solidarity.

Do you live with someone who could take over housekeeping duties? I bet it's hard, and you'd probably need to accept that house might be a tip sometimes, no time for sports or hobbies. I am also tired after work. Maybe getting up early to study is better solution for you?

I did equivalent to CIPD in my career while working ft. It was fucking hard work.

No kids. Couldn't have entertained the idea with kids.

It was worth it though.