How to you get through the hard times?

[Molesworth]

I'm studying for an OU degree (sociology) and I've hit a really bad patch. I had the crazy idea of registering for two courses this year (equivalent to full-time study), although the courses only overlap for a few months. The workload is crippling and I've fallen behind on one course. The pressure is really getting to me: I can substitute one assignment(I have two due in on 10th April) but must get the other one done as it covers the main theoretical material for the course.

I've been working on this damn thing for the last two weeks and progress is painfully slow. I am starting to have towel-throwing thoughts tbh.

I know this is a test of character and I'm determined to get through it without giving up, because I love what I'm doing and it means an awful lot to me.

I am just wondering if anyone has any tips for getting through this difficult patch. Is this normal? Triumph over adversity stories please!

You've got this far, molesworth, because you want to, so it isn't lack of self-belief. You didn't say if there was a single problem - not happy with what you have done on this assignment so far, perhaps? Trying for a too perfect outcome?

Although I'm not actively studying atm when I did get stuck and a deadline loomed then I started asking myself what bits would give the best minimum effort result, concentrate on these and then return to the bits that I knew were weak and see if time permits whether I can do them up a bit.

Oh, and what often works for me is to do something completely different for a few hours - go see a film, exhibition, just get immersed in something else. Bit like trying to remember an elusive name, things seem clearer after not trying.

Im struggling molesworth.

I LOVE my course, I WANT to be a nurse, I just really do not want to do all the crap surrounding it, im neglecting my family - i look like shit, i cry for no reason.

Its taking a toll on my own health.....but I know that I have to continue with this to get to where I want to be....there had better be a bloody job at the end of it for me!

thanks EOE and TE

TE I'm sorry you're so stressed, but I do understand! SO hard at times isn't it?

EOE - thank you for the very sensible advice ... I've given myself a day off today, which will hopefully give me the headspace to refocus on the task in hand. It's definitely a good plan to identify the minimum effort areas and complete those first: at least then, if I haven't completed the assignment by Thursday, I will have the bulk of it done and will submit that.

There isn't a single problem as such: it's more that I get incredibly frustrated by the lack of time to do the best job I'm capable of, if that makes sense?

Thanks again for your sympathy and ideas

I started an OU stream towards an MBA but lost the will to live reading books and essays written by academics, for academics, none of whom seemed to have any business experience So I had difficulties getting assignments in on time and after a year moved on with my life.

My dp has a different approach in tackling assignments that involves trying to beat the record for the shortest time it takes between it being handed out and my dp submitting the work. Wouldn't work for me at all - I just have to leave it to the last moment.

dunno, I'm finding it hard going at the moment.

Am doing full-time course and in my final year.

Am doing dissertation at the moment - its due in on the 19th April.

I have been ill so much this year.
Ds has been ill.

Want to do MA next year, but its all too much at the moment os don't know how I will cope, so haven't done the application form yet, maybe at all.

I htink its the time of the academic year when everyone wants ot give up anyway.

You have all helped me so much today - thanks for making me feel not quite so alone!

I even managed to get some halfway decent stuff written