Last night a close friend asked me where do I get the energy for work and study. The truth is I don't. But I have no choice. I had already committed to them two years ago. And what made me commit was the thirst for self-satisfaction, knowledge, recognition and better job prospect.
As it is three weeks and one examination paper away from this chapter of my education life, I want to reflect. Perhaps it'll also serve as some kind of reference for people considering part time studies.
So what did I go thru' so far? Looking back, it feels easy - only because I have gotten used to the hours and demands. It does not mean I did well,but at least I don't see the need to grumble anymore. I remember at the peak of my commitments, I was juggling work, tuition, a Java certification exam, and my coursework projects. Understanding colleagues, understanding family, understanding friends. Subsequently, I knew that I could handle them all. I must admit with really limited resources, it was difficult to do my best in everything. Different tasks took the driving seat at different times. I have now taken 2-3-3-2 modules for the four semesters. Number of modules per semester represent number of nights per week for my 6pm to 9pm lessons. Some modules had additional lessons on Saturdays. Of course there were always be enthusiastic lecturers who stretched the time till 9.30pm or project meetings till 10.30pm. In this last semester, I'm quite used to having 3 modules that I have taken up a foreign language class outside.
So what is expected to be done? The weekly lessons usually will take minimal preparation. There is no need to revise or perhaps you'll not have time for that. But you will need to read at least one paper in order to participate meaningfully in class. It is nice to see the Teaching Assistant put a tick beside your photo/name after you answer a question. It keeps you awake too! And before you know it, the mid-term break will be here. You'll need to start writing your term papers and end the storming within your groups. Nevermind you don't like your team mate's face or he/she talks too much. You'll need to get down to some real work. For some modules, there will be mid-term tests. I'll usually take one day leave to do the research and wrinte the outline for each term paper. Non-examinable modules means more coursework. You'll need to prepare for class presentations as well. That is when you find yourself working till 2am to finish the papers or to review the work of your team mates and consolidate those reports. But I have to say, a large portion of my time was spent on unproductive activities like surfing net. I usually reach home at around 10.30pm to 11pm. Once you pass those golden hours, the only thing you wanna do is sleep! Very soon, the end of semester will be here. What are waiting for you are deadlines, deadlines, and deadlines. Most of us find our finest hours during this short period of time. We have this ability to productively churn out lotsa work.
So why should you do part-time studies or pursue further education? This is what I told a friend moments ago... You have to make sure that the main motivation for doing so is something achievable. Better job opportunities? Maybe. But rewards like self-satisfaction? How cool it is to have obtained Master of the Universe or fill up not Mr/Mrs/Ms but DR in that form? Those are more important reasons. Of course there will be sacrifices to be made, and risks involved. As long as you are reaping off the maximum benefit from that calculated level of sacrifices and risks, why not?
So back to the question, how do you cope with juggling work and studies, family and social life? Just put in that 101% for that task when it is the most crucial. The rest of the time, 75%-80% effort is good enough. Or some might say, work and study smart, not hard. Sometimes I think what I will be doing if I am not taking part-time studies. I will probably be nua-ing anyway. Besides, now I can appreciate free time more than before...
Having said that, I am sure many people have taken part-time studies before. In fact, most of my colleagues hold some sort of post graduate degree or diploma which they had taken part-time. I am sure they had better ways of juggling work and studies. Leaving you with a final thought: If they all can do it, why can't you?
As it is three weeks and one examination paper away from this chapter of my education life, I want to reflect. Perhaps it'll also serve as some kind of reference for people considering part time studies.
So what did I go thru' so far? Looking back, it feels easy - only because I have gotten used to the hours and demands. It does not mean I did well,but at least I don't see the need to grumble anymore. I remember at the peak of my commitments, I was juggling work, tuition, a Java certification exam, and my coursework projects. Understanding colleagues, understanding family, understanding friends. Subsequently, I knew that I could handle them all. I must admit with really limited resources, it was difficult to do my best in everything. Different tasks took the driving seat at different times. I have now taken 2-3-3-2 modules for the four semesters. Number of modules per semester represent number of nights per week for my 6pm to 9pm lessons. Some modules had additional lessons on Saturdays. Of course there were always be enthusiastic lecturers who stretched the time till 9.30pm or project meetings till 10.30pm. In this last semester, I'm quite used to having 3 modules that I have taken up a foreign language class outside.
So what is expected to be done? The weekly lessons usually will take minimal preparation. There is no need to revise or perhaps you'll not have time for that. But you will need to read at least one paper in order to participate meaningfully in class. It is nice to see the Teaching Assistant put a tick beside your photo/name after you answer a question. It keeps you awake too! And before you know it, the mid-term break will be here. You'll need to start writing your term papers and end the storming within your groups. Nevermind you don't like your team mate's face or he/she talks too much. You'll need to get down to some real work. For some modules, there will be mid-term tests. I'll usually take one day leave to do the research and wrinte the outline for each term paper. Non-examinable modules means more coursework. You'll need to prepare for class presentations as well. That is when you find yourself working till 2am to finish the papers or to review the work of your team mates and consolidate those reports. But I have to say, a large portion of my time was spent on unproductive activities like surfing net. I usually reach home at around 10.30pm to 11pm. Once you pass those golden hours, the only thing you wanna do is sleep! Very soon, the end of semester will be here. What are waiting for you are deadlines, deadlines, and deadlines. Most of us find our finest hours during this short period of time. We have this ability to productively churn out lotsa work.
So why should you do part-time studies or pursue further education? This is what I told a friend moments ago... You have to make sure that the main motivation for doing so is something achievable. Better job opportunities? Maybe. But rewards like self-satisfaction? How cool it is to have obtained Master of the Universe or fill up not Mr/Mrs/Ms but DR in that form? Those are more important reasons. Of course there will be sacrifices to be made, and risks involved. As long as you are reaping off the maximum benefit from that calculated level of sacrifices and risks, why not?
So back to the question, how do you cope with juggling work and studies, family and social life? Just put in that 101% for that task when it is the most crucial. The rest of the time, 75%-80% effort is good enough. Or some might say, work and study smart, not hard. Sometimes I think what I will be doing if I am not taking part-time studies. I will probably be nua-ing anyway. Besides, now I can appreciate free time more than before...
Having said that, I am sure many people have taken part-time studies before. In fact, most of my colleagues hold some sort of post graduate degree or diploma which they had taken part-time. I am sure they had better ways of juggling work and studies. Leaving you with a final thought: If they all can do it, why can't you?
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