6 years of balancing PT studies📚 and FT work💼

Hey Zesties,

Let’s #BeReal part-time studies and full-time work is freaking hard! It’s definitely not for everyone.

Let me share my experience.

My 6 years of my university journey was full of ups and downs. Most of my peers completed their degree within 3 or 4 yrs. Well not for me sadly.

During these 6 yrs, I went through quite a few adversities: two breakups with my ex-bf, a death of a loved one and lastly being a caregiver to one of my family member.

During the course of my study, my CGPA wasn’t hitting the min criteria of 2.0 twice and thus I was given a termination of my course. I was offer to restart my course with inclusion of modules that I passed previously.

It was hell lot of tough. All the hardship and mental stress was indeed toiling on me. Many times I really questioned myself it is really worth studying. Can I give up on my Uni degree? Can I give up on my life?

Have to mug through late nights after work to complete assignments and revising for exams. Sacrificing weekends and leave days to study.😪

I am thankful and relieved that I finally graduated after 6 years! Though it is a long pathway, I am glad that I still reach my end goal. As long we take little steps to reach our end destination , it is all worth it. 😊

What works for me during this journey:

✨Find a study group/buddy in school

Having a study group helps especially when revising for exams together. Even our lecturer recommended.

In my later part of my uni studies, I had one or two peers that I managed to study with during my exam period.

✨Coffee is my best friend ☕️

Yesss esp when u have to stay up late to just to complete assignments and do your revision for exams. But of course on weekdays, I will try to stay up latest by 12 or 1am cos next day still have work.

✨Make use of your weekends and weekdays night to revise your exams and complete your assignments.

Yes, I think that the only time I had. If not I have to apply study/annual leave to complete it.

✨Taking breaks in-between.

This is so impt!! You don’t have to chiong and forget to take a break. We are not robots!! So pls give yourself some time to take a break in the midst of your busy schedule!

✨Take time to have a social life!

I think is impt to me, not sure about introverts!😅 But to me going out and spending time with my friends, give me a break and a breather!

✨It’s okay not to be okay

I do have time I breakdown in this journey. I cried a lot and relent why am I doing this. I really wanna give up. But after crying and even bargaining with God, I do feel much better. I pick myself up and tell myself I can do this.

✨Confide to your friends

I am really glad I have close friends that I can rant to them. It’s really help! Even though they are not in the same life stage as me, they are really encouraging to me.😊

✨Set aside time to exercise and eat well!

I can’t emphasise this much. I do try my best to set aside time to do a short workout and still eat my meals. It’s okay to snack esp when you’re stress!

Don’t forget to eat your meals! Just because u are busy, doesn’t mean u need to skip your meals!

✨Always remember that the end goal will be worth it so continue to persevere!

Though this season was really tough, I am glad that I pull through and overcome it. I turned to God a lot during this season and by the grace of God, I managed to graduate even though it’s take longer than most of my peers.

Remind yourself that you need to take step by step even though meaning taking a longer time than your normal peers. We are all in different life seasons, there is no one size fits all. As long, we continue to persevere and aim towards your goal. It will be all worth it!😊👏🏻