How to juggle work and study at the same time
Balancing a full-time job with studying isn’t easy, especially if you want to enjoy other things in life too. Here are some top tips for successfully managing work and study commitments, without burning out.
Achieving a work-life balance can be a struggle. Throw studying for exams into the mix, and things get even more complicated.
The pressure of preparing for exams while trying to balance job responsibilities and personal commitments can quickly become overwhelming.
Follow these tips to make working and studying at the same time less of a grind.
#1 Plan and prioritize
When things feel overwhelming, it’s easy to catastrophize and panic. The answer is to plan, then prioritize.
Planning is typically the easy part. Start by writing down all the work and study tasks you need to do, preferably on a piece of paper. Seeing your list laid out in front of you will help you visualize your tasks and better manage your time.
Then decide which are most pressing.
Prioritizing can be tricky, especially when everything seems equally important. But there are frameworks that help.
One example is The Eisenhower Matrix, made famous by former US President Dwight Eisenhower. Also known as the Urgent-Important Matrix, this framework splits tasks into four quadrants:
● Quadrant I (Urgent and Important): Tasks that need immediate attention and have significant consequences. Do these first.
● Quadrant II (Not Urgent but Important): Tasks that are important but can be scheduled for later. Focus on these to prevent them from becoming urgent.
● Quadrant III (Urgent but Not Important): Tasks that need immediate attention but are not crucial. Delegate if and when possible.
● Quadrant IV (Not Urgent and Not Important): Tasks that are neither urgent nor important. Minimize or get rid of these.
#2 Manage your time effectively
When you’re time poor, it’s important to manage the time you do have well.
The first step is to break down your tasks into manageable chunks. Create a to-do list and physically cross off tasks when you’re done. The act of crossing off a task releases a hit of dopamine - the so-called ‘feel good’ hormone.
When managing work responsibilities, think about whether you can delegate to other members of your team. It’s also important to set clear deadlines and make sure you stick to them.
Allocate time for work and time for study, and keep them separate. Be strict with yourself. If you start working during what should be study time, you’ll be on course for burnout.
Joseph Yeow, CFA, a Sales Trader from CMC Markets, said: “I don't study for more than 45 minutes at a time. I realize 45 minutes is the maximum that I can go.”
#3 Use flexible study options
Find a way to study that works for you but bear in mind this may look different to ways you’ve studied in the past, when you didn’t have to balance revision with work.
Start by identifying when in the day you’re most productive and plan your study sessions accordingly. If, for example, you’re often exhausted after a long day at work, it might be worth getting your revision in first thing.
You could also join study groups before or after work, either online or in person. Or perhaps having a study buddy for mutual support and accountability.
Another idea is to use apps specifically designed for revising. These apps aren’t just good for making your revision more effective, they also allow you to study on the go, for example, during your commute or lunch break.
Some examples of revisions apps include:
● Quizlet
● Anki
● MindMeister
#4 Communicate with your employer
Don’t hide your study commitments from your employer. Tell them you have exams coming up and that you may need some flexibility in your work schedule so that you can prepare properly. They may even be open to flexible hours or remote working.
#5 Don’t be afraid to say no
This isn’t a time to be everything to everyone. Be realistic about what you can and can’t do and recognize your limits.
Saying no and not overcommitting can help reduce the risk of physical and mental burnout. It also helps you stay focused on essential tasks, keeps stress levels down and (hopefully) allows you some time for yourself, away from work and revision.
After all, staying healthy, getting enough sleep and taking regular breaks are all vital to success.
"You have to make room in your plan to rest and to see your friends and family. Because if you rest your mind, this will enable you to perform better," said Walter Buchanan, CFA, Co-founder of SaveNest.
Finally, remember why you’re studying for exams in the first place. Keep your goals in mind and focus on the sense of accomplishment and career opportunities that passing the exams will bring.
Marta Zywiecka, CFA, a Risk Manager, said: “I really had to keep my motivation very high (when studying for my exams). But I always thought about the exam date and what will happen when I have the CFA Charter. So I really was motivated and really tried to succeed”.
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