How can I do something about my lack of time ?

Question

I work 4 days a week 9 - 5 and commute 45 mins each way as my job is specific and there is nothing closer and Im taking a degree every friday 9-6. There is so much homework it is all I do - at least 4 hour per night - usually more and I still only just complete it in time. Im so tired all the time and I miss my friends but I really want the job I am going to get at the end of this. All I can think about is sleeping. Is there anything I can do to make this any better for me.

Answer 1

Congratulations for working and getting a degree. I know it's quite difficult. Is there a way to do part of your school work during the commute? Are you driving? If you're on a train I would take homework with you. That would give you an extra hour and a half. Can you do school work during your lunch hour? That would give you four hours a week.

Answer 2

I know how you feel - i work a job which is all consuming and have no time to study.

Here are some ideas which might work:

If you can manage on a few less hours at work - may be ask to do less hours (9am to 4pm) or move hours to 8 to 5 for 3 days and 9am to 2pm on the fourth day if possible while you are studying, you don't know until you ask if it is possible.

Try and use the 95 minutes commute a day to do your revision or note taking for any assessments you are working on - buy a good back pack to carry work with you easily without giving yourself back ache.

Work out when you work best - mornings or evenings and focus your studying during these times. I personally work best in the evenings after dinner - i can get twice as much done after 5pm (lord only know why but it is true!).

Plan time into your week to see friends - even a couple of hours will make all the difference.

And remember this has an end in sight - it is just while you better yourself that life seems relentless and no fun. Once you have the degree it is all over - until you start the next course ;)

Take care and remember to smile - life is full of small challenges, treat yourself with something small each time you achieve a big assessment. And most importantly remember to sit back and breath if it all begins to seem to much.

Good luck.

Answer 3

It sounds like you're working yourself pretty hard - but there will be an end to it. I think you have to keep the goal and the end in sight and trust that the job you want so badly will be worth it when you get there - I'm sure it will be.

You have to try and find a routine thats right for you. I know I'm useless for 20 mins after I get in from work, so I always have a rest before I attempt ANYTHING that evening, otherwise I knacker myself out by 7 pm and am useless for even longer. You have to try and work out when you work best and quickest, and work at those times. If you're too tired to do anything - do nothing for half an hour. it will do you the power of good in the long term

Also, don't work hard, work smart. Work out how you can get maximum results from minimum work. One hour of concentrated effort is better that three hours staring out of the window. Practice working as quickly as possible - write every essay as though its under exam conditions and you only have an hour. You can only do this though if you're well rested and well fed before you begin - so don't neglect those things, because you won't be doing yourself any favours.

Answer 4

Get a digital voice recorder. Take it to class. Record the lecture and also write notes. When you study, read the text book and your notes into the recorder. During your commute, listen to your voice recorder. You can "study" while you're driving. You could also dump the recordings into your computer, burn it to a CD, and listen to it all again towards final exams. As far as doing homework, that's just something you have to do. Don't waste time watching TV or doing anything that doesn't improve your life. Try to schedule one night per week that you and all your friends get together for dinner. Don't drink alcohol (or too much) that you aren't as productive as you should be the next day. You've pretty much told us what is important to you (job, school, friends, sleep, etc). Try to avoid ALL the other things that aren't important to you. Prioritize.

Answer 5

Count your self lucky. My day is as follows:-
6.55 am leave the house for a 20 minute walk
7.29 am get on the bus
8.30 am get off the bus and straight into work
4 pm leave work
4.40 pm get on the bus to go home
5.50 pm get off the bus and then have a 20 minute walk
6.15 pm get home and cook the evening meal
7 pm - 10 pm Study for an Open University Degree

That is JUST Monday to Friday.

On Saturday and Sunday I have got to do an additional 5 hours of study (each day just to keep up), plus washing, ironing, cleaning and food shopping.

Answer 6

I admire anyone who can study like this! I did my degree the easy way, full time! Just think about the student debt you're not accumulating! All we can do is encourage you to work hard and realise your potential.

Good luck!

Answer 7

Gem,

It sounds like you have a specific goal in mind and when you finally reach the finish line you'll be glad that you did it.

Pay your dues when you're younger and reap the rewards when you're older.

Best of Luck and Hang in There.

Answer 8

it does suck now but you have almost made it to the break and Thanksgiving is coming up next week so just hold on- you will be so happy with yourself when you finish your schooling.

It sounds like you have the weekends off so just use that time more effectively and try to get ahead.

Answer 9

study during your commute, if possible. set a schedule and work in cat naps occassionally.
good luck in your education, I believe in higher education for all.
your hard work will pay off.

Answer 10

It doesn't sound like it. You have to sacrifice to acheive. Just be sure the goal is worth the price because your health is the most important thing we have in life.