I need advice on distance learning, Has anyone study while working fulltime? I am struggling/ frustrated.?

Question

I am learning at home in my spare time that I have, while working 8-10 hour shifts, days, lates, nights, then I get tired after the shifts. I only have myself with income coming in. I was considering droping my shifts, but I feel I can't cope with less money as there is too many bills throughout the year and everything is going up in prices..

Answer 1

How about this -- for four years I ran a business (45-50 hrs/wk), carried 6 or 7 classes each semester, had a wife who stayed home with our new baby, and was an officer in my honor society. I ran at midnight for exercise, and did all my homework straight through on the weekend. You can do it, you just have to stay focused and remember why you're working so hard. When you graduate, a schedule like that is like gold to potential employers and on professional and grad school apps. Keep it up.

Answer 2

I once did what you're doing but my courses were on two college campuses. You didn't say what your major is. If you're going for say an Executive Secretary or Webmaster "certificate" or something like that that is lower in income (and is not a degree) or you wish to use that as a stepping stone to owning your own business then your grades won't matter. But when you do online schooling you need to first determine your goal and then determine your major or majors. You cannot get the benefits of give and take from the students and teachers and extra work in specialized subjects for that class unless you physically sit in a classroom. So if you plan to move forward into a high paying career you need to study in the classroom. The other important point is that if you're doing this for a certificate then it's the "information" you gain from your studies not the grades. But if you're going for a career and higher income in working for an employer then the grades are very important (you'll need all A's) plus it's important that you get the information (and pick the professor's brain) in a classroom setting. We can't determine for you if you should stay in (home) schooling or classroom schooling unless you tell us what you goal you are shooting for. Most times if you're doing a lot of working or have other things that are taking your interest then your grades suffer, and so when it comes to getting a higher income job than the norm it rarely happens because the competition is heavy out there. In addition, you're wearing yourself down. Set your priorities. If you're going for a 4-year degree then get your associates degree from an approved home school (has to be pre-approved by the area you're in and the college you intend to take your finaly two years in) and then once you get that associates degree then transfer it to that senior college and continue your schooling in the classroom (for the last two years). This of course is not as good as the 4 years in the classroom and the high grades, but once you've started something and already have home school grades to your credit you minds well move forward. If instead you can change now to a community college that would be your better bet if you can't or don't have the money to go all four years in the classroom.
You didn't mention your major...and that's another thing to discuss.

Answer 3

I have children and a husband so for me to go back and do a bachelor degree was very hard. Sometimes I also worked part time. When I had a job, I found my marks dropped.
The more time you can allocate to study the better your marks will be.
You have to decide what is more important - just to pass or to do very well.
If you have a lot of expenses you might look at changing your lifestyle so that you can reduce those expenses.
Maybe you can change your accommodation for the rest of your course or maybe you spend money in ways you dont need to.
You may be able to get help from financial counsellors at school to help you work out a budget and you might find there are goverment subsidies if you are in Australia that will help you financially so that you can reduce your work hours.
Also you have to consider the duration of your studies. Can you reduce your work hours for a little while? Will you be able to earn much more when you finish your studies that will make living frugally in the short term worthwhile?
Or finally
Do you have the option to study part time. It took me nine years to get my degree but I did finish it.
You could get better marks if you study part time.
Your load is definitely too much.
If you are doing a degree you should do at least one hour of study for every hour of contact time the university course would take.

Answer 4

Well, gethering your bill at first. Put the monthly bill such as gas, water, electricity etc. on the side, now you looking at the one you owe. Take out the smallest bill and pay maximum to clean it out. Only pay the minimum on the others. After a while, you will have one less bill to pay. Then go for the next smallest bill. If you can do that without extra add on your bills, you will be able to feel lot less pressure after a while. This will be your first step if you really want study! During these time, may be half year or longer, only keep one class at a time if you could. If study for you is too much, drop it for a while but not too too long untill you are financially better. When you are able to cut your working hours for 8/10 to 6 hours, then take one major class. Make sure you pass this major class, then add more class one by one when you can drop more working hours. Good luck! Wish you can reach your dream one day!

Answer 5

I'm studying full time and working full time and I completely understand how you feel. I found the worst thing was falling behind. Try and stay on top of things, do one subject a night or something. You may feel like you need to be either working or studying but try and have some time to yourself. Even if its just going and taking an hour to do the grocery shopping between studying and working, you need to have time where your not stressing about either of those things.

Good luck!! :)

Answer 6

If you consider raising a family and a husband a full time job, yes, I went back to college once my youngest started first grade.
I quickly found out that nursing was going to be tougher than I thought with a family too.
So I taught each of the kids each to do their own laundry and my husband took on the colored clothes. At ages 7& 10 the did really well. They realized how much time studying and time at school it took and luckily they were patient with me.
I soon found out not to over load myself with certain subjects. It took me longer to finish, but at least I finished.
Sometimes I took no more than one subject because it required a lot of time just memorizing parts of the body.
So you might consider that. Reducing your subjects as opposed to cutting your hours since you need money. I know too there are lots of programs and money for single mothers who need help while going to school/college.
The school I attended gave the single mothers their books, uniforms, and free child care too. Maybe ask your school you are attending if they offer any such programs.
Wish you the best.

Answer 7

there are lots of sites out there that deal with being Frugal that may help they come up with saving money in the oddest of places! Just type frugal living in the search area and see waht you come up with.

Yahoo Groups has a few good sites as well.
I wish you luck with the study I work 25 hours a week and have just signed up for university externally.

Answer 8

The best way to make money online is by learning affiliation marketing. Here you can find a lot of useful information to start making money from today http://moneyonline.toptips.org
It's everything free! I have been doing that method and I am earning good money now.
Good luck!

Answer 9

Yes
I was a matured age student in University of Technology, Sydney doing Bachelor of Business in a foreign language, had full time job, new born baby & demanding, abusive husband - it wasn't easy but ...

I successfuly graduated

Answer 10

Carlina's and sophieb's answers are especially good. Do take a look at them kitty :)

All the best.