Full time work and part time degree (part 2) 🍋✨

During my Year 3 polytechnic internship, I spent three months at an organization.

After the internship ended, I was offered a flexible part-time job, which I accepted to earn some extra cash since I only had one term left and only had my Final Year Project before graduating. The job fit well with my school schedule, and I loved the work environment—it felt like a win-win for me.

Upon graduating, I transitioned to a full-time position. Having already been working for awhile, I appreciated receiving a salary and no longer relying on my parents financially. I knew I wanted to pursue a degree, so I decided to explore part-time options.

I discovered that I needed to be 21 to be eligible for a part-time degree, which meant I had to take a gap year to work before starting my studies. I used that year to save up for my tuition fee. 🙂

There was an interview for the degree, and I was asked if I felt comfortable working with older students, as most were working adults and I would likely be one of the youngest in the class.

I told them no problem and I was accepted. 😆

I heard that working in the same sector helps your application. 😏

Then school began. I thought it would be easy, but Year 1 turned out to be quite challenging. I had the thought of completing my studies fast. So I took six subjects in my first term and five in my second term—too much, in hindsight.

Balancing a full-time job from 9 AM to 6 PM and classes from 7 PM to 10 PM, along with back to back assignments, quizzes, and exams, became overwhelming.

Once, I found myself breaking down in the office after hours, trying to finish my assignments. Funny enough, I told myself, "I don’t have time to cry," allowing just five minutes to feel sad before returning to my assignment. 🥲

Fortunately, by my second year, I learned to find some balance. Here’s what helped:

1. Building friendships to support each other through school.

2. Discovering new hobbies and volunteering in the community.

3. Planning ahead for assignments and exams.

4. Taking part time studies means you have control over how many subjects you take a term ! (Lesser subjects = lesser stress and also mean less cost as you pay per subject)

Some people had asked me about my grades. I averaged between A minus and B. Some friends just want to pass while some aim for straight As.

you are working and studying so give yourselves a little air to breathe. 😅

I would do this all over again if I have to choose..

Everyone has their own paths to take, pick your own path and finish it 🙂💪🏻💪🏻

Thanks for reading!