Finding the right balance between professional responsibilities and academic commitments is key to managing both effectively.

Balancing a full-time job with part-time studies is a significant challenge. Yet, some of us choose to take this on, or have no choice but to take on this challenge—whether by circumstance or ambition—because we are committed to achieving long-term goals. The self-discipline required to succeed as both a full-time worker and a part-time student is a skill that develops over time, and it is largely driven by how strongly we desire to reach our ultimate goal.

I completed my matric in 2010 and began my career as an article clerk at a small firm in January 2011. That same year, I decided to pursue my degree part-time, and what followed was a ten-year commitment to a demanding lifestyle that I had to adapt to in order to qualify as a Chartered Accountant. While this path was not easy, it was undeniably rewarding, and I can confidently say that it is possible to balance both work and study successfully.

Here are a few key lessons I learned from my journey, which I hope will be helpful as you navigate your own:

1. Create a Schedule and Study Plan

Developing a clear and structured schedule is crucial. I used a combined work and study calendar, which I updated every Sunday to set the tone for the week. Knowing in advance which audits I would be involved in helped me structure my study time around my work commitments. I considered factors such as:

• Whether I would be working in the office or on-site at a client’s premises, which allowed me to optimize my time, accounting for potential traffic delays.
• Allocating time to focus on topics that I felt more confident with, particularly during weeks when my workload was lighter.
• I divided larger tasks into smaller, manageable chunks to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Focusing on one topic at a time, and not aiming for marathon study sessions—shorter, focused sessions worked better.
• Prioritised assignments, deadlines, or exams that were coming up soon to tackle the most urgent or difficult subjects first when my energy was at its peak.

2. Stay Organised

• Stay ahead of deadlines by setting internal deadlines that are earlier than the actual ones. This will give you a buffer in case things get hectic.
• Keep your study materials organised by subject so that you’re not wasting time searching for them. A tidy workspace can also help with mental clarity.
• For me, one of the enjoyable aspects of being organised is the opportunity to invest in new stationery. Whether it’s a fresh notebook or a high-quality highlighter, there’s a unique satisfaction in selecting tools that enhance productivity and bring a touch of enjoyment to the process.

3. Time Management and Consistency

Staying consistent with my time management approach was key. I set realistic, achievable daily study goals and adhered to them. Early in the week, I was more motivated, so I would allocate three hours per day from Monday to Wednesday. Thursdays were a bit lighter at two hours, and if I met my minimum hours during the week, I would take Fridays off to reset. On weekends, I would study for five hours a day, splitting the time based on my concentration levels.

• Use travel time to listen to educational podcasts/videos. Even 10-15 minutes can be useful.
• Find a technique that works for you – I found that studying for 45 minutes, then taking a 10 -minute break helped maintain focus and prevented burnout.
• Each study session should have a clear goal (e.g. read two chapters, complete a question paper). This keeps you focused and prevents procrastination.

4. Identify Your Peak Productivity Times

Recognising when I was most productive made a huge difference. I found that I was more focused and energetic in the mornings, which allowed me to study before work and still have time to relax with family in the evenings. On days when waking up early wasn’t feasible, I split my study time between the morning and evening sessions to ensure I still met my targets.

5. Be Flexible and Realistic

Life will get in the way sometimes, and you might have to adjust your schedule. Be kind to yourself if things don’t go according to plan.