am I doing the right thing.

LegacyUser

i started a part time course a few weeks ago. Its something i wanted to do for a few years but kept putting it off from year to year. Was delighted to learn that the course was to be run on saturdays this year which is more suitable for me instead of an evening course. Joined up to the course, started it and i love it.

I knew it wasn't going to be easy due to working full time during the week with long hours with a half day off from time to time (differs every week and some weeks no half day) and the course requiring 1/2/3 hours work experience during the week. I sat down and thought about it and thought that it is doable.

However a few unexpected things came up both at work and at home within the past two weeks and have missed two classes. (everything all came together). Will now have more responsibilities in work. And theres no sign of things settling down anytime soon. I don't know if I'll be getting a half day for the next few more weeks. So life is pretty much hectic at work and at home for now until god knows when. And thats before any course, assignments, study, and work experience.

The course means so much to me. It really does. I have decided to give up and go back and do it next year in the hope that I'll be more organised next year. Just wondering is this the right thing to do. Or will i continue and look forward to my next day off from work and the coursework probably at xmas time - thats 7 weeks away.

ronano

I think you made the right decision although i'd say it breaks your heart in ways at least you're on a positive path and will do it next year. I'd say get some books relating to your subject and teach yourself more this year to give yourself a grounding in it and you won't lose too much heart over a year. Good luck

LegacyUser

Definitely some good advice there. Sometimes things can get too hectic, and holding down a full job too... you are going to get seriously stressed out trying to do too much.

Another option would be to go speak to the lecturers and explain your current situation, see if some alternative solution can be recommended for you. Sometimes, they may be flexible, and they probably have heard it all before anyway, so it might be worth a shot, to see what other options are available!

thefeatheredcat

I think with some time management you may be able to juggle the lot.

It would be a shame to give up the course now you're actually in it, however, if you really feel that you can't give it your full attention and focus, perhaps doing it next year may be your best option. Do chat to the lecturers - they'll be able to give you the best advice on how demanding it will be.

With work, they have to understand you have a life beyond it. If you're not happy/not able with the responsibility, then speak up now before they depend on you, when that could be delegated to someone else (assuming that they would be understanding of course). Are they flexible enough that you could change your hours in any way?

LegacyUser

OP here. Thanks for the replies. Sorry for the delay in writing back.

I was writing to look for reassurance that I was doing the right thing before I made a final decision. I have given up with the part time course and and I definiately did do the right thing. The past couple of weeks was crazy. Last week was by far the worst - started pulling out my hair last week with all the stress. I would not have been able to continue with the course. Work is looking very busy and things at home are hectic too so it will be christmas by the time I'll have any time free. Thanks for the replies. I hope to go back and do it next year.