7: Manage part time studies and full time work at the same time

TRANSCRIPT FOR EP 7
Welcome to Woman Leadership show. I'm Janet and in this episode, I will be sharing with you how I managed my part time studies and full time work. 

There was a saying when the going gets tough, the tough get going. This was really so true in my case when I had to study and work at the same time. Though my mum offered in helping to support part of my studies course fees but I would want to start earning so my mum would have less burden in supporting me and not having to support me further while I do my full time degree program. 

The decision to study part time and work full time had helped me to learn time management at an accelerated speed during my early years when started working. While one would have time to enjoy going out with friends or catch up with Korean series, in my spare time would be attending lessons and complete assignments. There would be times when the project assignments would clash with my work deadlines. 

There were countless times I had to stay up late to complete my assignments and to do research or reading on my assignments. In order to manage my studies and work, I took lesser modules n some terms and took longer period to complete my studies, my pay was much lower as I did not have a completed degree hence my pay was not able to scale in my first 10 years of working. I only completed my studies just before I got married. 

Even though it took me longer than usual to complete my degree studies, I gained valuable experience in my earlier jobs in all areas of Human Resources and from participating in company events and projects. I have received distinguished service from a company in recognition of my service and valued my contributions outside my job and Human Resource Executive awards from Singapore Human Resource Institute during my early career. It may sound tough in the beginning when I started working and had to cope with studies but my working experience has also helped me to do better in my assignments as I could use real case studies and applications to my projects and assignments. 

My key takeaway from this sharing is to perserve when there are multiple priorities to manage at the same time. I have learnt to stay focus when I was completing my work or assignments and not distracted by other activities which prevent me from completing my tasks or assignments. Begin with the end in mind and keep an eye on the goal by reviewing and track the progress it regularly. 

Second takeaway is to be committed to complete and follow through when one has decided to embark on a goal. For some goals, it may takes longer to complete the process but the experience stays with us and elevate us to next level. 

Third takeaway is believe in myself that once I set my heart and mind to do something, nothing is impossible. Limiting beliefs will only stop me from moving forward and achieve more than expected. 

I hope that through my sharing, it draws inspiration and personal reflection for you. I believe every woman can be a leader in your own way. 
I look forward to seeing you in my next episode where I will share what I look for in my marriage partner.