How to manage being a student with a full-time job

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Honestly, I thought that CTA would be more straightforward. I am doing my articles (auditing traineeship), and it is my second attempt. Even though I was not 100% wrong, I underestimated the pressure of being a trainee accountant/ auditor as I simultaneously work and study.

I have always known that studying requires a lot of time, dedication and focus from high school to undergrad. When I decided to pursue my articles and CTA, the initial plan was that work would be done and completed during working hours, get home rest and study during the night and on weekends.  

Sounds simple, right?

But it's not!

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In the audit environment, everything is deadline-driven: Admin, engagements, everything. Sometimes, work cannot be completed during allocated working hours.

Working and studying full-time can be a challenge. The thought of juggling studying alongside work and everything else can seem intimidating, but it is doable.

It requires planning, organisation and a bit of self-discipline.

Here's how you can manage studying while having a full-time job:

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1. Organise and Plan

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Create a study plan to have time for work and studying in your day and week. One of the benefits of doing CTA while doing articles is that whatever you cover during the evening classes, I apply my financial accounting, auditing and tax knowledge at my day job. I can perform audits in a way I can understand better, making it easier to tackle tutorials – killing two birds with one stone.

Both university and work can need more attention than expected at times. Allow for this by scheduling extra time in your study schedule.

Creating a buffer in your schedule can be beneficial because if anything unexpected pops up at work (e.g. a client pushes the deadline closer because they need the audited Financial Statements for something urgent), you don't have to finish assessments at the last minute.

2. Be realistic, and don't overdo it.

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Underestimating your study workload can negatively impact your work and studies, increasing stress levels. Work and studying can take up a lot of physical and mental health. Therefore, listen to your body and stop when you need to stop. Take care of your responsibilities and demands as a trainee, but don't always go above and beyond to avoid burnout. Balancing your attention and energy is essential!

3. Use your free time productively

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You hardly get free time as a trainee, so when you get it ... USE IT PRODUCTIVELY!

There are opportunities throughout an average day to fit in extra study: read class notes during lunch breaks, download audio versions of your textbooks or standards and listen to them while commuting to/from work.

Take advantage of holidays or even downtime at work ... use this "free" time to get your tutorials/quizzes/ homework done to help yourself get ahead.

4. Get adequate sleep

One of the lecturers at IAS, Gary Swartz, always stresses the importance of getting adequate sleep. Before a test, he always emails his students, reminding them to rest.

He would write: "An unrested brain means you don't even give yourself a fighting chance. If I could take all your material away, I would! To force you to rest. So please do."  

Don't hijack yourself by working all day and studying all night. I have done so and ended up getting severe headaches. So severe I couldn't keep my eyes open. It did not help my productivity.

As they say, "Sleep is the cornerstone to success in any endeavour in life!"

5. Manage Stress

Working and studying full-time can be very stressful. You are forced to find ways to manage your Stress. But how?...
Schedule regular breaks - Even if it's 5 minutes away from your PC to "stretch your legs around the office".
Make time for things that make you happy outside of work and study - Spend time with friends and family, read a book, play a game, pamper yourself – enjoy it!

6. Keep your body healthy
A healthy body results in a healthy mind. Taking care of your physical health can help you improve your mental performance. It can help you reach your study goals.

My colleague Tax Manager Slindile Phakathi shares tips and tricks on how she maintains her healthy lifestyle

Read here -> What works for me - A day in the life of fitness bunny

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There are many ways to find a balance between work and studying. To avoid burnout, you must find ways that work for you. It can be overwhelming; I often question whether I made the right decision. In times like this, you must keep your end goal in mind; visualising what you hope to achieve can help you stay motivated.

One of my friends, Ntando Phewa, Business Accountant (SA) and director at Ukuphila Kwezwe Accountants, taught me the importance of having a goal sheet. Your goal sheet sets out all your personal development, financial, career, and spiritual/ministry goals, and for each goal, set a timeline.

When you achieve any of these, you tick it off your goal sheet. In that way, you track where you are and what you still need to do to achieve your goal. This can be helpful for anyone. Sometimes, we feel like we are not making progress because we are not where we planned ourselves to be. According to my original plans, I would now be a qualified CA(SA) with a car.

However, keeping progress of every little thing you planned can remind you that you are not a failure after all!

Remember: No risk, no reward! Make haste while the sun still shines.

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