Being a master’s student while working full-time is no easy feat. Some days, I feel like I have everything under control. Other days, I’m scrambling to meet deadlines, wondering how I’ll get everything done.
I am now in my fourth semester, aiming to graduate on time, but at the start of my learning journey, juggling studies with work and personal commitments felt overwhelming. My work in digital marketing keeps me busy – brainstorming content ideas, creating visuals, scrolling social media for inspiration, tracking competitors, and managing various work demands. It’s fast-paced, dynamic, and sometimes unpredictable. After a long workday and my 1 to 1.5-hour commute home, I often feel drained. But my studies still need attention – assignments, readings, and discussions don’t wait.
And then there’s K-Drama – my favourite escape.
I’ll be honest – it’s tempting to unwind with an episode (or three) after a long day. The captivating plots and emotional depth make them hard to resist. But I’ve learned to pace myself. While K-Dramas are my guilty pleasure, I make sure study time comes first.
That’s where OUM’s flexibility has made all the difference. With no rigid class schedules, I can plan my study time around work and personal commitments. If I have a deadline at work, I shift my learning hours. If I need more time to focus on an assignment, I pace myself accordingly. At first, it was a struggle, but over time, I learned how to manage, thanks to OUM’s flexible learning approach.
Of course, it hasn’t been perfect. There were times when I miscalculated deadlines and had to rush assignments. I even lost marks due to late submissions. But I learned from those experiences, and with better planning and access to online resources, I’ve been able to stay on track.
One of the best parts of my master’s journey has been applying what I love to my studies. I once used K-Dramas as a topic for an assignment, analysing how they provide gratification to viewers. It made the research process enjoyable and meaningful. That’s what I love about studying at this level – it’s not just about memorising theories but about applying knowledge in ways that connect to real-life interests.
I won’t pretend I have time management all figured out. Some days, I’m incredibly productive; other days, I let myself take a break. But I’ve realised that progress matters more than perfection. As long as I stay committed and keep moving forward, I know I can manage.
For anyone considering furthering their studies while working, it’s absolutely possible. There will be challenges, but with flexibility, determination, and the right support system, you can achieve what you set out to do. How you pace your life matters, and with the right mindset, anything is within reach.
