Preparing for Online exams while doing a full-time job is without a doubt, pretty challenging. No student would want to be caught up in this situation but the lack of finance leaves them no option but to get a full-time job. This does not mean that they are totally incapable of preparing for their exams, they just need a little exam help.
So to make sure that you can prepare for your online exams while working a 9 to 5 job, keep on reading this post.
How to Study for Online Exam during Full-Time Job?
Time Management:
Time management basically helps you to achieve your goals within a set time frame (Helpwithdissertation, 2021). You must already agree with the fact that the worst part about preparing for your online exam while doing a full-time job is Time management. Should you be working for your boss or studying for the exam? If so, when? These types of questions may overwhelm you. Obviously, the one that can save you is time management, no matter how dreadful it may sound.
First thing first, you can not alter your job timings that is why you need to manage your exam preparation time. The best thing you can do is start studying in the morning and once you get back home from work.
Planning out the study schedule is important, if you have to prepare for a lengthy topic then section it out into smaller chunks. Prepare for a certain aspect of the topic for some time then take a break and come back to prepare for the other aspect.
You can use the Promodoro method as well to your benefit. It is a popular time management technique (Costales et al., 2021). According to this method you have to study for twenty-five minutes then take a break for 5 minutes and repeat the entire process. This technique will motivate you to start studying if you are procrastinating because 25 minutes do not seem like a lot of time to study.
If you have finally decided to start planning the study sessions according to your work hours then you will need a planner. You can use a traditional notebook planner or a digital planner.
However, it is recommended that you go for a digital planner over a traditional one because it can sync with all of your devices such as your laptop or cellphone. That way it is easier to carry around and you can look at the schedule when you want. In addition to this, it will also give you reminders so you do not miss out on any important topics.
Taking Help:
Sometimes it is best to take the help of others when you are preparing for your exams. It is similar to asking your sister “hey, can you take my online class for me?” when you are busy. There is nothing wrong with seeking help when you are stuck with a certain topic, all you need to do is ring a friend and ask if they can help you with understanding it.
Sure, it may seem embarrassing to some because they are afraid that others will think of them as a bad student who did not listen to the lecture. But the reality is, nobody s going to be an expert in understanding all the topics in the exam syllabus, maybe they are looking for help as well and you seeking help openly may be the source of encouragement they have been looking for. You guys help one another or even hold a group study session once you are back from work.
Getting help will save you more time than trying to figure out a topic by yourself. When you are managing a full-time job and preparing for any examination you should save every bit of time and be as productive as you can.
Taking Breaks and Rewarding Yourself:
It may seem to you that being a student who is managing a full-time job and studying for exams requires you to be productive all the time. It may feel like taking a break is a crime, in this dire situation. But this is not true, taking breaks is important or else it will reduce your productivity and this is the last thing you will want.
To make sure that you stay productive when you are at work or studying, you need to take breaks. These breaks do not have to be long, just five to ten minutes is enough. It will refresh your mind and you will be capable of maintaining your concentration level as well.
Secondly, reward yourself when you accomplish a certain study goal. This will act as positive reinforcement and will increase the frequency of desired behaviors which in this situation is completing the preparation of your exams while working a full-time job. When accomplishing a study you can enjoy your favorite beverage, play your favorite game or watch a comedy skit. The motivation to get this reward is what will get you to reach your exam preparation goals faster.
Get Proper Sleep:
While getting a good night’s sleep has no direct impact on your studies, it does make you feel lethargic throughout the day. You can be at work or studying, either way, you will be tired and therefore less productive. You will also feel cranky and this may put off your co-workers and the customer, further deteriorating your mood.
Getting proper sleep will also save you from stress and this should not come to you as a surprise that stress can give you headaches and blood pressure-related issues, hindering your overall progress. This will also have a negative impact on your physical health and you will be losing energy.
Therefore, always remember to not stay up all night and study, you should be sleeping for at least six to eight hours.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to manage to study for exams while working a full-time job, make sure to implement this.