Just need a listening ear this new year? Wondering if I made the right choice 3 months into my part time degree?

Hi mate, I was in a similar predicament too.

For myself, I did a full time degree at SMU while working full time; I studied 8 hours a day and worked 8 hours a day and 7 days a week.

It was quite taxing, because I realized I could have 10 tasks for work, and 10 tasks for my academic requirements and despite my best efforts, I could only complete 14/20 tasks at any point of time given the time constraints.

Nevertheless, I felt the degree incalculated in me important attitude and values such as learning to learn, as well as time management skills.

It was also tough, because I was sleeping in dark corners where I could and I also got sick more frequently due to lack of sleep during these four years of work and study but I grew in many ways possible. Would definitely encourage you to bear with it and you will most certainly become a stronger and more employable individual. All the best!​​​

Yes it's worth it in the long run. No matter what people say, even if pm Lee say don't need degree, you need to do your own research and check out job descriptions. You will see many want degree holders, it's like the basic requirement these days. also need these qualifications to climb up the corporate ladder.

Happy new year to you too!! 🥳 10 days in, hope everyone's doing fine.

I think it's admirable that you chose to invest in your professional development even though you knew it wouldn't be easy. Not everyone can commit to such a grueling schedule--I mean my brain is deep fried after work--so props to you!

It sounds like you made this decision based on your own experiences with the hiring expectations of your industry, so I'm sure it was justified. It's normal to have doubts when things feel 🔥💩🔥, but perhaps reminding yourself of the reason why you started this journey in the first place can help you pull through. If you have a strong why, I believe you can bear almost any how (wantonly paraphrasing Nietzsche here, cc TurnItIn don’t @ me).

But I hope you can find joy in the process as well: in learning (I think healthcare is such an interesting and meaningful field ❤️), and maybe even making a couple of new friends. Remember to take breaks to recharge mentally and physically, don't push yourself too hard and burn out!

It might be hard but I believe you can do it, look you're already doing it, so you’re definitely capable of doing it! Jiayou, wishing you all the best. 😊

Hi,

I was in your shoes. I went for my degree as my promotion hinged on it. I just started working after NS. It was tiring to go for classes 3 times a week after working. Completed my degree 3 years later and got my promotion.

Fast forward 15 years. Married with 4 kids. 18 months into my part time masters. This time not for promotion but for knowledge. Scary because the level of academic writing is different from bachelor's and out of school for so long. Rewarding because of the knowledge gained.

Press on, since you started knowing what you want to achieve.