Working full-time and studying

[OmorfaOneira]

Anyone else feel frustrated as a full-time employee while studying for a qualification related to work?

I work in finance so both my job and the course I'm in take up so much of my mental capacity that I'm struggling to answer questions and get passing marks. My employer has given me some accommodations at work and I've been given extra time/accommodations in the actual exam sittings but working full time hours plus studying outside of work hours is still sending me in a flare. I feel like I've asked for a lot already and luckily I've worked in my current workplace long enough that most people have been understanding. I still feel pretty awful about asking for so many things, and they had to politely say no to some requests.

I thought about reducing my hours but I can't really afford to. I have so much more to pay for being disabled I can't cut my income just so I can have more time to study. My wage has been so stagnant that I'm hoping becoming qualified would give me financial stability but this feels so impossible.

I can't afford to reduce my hours but I also can't afford failing. I've been having to pay for resits because it isn't in my contract for my employer to do so after the first one and it's costing me hundreds per exam! I've had to resit 4 times and I can't keep paying for my own failures out of pocket. I'm looking into applying for PIP but the news about it is stressing me out too.

I'm so lost. Do I just retire and try another less challenging role? I feel like a prisoner in my own mind and body. I don't wish the combination of chronic pain and brain fog on anyone. This is absolute torture. I went from being hyper independent and doing well academically to being a husk of my former self. I can barely do the minimum to care for myself let alone sustain a full time job and intense studying.

Someone tell me it's possible. If you have any practical advice on staying employed and continuing with studying, preferably from personal experience, I'm all ears.

[Dinkie]

I certainly can relate to this. I’m in the middle of a uni course for my work. I struggled with the the heavy technical side (pharmacodynamics/kinetics) and thought about giving up. I found having the lectures available on- line to replay every day, even in the background helped the information go in. Uni were great in allowing extra time for exams and student support supported me by keeping in touch regularly and my tutor was always at the end of an email.

I work only part time with reasonable adjustments in place. I’m not sure I could cope with full time but then again I am past retirement age! At least you should be able to take a break during the summer to recharge your batteries. My philosophy has always been if you want something badly enough you will find a way. For me weekends have to be recovery time, I wouldn’t be able to sustain it forever but my course ends this time next year so I see light at the end of the tunnel and plough on.

Regarding not being able to cope financially, I was in the same boat but I decided I had to reduce my hours and I may not have the money but I am less stressed and happier. Try applying for PIP if you think you meet the criteria- there are lots of websites with the pip questions where you can assess yourself as to whether or not it’s worth applying. However it’s not a quick process.

I wish you well whatever you decide.

[OmorfaOneira in reply to Dinkie]

Thank you for your input. I think I'll keep trying until my qualifications deadline to pass all the exam lapses. By then I'll most likely step-down from my role to have a less mentally taxing job, which hopefully would still be with my current employer.

I'll definitely finish my PIP application, they surprisingly gave me two extensions without me calling in so I'll take that as a sign to follow through! 😊

[skegs36]

I read your message and so much of it resonates with me.It's absolutely imperative that you apply for PIP, do not let scare tactics in the news put u off.

It is essential that you complete the form as per ur worst flare up ie Its daily. Include medication lists,any specialist/gp reports and be honest regarding the mental healrh issues the fibro causes to most of us...depression,anxiety ete.

If necessary seek assistànce with tbis form. If assessed,make them come to ur home not u trapsing to their offices

Next, please stop crucifying yourself over certain things.ie test results

I get that it costs, but in trutj its admirable that u keep trying

Like u Im forced to work to live.

Its hard. Undeniably hard but think of it this way, We are chronically ill, frankluy to me its a case of im aching at home so i may as well be aching at work and get paid

l lost one career through ill health and spent years in a wilderness . 17 years of this disability taken a toll on me but I have had to get up and dust myself off after every knockback then just keep fightîing.

But a long break, rest,therapy and mindfulnesś, but most of all inner resilience is what got me though the worst.

I think u have the resilence and strength, though I know u cant yet see it.

Lets stop to acknowledge our achievements in living with this hateful condition, but still pushing on and forging careers. That takes strength and drive. The saying "must do is a good master" is very true!

Wishing you the best in the future,

PLEASE apply for Pip

You are entitled to this benefit,under the Disability discriminatô act.

Fîn'ally, u are entitled to request "reasonable ajustments " in work.

U say they have helped somewhat.

By law they can and should be doing ́more to facilitate you

Please dont think its them being nice, or that its not nice to ask for more. Its your rights and their obligation.

Try the course again.

Take care and stop being so hard on yourself. Ur doing great

Regards

L

[OmorfaOneira in reply to skegs36]

That's true about being in pain at least we're getting paid to try! I'll finish my PIP application and send it back for sure. I'm a bit more calm now I was super overwhelmed especially when flaring 😔

[Cotswolds25121 in reply to skegs36]

Such a great supporting message for OmorfaOneira. I’m not too well right now to add anything else apart from definitely apply(I understand totally it’s a lot on top of already feeling so overwhelmed 🤗) I’ve been there as have many others on here. For now take care all of you and if possible make the most of the Easter break x