How do you find the time? Struggling with burnout.

Question

Hi everyone!

I just wanted to make a topic to hear about your tips and tricks on how you carve out time to study. I'm struggling really badly with burnout and not being able to study consistently because of my schedule (which I don't think is unique to anyone here). I'm barely able to find time to feed myself properly or go for a walk - so how is everyone able to find some balance between self-care (cooking, working out, quality sleep, etc.), work, extracurricular, networking/school research, etc. while needing to study such a high volume of content?

To give some context, I'm doing strategic finance at a large nonprofit (clocking in 70ish hours a week) and am on the Board of another nonprofit.

Thank you,

bb · Answer

It is good you are posting about this since I feel many are feeling it but just sucking it in. I am.... The Pandemic and expectation of being available 24/7 and always on the phone zoom did not help either. Today, I feel like I am only half as productive as I used to be 2 years ago. Part of the problem is obviously the 70-hour work week. That is not sustainable in general (even if you are not working on the GMAT) so you need to get it down to 50 hrs or take 1 day off per week and work it out with your boss somehow that it can't continue like that. The thing is that until your boss understands that it is a high priority to you, they won't be focusing on it. You need to make it a priority to them; otherwise, I am sure they have a ton of other things to worry about My solution has been working on the GMAT as the first thing in the morning - I would get up extra early such as 6 AM and work on the GMAT for 2 hours and then head to work. I did not work out during my prep

and I think it would have been good and helpful, but I would not plan to do any kind of serious workouts - mostly maintain your pace, stamina, etc, while you are studying grammar, math formulas, reviewing yesterday's lessons, and learning new vocab words. In other words, repurpose time if you can (my tips are pre-pandemic tips obviously so perhaps someone has something more current). However, I think you will have to tackle the biggest issue - 70 your work week. There is no way around it since you are just getting wiped out with work. Sorry

P.S. I would also try to take the GMAT in 3 months and basically plan to do an intensive sprint of 3 months and be done with the test so it is not lasting forever.

ThrivingWind · Answer

Thank you for the advice! The part of the pandemic feels spot on. When I was studying for my CFA exams, I felt like I was able to balance work and study so well, but something about the past 2 years just threw all of that out the window! The 3 month sprint advice feels spot on and I might try to see if I can find a way to incorporate that! I'm still trying to figure out the work situation, but I know that I'm probably going to have to leave my Board position to add more time into my day.

bb · Answer

I feel like blaming the pandemic is lame these days. We have lived with it for 1.5 years now but somehow it has impacted the productivity and ability to focus and stay engaged. I can't put my finger on it but there is some aspect that changed. I don't see that so much on my kids though who still go to school but I see it on myself (i used to work 2 jobs from home for the past 10 years but that has stopped and now I have just 1 and I am half as productive. Go figure).

I don't think you have to drop out or make substantial changes (sometimes it is really hard) but everyone is usually open to a 3-month break or a 3-month window when they can cut you some slack.....

I don't think you have to drop out or make substantial changes (sometimes it is really hard) but everyone is usually open to a 3-month break or a 3-month window when they can cut you some slack.....

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi ThrivingWind,

I actually have two perfect articles for you to check out. If you have any questions after reading them, feel free to reach out.

How to Study for the GMAT While Working in a Demanding Job

How to Find Your GMAT Motivation

GmatKnightTutor · Answer

One thing you can do is to try to squeeze as much value out of the few hours you have. I've even suggested to some full-time working students I've tutored to wake up earlier for sessions rather than have them in the evening when they may be tired. Perhaps you'll find it easier to really "get" how those formulas work or the reasoning on a CR in the morning when you are fresh. There's this one article on the GK blog that may be helpful but it's essentially the same idea.

Tutor Tip: Studying at an optimum time

Tutor Tip: Studying at an optimum time

GMATWhizTeam · Answer

Hi ThrivingWind, Most of the students who prepare for GMAT are working professionals and a good number of them have a tough time managing the work-life balance alongside studying for GMAT just like you. Hence, it is quite natural for GMAT Preparation to take the back seat whenever another important commitment comes up. What should you do in such cases? I highly recommend to ensure that you build a habit of learning every day . Even on days, you’ve some extra workload, try and sit to study for 30 mins just to maintain the habit. I don’t mean to say that you should put stress on yourself on an already stressful day. All I mean to say is, Don’t Procrastinate . Don’t tell yourself that it doesn’t matter and you’ll make up for the lost time over the weekends. Trust me, Procrastinating a bad habit. You won’t realize how it affects your learning initially, but in the end (probably in the last 30 days before GMAT), you will realize how much stuff you have left to do and how little time is left. Most students end up entering the fire-fighting mode and eventually end up missing their goal. WHAT’S THE SOLUTION? The solution is to ensure that you dedicate a slot for studying every day, just as you dedicate some time in the day to go to office. Speak to family, get their buy-in as well on this slot and focus on studying every day in this slot. Timing and duration of the slot will vary on basis of your schedule and personal preferences, but make sure you’ve a slot fixed. Don’t procrastinate and even on a busy day try to study at least for 30 mins. OTHER BENEFITS Another benefit of regular study is that it increases your efficiency. You can internalize things well if you learn daily rather than just on weekends. Remember only disciplined people can master a test like GMAT. Unless you’ve a very hectic work schedule which doesn’t leave any time to study on weekdays, I strictly advise against studying solely on weekends. You are somewhat in a similar situation like one of our students, Nishant (GMAT Score 720), whose daily working hours were as brutal as 12+ hours almost. His story might inspire you and help you extract some useful tips out of it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZxXRnY0DQjc Feel free to reach out in case of any queries! Keep yourself motivated and you can do it for sure

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How do you find the time? Struggling with burnout.

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