How I Study Consistently While Working a 9–5 Full-Time Job
I don't get up at five in the morning. I do, in fact, have a life.
The dumbest question people ask me is:
“Why are you still learning while you’re already earning?
Honestly? That mindset baffles me.
As though the minute you find a job, your growth is supposed to halt. As if learning is just this punishment we endure the getting a degree and then the ditching the forever. 🚮
Let me explain to you why I’m still learning even with a full time 9–5.
1.🔄Did Not Graduate To End Learning
School gave me the basics. Work gave me the experience. But self-study? That’s where they grow.
Instead it’s about what I learn — whether it’s a new skill, a certification or just deepening my understanding of something — because I learn: I learn because I want to level up, not because I want to keep where I’m at above water. 📈
2.💰 Earning Is Great. Evolving Is Better.
Yeah, I make money. But since I don’t want to win only. I want to evolve.
The world changes fast. AI, new tools, changing industries... If you're not learning, you're out of date. I’m not studying to show anyone off as much as I’m studying to stay relevant. 🔥
3.🧩Be the One to Make it Work In Your Life - Not the Other Way Around
Just to clarify, I don't only study - I completely neglect my life. I do still enjoy bingeing Netflix, going out with friends, and (most of the time) getting 7 hours of sleep a night 😅.
What I don't do is spend hours and hours mindlessly scrolling or consuming useless content. I do spend small pockets of time, like lunch breaks, bus commutes, or 30 minutes before bedtime. When you're consistent, it takes minimal effort.
4.🛠️ I Don't Just "Read More" - I Learn Smarter
No, I don't feel buried in textbooks. I use:
- 🧠 ChatGPT to summarize, critique or synthesize content quickly.
- 🖥️ Short courses online that I enjoy
- 📱 Flashcard apps on my phone when I have downtime
- 🎧 Podcasts while cleaning
I am not cramming for exams, that is not my goal - I am learning for me.
5.🎯My Ambitions Are Greater Than My Paycheck
I am working toward bigger things than my title. I want options. I want freedom. I want to be able to build something that doesn't rely on a title or a boss.
Some folks work to survive. I am learning to thrive; that's the difference.
6.😌 And No, I Am Not Burned Out
This idea that doing more means burnt out is a misnomer. I am not grinding 24/7. I am just intentional with how I spend my time.
A part of my journey was skipping study sessions, or taking whole weekends off. We aren't talking about perfection—we are talking about being consistent enough to make progress.
Final Thoughts 💬
So, if you are working a full-time job, but want to learn something new and build toward something go for it. You answer to no one.
Close your ears to the people saying, "What's the point?"
- Because the truth is::
- Earning pays the bills.
- Learning builds the future.
- And that's why I am still doing it.