open university and horses...

impresario08

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Random question.

I am about to begin studying with the open university part-time. I also work full-time, have a horse, a partner and I try and go to the gym regularly for my sanity(!)

Has anyone been in a similar situation? I already feel like I have no spare time without the degree...lol!
 

laura_nash

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I have done under-grad OU courses working part-time (with horse and partner, no gym attendance though!) and post-grad working full time with support from my employer. I think you may struggle without support from your employer (e.g. study leave before the exams), though it depends on which course(s) you are doing (and whether the horse is DIY etc). If you are just doing one at a time it will be easier, I was always too impatient for that.
 

Tangled

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I started a part time distance learning course whilst working full time, horse on diy and family commitments.

It was a massive struggle and stress and so I quit in my 2nd term. I'm totally gutted for doing it but I honestly felt I couldn't cope.

I haven't got a plan B either. Sorry it's not so positive but full time work alongside other commitments is such an ask, but I wish you all the luck in the world x

Just edited to add, it was a science course (wildlife conservation and biodiversity) which meant a lot of field work and trying to fit the time to go out and study whatever, alongside theory and assignments. If it's strictly "desk based" might be a tad easier to organise?
 
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blitznbobs

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Random question.

I am about to begin studying with the open university part-time. I also work full-time, have a horse, a partner and I try and go to the gym regularly for my sanity(!)

Has anyone been in a similar situation? I already feel like I have no spare time without the degree...lol!

I currently am doing a law degree with the OU (90 credits this year)... I have 2 jobs, work 40+ hours a week, have 2 horses, 3 ponies and 2 kids... I am the queen of juggling... My advice is remove yourself from Facebook and any other social media or limit your time on these a lot, get some help with the horse/s ( i have just organised full livery for my competition horse, I work nights not days most of the time and I work out EXACTLY what I need to do for the degree and do no more than that --- i.e. I work out what I need for the TMAs do those and work out what I need for the exam and do that... nothing more. Also if you get a lunch hour do your gym then or get thru a couple of tasks for the OU and eat at your desk... TBH if you haven't got kids you'll be fine - it's the kids that hamper my plans.
 

BlackRider

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I've just started going an HND via distance learning, and work full time (40+) hours, plus horse.

I'm finding one or 2 evenings a week and most of the weekend go on on studying - at the moment I'm really enjoying the course, so its fine, although I imagine in one of the more dry modules it will be more difficult.

You do have flexibility over how long you want to take to do the course, so can take a break and restart when fresh again.

I thought about it for many years and now wish Id started sooner :)
 

TelH

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I graduated from the OU in 2014. I am self employed (full time hours) and I have 7 ponies. I didn't find it difficult at all. I did my degree in 4 years+4 months, with hindsight I could have done it in 3 years but I started slowly as I didn't know how it would work out time wise in the beginning. Just be organised and discipline yourself.
 

cold_feet

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No horses back then, but was a single parent with 2 small boys. I did my OU degree in 7 years (but had a year out in the middle). I did everything in the evenings - no TV for me! Agree about being organised and disciplined - don't leave assignments to the last minute!
 

SuperTeifi

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Yes, I hope you don't like sleep. I work full time plus some Monday - Friday, I'm completing a degree, started a business a few months ago that is actually going pretty well but could be a full time job in itself, whilst looking after 3 horses and my grandmother. I occasionally try and have a relationship with my BF too. I don't have a TV, don't really go out - it's never really been my thing and sleep for 6 hours max. I go straight to the horses from work, then home plonk myself down with my laptop and don't move until about 1am. Sometimes I'll have a packet of crisps for dinner, haha. Oh and housework is just not a thing.
It is all possible you just have to work out what you are willing to sacrifice. There's 17 hours in a day to get stuff done, you just have to make every min count.
Good luck!
 

Kaylum

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I suggest you start with a short course first and see if you have the time for a longer one. It's hard work and you need to be organised always be ahead of yourself as if you get behind it's hard to catch up
 

Llee94

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I am going into my 4th year with the OU and still have 2 years left after that of my classical history degree as I am doing it part time.
I work full time 40+ hours a week, have 4 horses (one of which i compete at 1* level and another is a youngster I am bringing on, the other two are field ornaments) as well as riding for a owner and I also used to juggle this with training for tetrathlons at national level. Also hopefully moving house in the next few weeks so yet more stress and jobs to add to the pile!
It can be hard work but as others have said, you just need to learn how to juggle. Get your priorities straight but make sure you allow for some 'me' time as well otherwise it can all be a bit overwhelming otherwise.
 

mariew

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I did 1 1/2 course modules of the OU a few years ago. Don't underestimate how much it requires, it said 15 hours / week recommended study, and to be honest if you wanted any decent results that was the minimum you had to study. This was part time. So about 2 hours / day and some. Agree above, start with one, and see how you cope - not something to be entered into half heartedly.
 

LiffWee93

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I'm studying the open course part time, I work full time with 2 horses...
I found I'm VERY good at procrastination haha,so I have to be good with disciplining myself.

I try to do most of the reading before the module starts. So then I can just go back over and work through the activities as required, this saved me a lot of time!
I'm just headed into level 2, and am worrying slightly at how much time I'll have, but I'll make it happen one way or the other! I only study one module at a time and make sure I keep on top/ahead using the calenders as markers... Means that I can relax a little throughout - one thing you don't want is getting behind!!
Get your assignments done as soon as possible, submit with plenty of time so if there is issues you have time to correct.
If you are struggling, let your tutor know, I had issues in my last module meaning I was worried about submitting a tea as I was going to be out of the country and was offered an extension.

Make the most of the breaks between modules (normally summer!) for full on riding and competing/ socialising and make full use of every minute of the day!
 

anuvb

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Yes and it was fine. A bit of a juggle but perfectly do-able. Pace yourself and get in some extra help with the horses when you need it and negotiate study leave with your employer if it is a work related course. You will be tired at times but then isn't that just a normal part of life?

Good luck and enjoy it x
 
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