Those who study from home...

Its a flipping nightmare, and quite often, motivation is hard to come by.

At the start of each day I draw up a list of what needs done (not just for uni, but housework, phonecalls that need made, whatever) and everytime I have ticked two or three things off the list, give myself some time to faff around online, make a cup of tea, whatever.

I also arrange to meet up with people/make appointments for set times, so that I know I have to have stuff done by that time. Works quite well.

When motivation has vanished, I head to the library, turn off the wi-fi and have a massive cramming session.

Gosh. It's hard enough to study at home, but while pregnant, and then with a small child? I'm not surprised you find it hard!

Keeping yourself motivated is the biggest hurdle with homestudy, it's what makes it so much harder than going to classes. For me it was a previous academic failure that kept me going with my last course. I just couldn't quit again. The fear of quitting kept me going.

I do set aside time - i have a year wall planner, mark on it all my assignment deadlines, and mark out evenings/weekends when i will study, turning down all the fun distractions (like TV, going out, doing the ironing, cleaning the loo...). I also find it helps to have a place to work too, a dedicated work space, where I can surround myself with books and notes, pin things up on the wall etc. And support from Mr FtG is essential. I need to know that he understands what I am trying to do, that distraction isn't welcome, that cups of tea are. Your tutor's support is also invaluable, and you seem to have that, which is great news.

I guess it is a case of pulling up socks, digging in and just getting on with it. think of what you will get at the end, and the fantastic sense of achievement you will feel when it's all over. And it will look fab on your CV!

What are you studying btw? And who with?

I'm studying Computerised Bookkeping with Home Learning College. My tutor is rubbish and not helpful at all, but I've spoken to another tutor twice and she was very helpful and encouraging. I'm a legal PA and have always liked the invoicing/numbers aspect of it but since moving with my bosses to a new firm the accounts people deal with all the number crunching and we don't touch it.

I also find other jobs more appealing than studying sometimes like the ironing etc!