Study Tips: Language Learning w/a Full-Time Job
Work full-time? Or go to school AND work full-time?
You can still learn a language...
I know I did, but you have to make it a priority.
I'd like to share some example schedules and tips I've used, and maybe it will help you.
🗓️The Schedule:
When I had an awful commute, I would get home around 6. (Left at like, 6AM too)
The morning was a no-go for me, so the evening it is.
You need to be committed.
If this isn't a priority that's ok, but understand you may not achieve a certain level of proficiency.
6PM-7PM Dinner + Shower
📚7PM-8PM Study!!!
8PM-9PM Wind down and sleep. (yes, that early. Sleep more!)
📚Repeat 2x a week.
📚Spend 2-3 hours studying Sat + Sun, or whenever your day(s) off are.
If you do this, you can get conversational with some of the "easier" languages in 3-6 months.
✏️The Tips:
1- Don't burn out.
Easier said than done, but you need a strong "why".
People will tell me they "don't have time" or "aren't smart enough".
The truth usually is - it just isn't a priority. And that's ok.
If you are really busy...that's why intensive programs exist!
Sign up for a week long study "vacation" if you can't stick to a routine.
2- It's ok to struggle, but not ok to skip.
If you skip too many days....you'll lose progress.
Use it or lose it is real.
What I mean by "struggle" is that - if you wanted to study for an hour but only did 10 minutes...that's still progress. Stick with it!
3- Language Buddies
Even if you can't speak yet, having someone cheering you on is the greatest motivation.
Use an app like Tandem to exchange with people.
Around the world people are always looking to improve their English.
If you are a native speaker it should be easy for you to find a buddy in your target language.
What are some of your tips?
#languagelearning #studytips #studymotivation #learnalanguage #studylanguages
Learning a new language while juggling full-time work can be challenging but rewarding. The key is to make language study a priority by integrating it into your daily routine. Effective time management is crucial; consider studying during your commute, lunch breaks, or in the early evenings when you're home from work. Establish a consistent schedule that allows a few hours of dedicated language study each week. In addition to creating a study schedule, motivation plays a significant role in your language-learning journey. It's essential to set realistic goals, like achieving conversational proficiency within a specific time frame, perhaps in three to six months for easier languages. Implement techniques such as setting deadlines for language projects, or using language learning apps like Tandem to connect with native speakers for practice. This not only enhances learning but also keeps you motivated. Support from language buddies can help significantly. Even if you struggle with speaking, having someone to practice with and share breakthroughs can inspire you to stick with your language learning goals. Furthermore, consider enrolling in intensive immersive language programs or short study vacations that allow you to focus on your learning without the distractions of daily life. Above all, remember that progress might be slow, but every bit counts. Celebrate small victories, like learning new phrases or completing vocabulary sets, to maintain your motivation. The journey of language learning is not just about achieving fluency; it also involves cultural enrichment and personal growth along the way. Share your journey, struggles, and successes with others to exchange advice and stay motivated.
A thing I do when I’m studying French/japanese/spanish is that I set a target goal for each week like learn 5 new words and possibly one grammar point. I’ve also started to sometimes substitute words I know in English to my target language in like a journal or to-do lists 😊