I'm Back To School (Balancing Work-School Life Abroad)

11th March 2024

Learning is a continuous process. Let's keep our minds active and acquire new knowledge.

I opted to return to school after 10 long years in order to renew my license, which had long expired. Mine requires a renewal course, in contrast to other licenses that merely require an annual payment to renew. Thus, enrolling in a new class is necessary. Thankfully, my contract issue was just settled, and my study plan was approved. I'm returning to school to prepare for my future goals, which, if materialized, include working outside of Asia, and hopefully, I could work somewhere in Europe which is my dream job.

The school I selected is far better because it provides better programs and no expiry certifications that are accepted in both the US and Europe. I'm praying for a healthy body and mind so I can accomplish my plans and goals, and do the things I want to do, with God's grace and guidance.

There are other Filipinas who, like myself, wish to seize the chance and broaden their knowledge so they can eventually look for greener pastures abroad. Some people wish to study purely for the purpose of applying what they learn to their existing work, while others have personal reasons. Being able to support themselves as they age by knowing caregiving is one of the reasons.

I chose to begin my lessons yesterday in order to catch up with my friend who enrolled last week after I resolved the contract issue I encountered last week. We started later than expected because we were already in the third session (the batch began on February 24), but we could just request a make-up class to graduate with the entire batch. It will take nine Sundays to complete this because our lessons are only half day. After that, my visa expires a month later, and I'll have to decide whether to stay in Hong Kong or use my new credentials for other endeavors.

There is a practical test at the end of each day, and doing so brings back fond memories of my time studying caregiving in the Philippines. Since I've forgotten most of the lessons, this gives me the opportunity to recall what I learned back then, and pick up some new skills and knowledge that could be useful in my future work. I'm meeting new folks at the same time who I might add to my social circle.

My current life challenge is balancing work and school without compromising other aspects and my well-being. I must say that this is my first experience dealing with work and school, and it's undoubtedly challenging. This is just getting started, and it will get harder as I study and get closer to examinations. Therefore, studying before leisure is my top priority right now. There will be time for blogging in between rest hours, and after work, studying will take place my whole time.

Thus, from now on, my nights will be busier than usual. Studying a second language goes along with studying caregiving. Although I doubt my ability to manage both at the same time, I also wanted to push myself to achieve better things. I am grateful that I now know what I really want in life, and unlike in prior years, I don't hesitate to pursue my goals this time. I regretted not doing this sooner. I sometimes ask myself,"If I had done this then, where would I be now?"

Thanks for your time.

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