What is it like to work full time and study, you ask? In one word, hard. In three words, sometimes bloody hard. I could just leave it at that really, but that wouldn’t make much of a blog post would it?

I currently work the ye ol’ 9-5 and study part time for a Master’s Degree. I should be honest, there are not many articles or blog posts out there that tell you working full time and studying will be easy, so I cannot claim I wasn’t totally prepared.

Of course, the amount of work that you have to do will vary from course to course.  Finding the time to squeeze studying in between work and life in general can be hard in itself; this is where a lot of voices will tell you it’s all about finding a routine.

I do agree in part, finding a routine does help. It does give you a greater sense of control than if you are just trying to add in a study session here and there. Though of course, life does not always fit into your neatly scheduled and colour coded routine. Sometimes you stay later at work. Sometimes it’s a friend’s birthday. Sometimes a family member needs a bit more of your time and support… and there goes the routine.

Whilst successfully managing your time is hard, what a lot of others neglect to tell you about is this: working full time and studying is emotionally hard.

On the run up to deadlines, or in my case the weekends you spend in class (big up the Saturday Class) can leave you feeling caught. No matter where you dedicate your time, a small whispery voice starts telling you you should be spending it elsewhere.

The night you spent studying should be spent with your lover. The night with your lover should be spent studying and visa versa.

The stress of working full time and studying doesn’t always come from deadlines, sometimes it comes from within. And the guilt that starts to tinge the edges of your vision can be hard to shake. It can stop you feeling as present as you’d like, with your mind wandering off to the subject that isn’t the centre of attention tonight.

I’m lucky; I have an incredible supportive and understanding boyfriend. Whenever I get upset and start apologising for effectively abandoning him for three days straight he tells me not to worry, that he’s proud and that he’ll be there in there for my night off. How I got this lucky I’m not quite sure, but it does make it easier.

So there you go, that is what it is like to work full time and study can be hard but not in the ways you expect. When it all seems to be getting to much, just stop. Make a brew, send a soppy text and get some perspective. Studying part time gives you the chance to learn some incredible new skills, and meet people who inspire you.

It may be hard, but trust me – it often feels worth it.

A barber (from the Latin barba, “beard”) is a person whose occupation is mainly to cut, dress, groom, style and shave men’s and boys’ hair. A barber’s place of work is known as a “barber shop” or a “barber’s”. Barber shops are also places of social interaction and public discourse. In some instances, barbershops are also public forums. They are the locations of open debates, voicing public concerns, and engaging citizens in discussions about contemporary issues. They were also influential in helping shape male identity. In Australia, the official term for a barber is hairdresser.

In modern times, the term “barber” is used both as a professional title and to refer to hairdressers who specialize in men’s hair. Historically, all hairdressers were considered barbers. In the 20th century, the profession of cosmetology branched off from barbering, and today hairdressers may be licensed as either barbers or cosmetologists. Barbers differ with respect to where they work, which services they are licensed to provide, and what name they use to refer to themselves.

Although the Women’s March is slowly moving into the past, I’ve got to admit it hasn’t left me quite yet. I didn’t attend one (my bad) but the sight of women, all over the world coming together for the common good was beyond inspiring. That last sentence feels like it doesn’t do the feeling justice. Although an avid follower of current events, I cannot remember the last time so many people came together, and acted together, for issues that are often dismissed as just “Women’s Issues.”

The phrase “Women’s Issues” itself irks me, because contraception is not just a thing for women to take care off. If she gets pregnant, it fast becomes his issue as well. That’s a rant for another day though. The point is, whether you attended the march or not, there are small ways you can help out your fellow gals every day. Here’s just a few:

1. Donate Your Used/Unused Makeup

The last few years, a beauty advent calendar has seemed like a great idea. Let’s face it, who doesn’t like getting a present as well as a chocolate every morning? Come January though it means I have quite a few oddly coloured eyeshadows/blushes and make up brushes that are destined to lurk around the back of my beauty box until I get enough motivation to have a clear out. Luckily, a lot of websites have been promoting Give and Make Up lately. The premise is simple, if you’ve got make up you haven’t used, or barely used (eg, have a quick test of that blusher then thinking nope. Not the one.) you can donate it to them. They don’t accept lipglosses or mascara for hygiene reasons however.

They accept a multitude of other items as well as makeup, so it is worth checking their website, and all gets donated to women in refuges. Women that have escaped domestic violence, and through no fault of their own have to start all over again. It may only be a bit of makeup, but if it can make them feel more like themselves, surely it’s worth spending a few quid on postage and sending it off to them?

2. Be Brave And Wear That Dress/Top/Outfit.

Magazines are more than willing to tell women what they can’t wear. And for many years, I followed a lot of their rules (they were the experts after all) I don’t think I’m alone in that, there are countless times the women in my life have said they can’t wear something because of their shape/age/etc.

Being short and a bit heavier than I’d ideally like, I thought that I couldn’t wear midi-skirts. They were for the tall and slender alone, not people who risked falling over the hem because lol this midi-skirt looks more like a maxi one on me. Then I got into the world of blogging, and seeing women of all different shapes wearing things they would have traditionally been told to steer clear of was a game changer. It proved you can wear a lot more than you think, and look damn hot in it.

So yeah, wear that dress… you never know who you might inspire.

3. Think Outside the Box

A lot of places now have areas where you can donate items for the homeless. While food and clothing are the obvious ones, think about other items too. It’s easy to forget that people on the streets are ya know, people. People who have periods, people who like sex. So think about donating condoms or tampons/pads… if you think your period is a pain (I’ve just re-read this post and lol for accidental puns), imagine facing it not know how you’ll afford the necessities. Gulp.

4. Be Nice, But Not Lazy.

Hmm, that doesn’t sound right but I can’t think of a better way to write it. Obviously be nice to people on the whole, but try to think about the way in which you are being nice. I’m being a massive hypocrite here, I often tell people I like their *insert clothing or accessories here* but don’t actually complement them.

This week, instead of just congratulating a colleague on her recent successful diet, I made the effort to tell her I admired her determination and will power. And it felt bloody weird. But I guess that’s the point of this section. We often are nice about the superficial things, but there is so much more to people that is good than their choice of possessions – and they deserve to be reminded of this.

5. Remember, Your Ideals Are Just That – Yours.

Feminism, and women’s movements on the whole tend to get a lot of flack for all the in-fighting. I guess when you’re passionate about a cause; it can be easy to forget that not everyone shares that passion (let alone agrees with it.) There are a lot of aspects of ‘women’s issues’ that are divisive. For example, although it might be bloody tempting on a cold grey morning, the idea of being a housewife makes me feel anxious. I think I’d go a bit stir crazy and become one of them people who don’t let you sit on the sofa in case you disrupt the carefully displayed cushions.

But just because that life is not for me, doesn’t mean it’s not for some. We should fight for equal pay and opportunities in the workplace, but not judge those that just aren’t that fussed. Similarly, if you want kids, great. If not, great.

 

I’d like to say I’m practising all of these right now, but I’m going to be honest – old habits die hard. Now we’ve got January (and all its greyness) out of the way, maybe I can look at it as a fresh start. A new month, to try new small ways to help other women.

This year, one of the things I wanted to achieve was reading ten books. By that I mean novels or books that are of interest for me, books relating to my degree aren’t going to count. I love reading for the way it can make you switch off, and see things from different points of view. Though it seems in the last year or so, life seems to have got in the way of my love affair and books became less of a habit and more of a one off. Thinking about the types of books I like reading inspired me to write this post… the books that change the way you think.

OK, that sounds a bit brain-washy, but I mean it in a good way. Promise. So without any more rambling here they are:

1. The Kite Runner

When we hear about organisations such as the Taliban or Isis… it’s horrifying. But, and as much as I feel bad writing this: it’s another headline. Another atrocity. In a world in which we are bombarded with horrible news daily, it can be easy to detach.

This novel (you can read my full review here) brings it home. It makes you remember the everyday people – and the bonds of friendship caught in the middle.

2. The Girl on The Train

It’s no secret that I love this book… I was so excited about the film coming out. And boy it was good. I would recommend watching it, but also READ THE BOOK  –  I mean the film does stick fairly closes to the plot of the book. However the book just seems so much more effective. So effective I felt the need to put the caps lock on, so that says it all.

It forces you to question how society views those on the edges. Those with addiction issues, those with emotional issues… I don’t want to say any more and spoil it for you. Again though, this is a book already featured on the blog and you can read my review here.

3. Persopolis

Err… can a comic be classed as a novel? For the sake of a short title, let’s say it can, just this once. A graphic novel maybe?  Now that I’ve written it, I’m 98% sure that is what it is, or at least what one of my tutors claimed it was. This is in a similar vein to The Kite Runner, and is written about the same era – but this time from a woman’s perspective. It follows the main character in Iran as tensions rise during the 70’s and 80’s and then in Europe.

The media is often keen to paint women of certain countries as nothing more than victims. Subservient images only to be pulled to the fore as an example… This book shows you the other side. The women behind the headlines.

4. The Third Life of Grange Copeland

Like all the other tales on this list, it too is set outside of the UK. That seems to be a recurring theme here, but let’s run with it babes. It’s set in America and was written in the 70’s but shows a whole different side to the post-slavery history to what is normally presented. The premise of this book is simple it follows three generations on the same African American family after the civil war – and each generation is determined to improve their life, and not make the same mistakes as their forefathers.

Abuse, whether physical, emotional or verbal is never OK. Under any circumstances. Let’s just say that now. However without giving too much away this book delves into how one person’s abusive behaviour can affect countless others –through different generations. It makes you realise just how manipulating some ‘systems’ can be for those they are supposed to help. It makes you question what the younger people in your life are seeing, and how it may affect their view of the world, their coping mechanisms and their futures.

Abuse is never justified, though this book throws light on emotions that eventually grind people down, that tears away their dreams. The next time you see someone acting like a complete and utter arse you will question what has made them that way, rather than just dismissing them. Though don’t get me wrong some people are just arses.

I’m sure there are countless other books that have influenced people, but these are the ones that sprang to mind. Maybe it is not a coincidence that they are all set outside the UK, and give the global political environment perhaps making the effort to view things as ‘the other’ is no bad thing.