Hi Edward,
Firstly, id say if you have recruiters reaching out to you with HR related roles, id seriously consider it. Yes, you will still have a full time job to do but, you would be working in a field relevant to your studies, which will inevitably help. If you are lucky enough to get an entry level HR role with no experience, I personally wouldn't dismiss it, as they are really hard to find.

I too am studying level 5, with a near full time job (in HR) and young family + currently heavily pregnant, it is really tough going. You are not alone, in fact I opened a thread on this last year and so many people responded feeling the exact same way. To put it into context, I'm onto my final assignment, awaiting a mark (I know it will fail and ill have amends to do) and I've been doing it since July 2022. When I first started I thought I would fly through but that absolutely hasn't been the case.

If you find an entry level HR role, it will be more likely that study time may be offered, as it is relevant to your work. Hang on in there and know that it is a long process and your not on your own. Do try to find time off a weekend and evening to do something other than study, its important to take the break.

Hang on in there and keep eating away at it 

Hi Edward,

I'm currently doing my CIPD Level 5 course and completing it in the evenings and weekends and I'm finding it tough too as I work full time and have a 3 year old to deal with which eats into my free time to do the course (I also do other social things outside of these so have very little time to myself!).
I feel the 12-15 month expected timeframe is doable for someone with limited responsibilities outside of work (and whose full time hours are less than 40 per week). Currently I'm taking a couple of hours in the evening when my child is asleep to do the work, fortunately as they're asleep by 8 this makes it doable 2-4 times per week (although occasionally I'll take a night for myself and my hobbies). Little and often is the best way to learn something.

I agree with Hannah though, go for the HR jobs you're being spoken to about. It will make your course slightly easier and you should have colleagues in the team who might be able to help you with it. Without wanting to sound disparaging, the entry level HR roles are not very demanding or difficult once you get the hang of the administrative tasks required in the role. That should hopefully lower the mental load you'll be going through. Alternatively speak to your course provider to see if they can help with deadlines or extending the course to allow you to complete it without burning yourself out. Either way, you're gaining valuable experience in an entry level HR role that'll help you when you complete the course than waiting to take these roles when you've finished.

Keep chipping away at it and you'll get there, make sure you don't burn yourself out and that you're able to take time to yourself for socialising and hobbies.

Hi Edward, I fully empathise, I too self-funded with no time given my employer. I spend on average 15 hours per week of my own time and have done that since I started the course last April. I gave myself a week off at Xmas and just had a 3 week break because it was getting too much. I have given up the gym and other hobbies but hold on to the fact that it is only temporary and once the qualification is achieved so many doors will open and whatever your salary is now the jobs you will be able to apply for be much better in terms of salary and position. Keep going, you’ve got this!!

Hi,

I'm currently working full time as HR Officer and completing level 5.
I also study during weekends, evening and sometimes nights as I don't have a time to do it from Mon - Fri.... work is busy.

I know how you feel, but trust me, on the end the effort you put in will be rewarded :)

Take care and keep studying.