Doing CTA is already tough. But doing CTA while working full-time? That’s a different level of pressure most people won’t understand — unless they’ve been through it.

The 8-to-5 doesn’t pause just because you’ve got an exam coming up. Your manager still expects results, deadlines are not understanding, dinner needs to be made, laundry washed and somewhere in all of this… you’re supposed to “study.”

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone — and you’re not being dramatic for taking it hard because you’re in the thick of one of the hardest combinations any aspiring CA(SA) can face.

However it’s not impossible. You can get through this with your sanity intact because although this is tough it has been done before.

Here are some ways that you can balance a fulltime job and CTA:

1.Accept that You’re not in a normal Season:

Stop comparing yourself to full-time students who have all day to study. Your journey is different. Your energy is limited. And your strategy needs to reflect that. Spending your time thinking about what fulltime students have the time to do can only increase your level of stress and frustration. Instead focus on what your schedule looks like, when you have free time and work around that.

2.Create study blocks – Not a full study Routine

Because your day doesn’t look like a fulltime student’s day, your schedule shouldn’t look like theirs either. Instead of having one long study schedule that requires you to study for hours on end, have a schedule that has different study blocks that you can fit into your day. You need repeatable habits that fit into your life and you need to stick to these habits no matter what happens. For example:

• Morning (30 mins): Review one concept with active recall or audio notes.
• Lunch Break (20 mins): Attempt 1–2 Basic examples
• Evening (1–1.5 hrs): Study a module or watch a crash course

 3. Turn Dead Time Into Study Time

Your commute to work and back home? Cleaning? Cooking? That’s not “lost” time — you can use this time to listen to notes on the go.

Use podcast-style content to revise on the go. Instead of mindlessly scrolling on social media, recognise that any bit of free time you do get is valuable and can be used towards your goals. So watch a video or listen to an accounting podcast episode and choose to absorb theory, concepts, and application on the go.

Gap Learning has a podcast library that has notes that you can listen to and revise on the go.

 4. Decide carefully what you choose to do with your time

Unfortunately, sacrifices are often necessary for you to achieve your goals. You don’t owe your friends a full social calendar right now. You don’t need to attend every event. It’s ok to say no.

But also — don’t neglect yourself. Make sure you give yourself enough me-time to recharge and be your best self.

5. Study With Purpose, Not Panic

One thing that is as bad as not studying is mindlessly studying with no objective, paging through a study guide hoping that something sticks. This is a waste of your precious energy and instead you should define your goals to make the sessions more productive. For example:

• “Today I’m mastering deferred tax.”
• “Tonight I’m answering 3 basic examples on audit reports.”
• “During lunch, I’m listening to IAS 23 on Gap Learnings Podcast Library

6. Progress > Perfection

A lot of students hold back from studying because they are waiting for the perfect time or waiting for things to look perfect. Prioritize progress over perfection.

Your notes won’t be perfect. You’ll miss a session. You might fail a test. That doesn’t mean you’re not capable and failure should be taken as part of the process and journey to mastering the year.

Conclusion: You’re Doing Something Brave

Balancing CTA and full-time work are not for the faint of heart. If you’re showing up at all — even on your tired days — you’re already showing resilience.

You don’t need perfection. You just need progress and the right support.

Gap Learning has coaches and tutors who are available to assist you along your journey.

Reach out to us to find out how we can assist.

info@gaplearning.co.za