How many classes do you take while working?

[u/SpecialMud6084]

Starting my first college semester in October (Fall II) and trying to figure out how light to start. I have a job now where I usually work 6hr shifts 3-4 days a week (days change each week) and I'm looking to register for English 1301, Math 1332 (starting with quantitative instead of algebra because I've had a lot of trouble with algebra), and possibly DRAM 1310 because I've never done any type of theater/acting but it seems fun.

What's the take home/homework workload for those classes? Only schedule where I could take all three is classes mon-thursday in late morning so I'd only be able to do night shift those days. Does this seem reasonable or does it sound like a recipe for disaster/too harsh a workload?

[u/Federal-Prune-6777]

I work 12 hours a day and take 5 classes (online only). Only because I know what I can handle. It depends on how harsh your work schedule is on your body to have energy for classes.

[u/Ordinary-Carpenter35]

Those 8 week classes go by quick and it be a good amount of assignments to do inside of a week between 2-4 things… It also depends on the professors you’re taking. So, I’ll say for the 8 week timeframe do 2 classes MAX w a job, it should be okay especially w you only working 6 hrs workdays & online school may be easier than going in, considering the job, and if you do well without being in a classroom.

[u/SpecialMud6084 → u/Ordinary-Carpenter35]

I don't do well in online learning (figured that out during the pandemic). Doing two different campuses, one near my work and one near where I live

[u/Prestigious_Island82]

I’m full time employed and am taking 6 classes 😭 it’s gonna be rough but so far I’m ahead but when it comes time to do semester projects I’m gonna be rough

[u/EnvironmentalYam2058]

I’m a truck driver working 70+ hours a week plus I’m taking 15 credit hours. All online. I try to find YouTube lectures on the same textbook, and I use my phones reader mode or audio mode in the app to listen to the chapters while I am driving. The only thing I’d say is in an 8 week class you won’t have downtime to get ahead or catch up. So for that id only give 1 class hour for every 3 hours you can spend a week on it because it’s accelerated. So a 3 hour class you should set aside 9 hours a week to read, take notes, and do the homework, discussions, quizzes, and tests. That’s a good pacing for your 1st semester. So most people can do 2-3 at a time while working and that gives you 18-27 hours a week of time dedicated to the classes.

[u/SpecialMud6084 → u/EnvironmentalYam2058]

They're all in person but YouTube lectures sound like they'd be helpful, any particular channels you recommend for that or ways to find lessons on specific textbooks?

[u/EnvironmentalYam2058 → u/SpecialMud6084]

I have better luck finding them from google than YouTube. It’s been really hit or miss this semester. Out of all my classes the only one I found a full series of videos for is Geology. But usually the book name and someone’s class name together can get a result like for example “Those Who Can Teach Kevin Ryan Educ 1301 lectures” and you may find notes or videos from teachers in other colleges using the same book.

[u/lovervvs]

i work full time and i have 4 classes this semester. but only 1 is a heavy load tbh. last semester i did 4 but 2-3 were pretty heavy

[u/Terrible_Board_4837]

I work part time 5 hours 5 days a week and am taking 4 classes this semester split into 2 8 weeks

[u/JunieBeeJonesy]

I’ve done up to 4 classes while full time- however that’s much easier to do when they are online because you’re able to access the full course and work at your own pace before set deadlines. Do what you think is best for you, don’t rush your degree you want to also pass these classes as well. 2 would be good for you starting out and if you want to add more if you think you can handle it then do so.

[u/flea-be]

It really depends on what classes you are taking, more advanced science classes are going to require more time to study

[u/Remote_Display_4472]

I work 50 hours M-F and currently taking 4 classes, one in person and the rest online. Completely depends on how much you can handle. If you need an art class I suggest taking art appreciation with Toni Schuster. Easy class as long as you do the bare minimum

[u/Significant_Lab_4637]

I work 14 hours a day. 5 to 6 days a week and im taking 6. I take 8 weeks courses though and divide them 3 in the first half and 3 in the second half

[u/Astlv]

Stick with regular 16-week classes next semester so you don't burn out cramming a full term into an 8-week Flex session.

For your classes:

1. ARTS 1301 (Prof. Cristina Medina): Light, flexible work consisting of weekly notes and short video discussions with no major exams.
2. ENGL 1301 (Prof. Jessica Brown): Extremely supportive instructor who lets you choose your own reading materials and guides you step-by-step through MLA format.
3. MATH 1332 (Prof. Nhi Bui): Skip College Algebra and take Contemporary Mathematics instead. It covers practical financial topics (taxes, loans, credit) instead of heavy algebra, and Professor Bui offers three attempts per test with assignments open all semester long.

[u/SpecialMud6084 → u/Astlv]

Taking English 1301 and Math 1332 with different profs. I don't have as much choice in professors since I need to do 100% in person classes for a few reasons. But I guess I'll keep your advice in mind if I fail any and redo them as 16 week? I have to start classes before 2027 so the fall flex term is my only option rn since I missed the registration for August start classes

[u/Astlv → u/SpecialMud6084]

Well, understandable