With spring already here, the weather warming up, and the COVID 19 vaccine well on its way. Things seem like we are well back into some normal routine. I have been back in my office for at least three months, my kids are back in school and daycare and things seem somewhat better. I know that some people are struggling during these times from the effects of COVID and with that I would encourage you to utilize your time wisely. I know what it is like to feel stuck in a career that you do not want to be in long term. Take this opportunity to learn a new skill in information technology. No matter what age and where you are in your life just start. With that also comes some rough studying days ahead. Lately, I have been struggling to get any motivation for the CCNA. I think taking five eight-hour-per-day CCNA virtual training was a lot to learn in one week.
Having to absorb so much information from the lectures and still have only 2 months lefts to use the Cisco labs and study for the CCNA is a challenge. After that, I found it hard to continue studying for the CCNA. Sometimes I even wondered if I should even continue. I know I am not alone when I say this. Not only specific to the CCNA but for studying for any important exam or certification.
Many times we have work and personal responsibilities that take priority over others. I keep asking myself if I really want the CCNA? I still say yes but sometimes wonder if I really should because I like where I am at in my company and do not want to leave my job and company. One of the main reasons is I finally completed five years here and I feel like I can still do more. One big perk that I find motivating me is once an employee completes five years the company provides added vacation time. Which for me is huge when having two kids under the age of five.
So why am I writing this? Honestly, because I want to let you know that you are not alone. There are days when I need to give my brain a mental break from studying. There are days when I know I should be studying and I do but feel like it is not enough.
What should I do? How should I continue?
I think that is part of the journey. Knowing that some days and weeks are not going to be as easy and finding that consistency is key, not motivation. I also think that my why is not the same. When I was studying for my Network+ certification in 2019 I felt like I had a lot weighing on me to pass that exam. It was my first IT certification, I wanted to prove it to myself, my peers and show my kids how important it is to continue learning after college.
But now I find myself against not wanting to and this is okay. I understand that I will have these days and that life is about prioritizing what is important to me and to me that is family, friends, health, and more. Things could be worse for me but it is not. I am lucky to have a job, a roof over my head, a loving wife and beautiful kids. Maybe now is time to reset and refresh the studies.
Knowing when this comes up could be different for you. If you are in a situation where you have no job and have a family to care for, I could understand that you are running as fast as you can to reach the finish line. That is why I would say if you are in a similar situation as myself. It is okay to take a mental break and enjoy the warmer season now that things seem to be somewhat "normal".
In the end write down your goals and keep them posted up. Writing down my why is important to me. Maybe right now is no the time but tomorrow is. Many people who are into fitness give themselves breaks between days. They work on legs on Monday but Tuesday they work on arms. Mixing it up helps.
I hope you are doing well during these times and with your studies. Let me know how you are doing with your studies and what you do to help yourself to stay consistent and motivated and what you to do relax from work and your studies.
