I'm currently working at Accenture full-time and studying a part-time course in Sustainability. My study commitments mean that I am trying to limit evening and weekend work. I currently spent 2-3 hours studying three weeknights per week, plus do some reading and assignment work on weekends. I have six days per semester where I attend classes on campus - two that I can charge in as training under Accenture policy and four that I take as annual leave.

Since returning from Malaysia, I've been riding my bicycle to and from work every day. I find that this is a great way to get some exercise and is actually faster than public transport. Plus, I get to spend an extra hour each day outside, which is a huge bonus. There is a shower in both the Accenture office and on the client site which I use when I arrive at work.

About a month ago, I started running in the mornings. This meant getting up a bit earlier and trying to be more organised to avoid time-wasting getting ready for work. At this point, I realised that I had hit 'max capacity' - i.e. would need to push back on any additional responsibilities if I was to maintain an acceptable level of sleep, social activity and time to relax. It was on the same day that I discovered that I would have to move house (a long, complicated story!). So, on top of everything else I had to find time for house-hunting, packing and moving!

The last few weeks have been a challenge, to say the least! I went house-hunting on two consecutive Saturdays (just last Saturday I inspected 11 places!). I was lucky enough to find a fantastic house that I will share with a friend. I signed the lease on Monday, worked Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, had two full days of classes at uni on Thursday and Friday, packed on Saturday, moved on Sunday, had a major assignment due Monday (submitted at 1am Tuesday morning!) and had my birthday on Tuesday. What a week!

What have I learned through all this?

• Firstly, you need to prioritise and plan. Finding time for assignment work, exercise and sleep can be hard when there are immediate work commitments. Building in some time to have fun and relax can be even harder, but it's necessary during stressful times. Identify activities that can simply be cancelled or deferred - for example, I decided that I did not have capacity to conduct graduate recruitment interviews until further notice, even though this is important for getting new talent into Accenture and for my own professional development. I also gave up running in the mornings but still ride my bike daily; I'll step up the exercise again once I'm settled into my new house.
• Secondly, let people know that you're under pressure - both at work and in your social life. People at work have been very conscious of my study commitments and understand that there are nights that I have to leave at 6pm to attend team meetings and tutorials for university. My friends have offered to help out during this busy time and understand when I have needed to cancel or reschedule. It's all about managing expectations and giving people as much notice as possible when plans change.
• Finally, just hang in there! There will always be busy and stressful times, but that's part of life as a consultant (and life in general!).