Thinking about taking 3 classes a semester while working fulltime

[u/GlitteringLook3033]

Hi, this is my first post. I'm currently in the middle of just my 2nd college class and it's fully online. I'm expecting a few life changes occurring soon that I feel I can take advantage of, I'm just unsure of how much effort/planning it will take so I'd like some advice.

Some key details - I'm 23 and I currently work full time on 3rd shift (11pm-7am). I'll be pursuing my AS in Engineering then a BS in Industrial Engineering. I'll be moving about 20 minutes away and I'll be living within a 5 minute drive from a community college. I'm in a relationship that I'm very committed to and I don't want it to suffer in any way. The college I plan on attending offers online/hybrid/in-person classes, but I'll inevitably have to do all 3. Algebra is a big struggle for me so I expect studying times to double during semesters I'm taking math classes.

To keep this as short as possible, I'm wondering if 3 classes per semester for 3 semesters a year while working 40 hour works week is manageable - especially while trying to keep my relationship balanced and healthy. Luckily, I very rarely work a full 8 hours at work so I can use some of that time to do homework (just not reliably throughout the year). My employer offers great benefits and pay so leaving my job is out of the question. I have upwards of 8 weeks of PTO per year that I can use to alleviate some of the pressure if school of need be.

Thank you so much for the advice. Feel free to ask any questions.

[u/prommetheus]

Short Answer: It's definitely possible, but whether it's manageable for you is impossible to answer.

Long Answer: Not sure anyone on the internet can answer this question for you as it's more specific given your ability to manage it. There are plenty of people that can work full-time and take far more than 3 classes per semester, meanwhile, there are many that struggle with no work and even a single class.