On weekends

Thank you for reading my posts guys and for all your support in writing this blog. Now I almost feel like I am obligated to write more entries J

Before I get into what I want to say today, I’d like to just let you guys know that I’ve dusted off my notes and will create a summary of what I think is important for each level, on a more technical basis.

This is the first weekend since I started this blog, so I’d like to say a few words on how I used my weekends. You might not find it useful or maybe even depressing, but in talking with my friends and colleagues, they’ve been telling me how they have trouble studying on weekends. So I am sharing my story with you so you know how I went though it.

First of all, everyone should have a time table. I think it’s reasonable to study a good 350 – 600 hours for any of the exams. Fully evaluate your existing knowledge base against the topic areas, you can determine whether you should study 350 hours or 600 (or more) hours for the exams. Although I’ve always put in as many hours as possible, I would have created a more “scientific” plan if I were to do this one more time. From that, take a backward approach and figure out how many hours you should study on a week day and also weekends, always build in a play day in your schedule, at least once a week where you can relax, go out and recharge.

Because I‘ve always had a full time job during all 3 levels, my weekends were all I've got. In fact I’ve studied more hours a day than I would have worked if I were working. I had almost zero social life whatsoever after work, this was a bit harsh but it’s all up to you.

To get to my point, I treated the CFA program as if I were practicing a religion, sounds pathetic? That’s how I felt too. I was a regular visitor to the local libraries, I must have regularly studied in at least 5 libraries (library hopping was fun), preferably the ones that open long hours, where I had my own quiet spot, direct sunlight was important to keep my energy up, and a big bottle of water, some chocolate bars and music, I was set for a straight 9 hours of study.

Every Saturday morning, I would get ready to go out to study. Spring here can be chilly, the air was crisp, the sun in the mornings didn’t shine to its fullest potential, I often sat in a park or just outside a library looking at surroundings for a few moments before I started the day, growing greens in early spring, people walking by pushing baby stroller, kids trying to learn to bike, squirrels coming out of winter hibernation. This moment was precious, and the highlight of my day. My mind was so clear knowing I will spend the whole day in a library studying for cfa, pressure amounted, kept me wondering what is this all about, why am I doing this? Past such a moment of reflection, I would go in find my spot, study, take notes, take a quick break every 1.5 hours, study some more, go eat lunch and come back for a few more hours until this day ends.

I suppose every one has their own style. If you were a stay-at-home person, that’s fine, but I needed to get away from my comfort zone, away from TV, internet and my bed, I needed to go into an exclusive environment where my brain can't function outside the cfa material. At time, the studies get to me and  made me feel depressed but at the same time I was excited and look forward to closing a few more chapters, a feeling of accomplishment kept me going.   

This process repeated over 3 - 4 months before the exam. I lived it, breathed it and believed it, isolated from the rest of the world. There was only two sides of my life: CFA and non-CFA. From my conversations with other people who now are charterholders, we all shared similar experience and feelings about it. If this does not resonate with you, don’t practice it like me, find a way you feel comfortable and productive. 

It is also key to have a relaxed evening to prep for the coming Sunday, so put down your books and relax tonight! Wish everyone a productive weekend!