Learning a language while working full-time

Woman working in front of a laptop writing something down and smiling
Reading time: 4 minutes

Mastering a new language can be a game-changer for your career. Whether it's for expanding your professional network, exploring new job opportunities, or simply enhancing your cognitive skills, learning a language is an invaluable investment. But how can you juggle language learning with a demanding full-time job? Here are some practical tips designed for busy professionals.

1. Set clear goals

Before you start, it's crucial to set clear, achievable goals. Whether you aim to hold basic conversations, read professional documents, or become fluent, having a specific target will keep you motivated and focused.

2. Integrate learning into your daily routine

Finding time to study can be challenging, but integrating language learning into your daily routine can make it more manageable:

  • Commute time: Use your commute to listen to language podcasts or audiobooks.
  • Lunch breaks: Dedicate 15-20 minutes of your lunch break to review vocabulary or grammar.
  • Evening wind-down: Spend 10 minutes before bed practicing speaking or writing.

3. Use online resources

Modern technology provides a plethora of tools to help you learn a new language without disrupting your schedule:

  • Language learning apps: Apps like Mondly by ÃÛÌÒapp allow you to practice during your commute or lunch break.
  • Podcasts and audiobooks: Listen to language lessons during your commute or workout.
  • Online courses:Ìý Many websites offer structured courses that you can complete at your own pace.

4. Stay motivated

Staying motivated is crucial to your success. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and remind yourself of the benefits of being multilingual:

  • Track your progress: Keep a journal of your language learning milestones and achievements.
  • Find a study buddy: Partner with a colleague or friend who is also learning the language to keep each other accountable.
  • Reward yourself: Treat yourself when you reach your language learning goals.

5. Explore company resources

Some companies offer resources or discounted access for learning. It's always worthwhile to check if your employer provides:

  • Language classes: On-site or online language classes.
  • Learning platforms: Subscriptions to language learning platforms.
  • Education reimbursement: Financial assistance for language courses as part of professional development.

6. Use your work environment

If your workplace has international colleagues, take advantage of this opportunity to practice. Try to speak with them in their first language or ask for help with pronunciation and vocabulary. Not only will this provide real-world practice, but it will also strengthen your professional relationships.

7. Be consistent and patient

Consistency is key when learning a new language:

  • Daily practice: Even 10-15 minutes a day can lead to significant progress over time.
  • Patience: Language learning is a gradual process. Celebrate small milestones and remain patient with your progress.

Balancing a full-time job with language learning is no small feat, but it's entirely possible with the right strategies. By setting clear goals, integrating learning into your routine, leveraging technology, practicing consistently, engaging with native speakers, making learning fun and staying motivated, you can achieve fluency without sacrificing your professional responsibilities. Ready to start your language learning journey? Take the first step today and open a world of new opportunities.

Read our blog posts 'Ways you can avoid English jargon at work' and 'Clearer alternatives to business jargon'.

More blogs from ÃÛÌÒapp

  • A classroom with students sat at desks and one student stood at the front with the teacher

    Forward-looking reflective teaching

    By Ehsan Gorji

    Ehsan Gorji is an Iranian teacher, teacher trainer and teacher educator. He also designs strategic plans, devises study syllabuses, runs quality-check observations, and develops materials and tests for different language institutes and schools in the country. Ehsan has been a GSE Thought Leader and Expert Rater since 2016.Ìý

    Reflective teaching, despite it sounding modern and sophisticated, has not yet become a common practice among English language teachers. However, the experientialÌýÌýproposed byÌýÌýoffers a practical approach for teachers. The cycle involves teaching a lesson, reflecting on "what we did" and "how we did them," and then using that reflection to improve future English classes. By using this approach, teachers can prepare for better teaching in the long term.

  • Children walking in a neighbourhood wearing costumes

    10 creepy cryptids you should know about

    By

    Cryptids are creatures that are often unseen and mysterious. They are shrouded in legends and stories that have been passed down for generations, making them a fascination for humans for centuries. If you're looking to add a little more creativity to your story writing, learning about these elusive beings can be a great way to do so. In today's post, we'll take a closer look at some examples of cryptids, to get your imagination racing.

    What are cryptids?

    Cryptids are mythical creatures or beings whose existence cannot be proven by science. Some may claim to have seen them but there's usually no solid proof of the encounter. They exist in folklore, mythology and urban legends. Cryptids can be found in cultures all around the world, from the Loch Ness Monster in Scotland to the in Latin America.

    Here are ten cryptids you'll want to learn about this Halloween:

    Barghest

    The Barghest is a ghostly black dog cryptid that appears in the folklore of Yorkshire and Lancashire. It is often associated with misfortune, and sightings of this ominous creature continue to be reported.

    Owlman

    The Owlman is a humanoid creature with owl-like features such as red eyes, wings and feathers. Sightings of this mysterious creature have been reported around the village of Mawnan Smith in Cornwall, adding an eerie twist to local legend.

    The Kraken

    The Kraken is a legendary sea monster of gigantic size and octopus-like appearance, said to dwell in the deep sea and feasting on ships that are unfortunate enough to come across it.Ìý

  • A girl in a costume running up the stairs to the front door of a house that is covered in Halloween decorations

    Eerie English idioms and phrases

    By

    As the leaves turn golden and the air becomes crisp, it's not only the ghosts and ghouls that come out to play. Halloween may happen only once a year, but learning about spooky idioms and phrases can add an exciting twist to your language journey throughout the year. So, grab your torch and let's delve in.