How does one manage time to work a full-time job and study for an important exam?

I have been struggling for the past year and a half with passing an important, career-related exam. Throughout the process, I have gone through a lot of stressful situations, but on my 3rd attempt, the amount of burnout and stress made me fail miserably(it was my lowest score). 

During my first attempt, I had a family situation that caused me a lot of stress, which was on top of all this, it was my first few months at work in a new position. So, juggling all of that, I wasn’t able to study much. I also didn’t bother postponing the exam and just went for it, hoping all would be good. It wasn’t… I was so tough on myself for failing that I studied more and harder. I took away fun activities and created a strict regimen. Second attempt, I improved my 8 points. Still didn’t pass. At this point, I was more disappointed in myself, but also confused about why I didn’t pass. Turns out I missed it by 1 point… guess what, I was more annoyed at myself. I couldn’t believe it! How could I have failed again? Mind you, I never failed tests, I was always good at them. Even math, I sucked at it but when it came to testing, I studied and prepared and always passed. So, for me to FAIL a very important test was unbelievable. 

It came time for my third attempt. I had studied using 2 resources. Every morning at 5:30 a.m., I would wake up and study until I had to leave for work. A few weeks before my test date, work stress came about. I was so stressed that I couldn’t really focus on studying. I would make game plans in my head on how to deal with the situation. On top of all this, I had a gut feeling I wasn’t ready for the test. Did I listen to it…NO! I went to take the test on Halloween. I know I shouldn’t focus on the superstitious part of it, but in my head, this was a good day. I like the holiday (one of my favorites), what could go wrong? Well, I got seated next to someone who was sick. I spent the morning studying and the night before as well. I was super tired, fuzzy-brained, but determined to take the test. As I sat in the chair, I knew in my gut I would not pass. However, I held onto hope. Throughout the test, the person next to me was dealing with sniffles and coughs. Halfway through the test, an earthquake happened. This solidified for me that I was going to fail. I left the room and got my results. I was shocked, upset, mortified…I wanted to cry. I failed so badly it was worse than my first attempt, the one I barely studied for. 

I felt like giving up. Those around me encouraged me that there is another opportunity in a few months, that I can do it, and that I am capable of passing. So I took some time off from studying. I used that time to explore why I am not passing and how I can change that. As I explored, I realized I was hard on myself the first time for no reason. I was dealing with a lot and learning to adjust to a new lifestyle, all while also caring for my family members. Then I reflected on my second trial. I couldn’t figure it out, what did I do wrong in that one? Third time, I know what was the issue. But the more I reflected on it, the more I realized I never listened to my gut feeling. It’s always been right. During my second attempt, I knew I wasn’t ready, even though I prepared properly. My 1st and 3rd attempts I knew I wasn’t going to do well, I was too distracted, tired…just burnt out. 

So here we are, attempt number four. I was eligible to retake my exam in February, but decided to hold off. I took my time to study, and I am still continuously studying. I have waited for things to slow down at work before I retake the exam. I am focused on using one resource to study.

My question to you, dear reader, is: Have you experienced something similar? How have you dealt with it? What helped you achieve whatever it was?

I continue to have testing anxiety, but am curious how one can overcome it, or reduce it?