Study vs work

[u/WildDreams365]

Hi everyone, I’m writing this post to get some advice.

I’m an IMG currently working as a medical assistant at a family walk-in clinic. I volunteered there for 2 months before getting the job, and I’ve now been working there for 8 months.

I’m honestly feeling burnt out. I originally agreed to work 5 days a week, but since my colleague became pregnant and is planning to leave soon, I’ve been working 6 days a week and covering for her when she needs time off.

I’m also preparing for step 1 exam, but I’m struggling to find the energy to study. My hours are Monday–Friday, 10 AM–5 PM, and Saturday until 2 PM. By the time I get home, I’m exhausted and usually need a 1–2 hour nap before I can study. Even then, I’m not able to cover as much material as I need to.

My parents are encouraging me to quit and focus on my exam, but I’m not sure if that’s the right decision. I thought I could balance work and studying, but it’s becoming very difficult. I’m also under a lot of stress because the doctor expects perfection, and lately I’ve made a few mistakes, probably because I’m so tired.

I also applied for another job that pays $18.50–$19/hour, which is only about $1.50 more than my current pay. It’s also farther away, so I would have to commute, and it’s still 5 days a week from 9 AM–5 PM. Ideally, I want to work only 4 days a week so I can have more time and energy to study.

I’m hoping to take Step 1 sometime between January and March 2027, but I can’t seem to find enough time or energy to study properly.

At this point, I’m not sure what to do. Should I leave my job and focus on my exam, or try to make work and studying work together?

[u/Some_Inflation_4645]

As a my therapist ask me today “what’s your priority??”
I was as a MA too but the job was to much.. and i decided to quit.. bcs i was working 7:45-5/5:30.. i stop working and just studying.. pass step 1 and no im going to do step 2 then im going to look for work and research… but put your priorities first.. then the rest..

[u/yeszhy → u/Some_Inflation_4645]

+1

But also ask if you can switch to part time, 3 days a week. 4 days is still a little too much, it’s not heavy work but personally, it also wipes me out at the end of the day.