Pursuing a Modular (Weekend) Executive MBA at Bayes Business School is a transformative journey that extends beyond the classroom. The programme challenges not only our intellect but also our ability to balance work, personal life, and teamwork.

Adding international commuting from Bulgaria to the mix makes it even more demanding but also incredibly rewarding.

The commuting experience

Studying at a world-class institution like Bayes while living in Bulgaria requires monthly travel to London for in-person modules.

Every month, I fly from Thursday evening to Sunday night often catching a 10:00 PM flight and arriving home at 4:00–5:00 AM.

Though demanding, I love these trips. They encompass everything: late-night flights after work, navigating London’s transport, and the excitement of engaging classes with top professors and reconnecting with friends.

Over time, my EMBA peers have become close friends, and I truly miss them when we don’t meet for a month.

Managing multiple commitments

I work full-time as a Software Engineer, care for my dog, and prioritise a health-conscious lifestyle, including training and a balanced diet. Balancing these commitments requires strategic time management, resilience, and adaptability.

The first step is accepting that we cannot do everything every day. Instead of spreading myself too thin, I prioritise—one day might be for family, the next for yoga, and Fridays for friends.

I also avoid taking on extra commitments at weekends since I already have enough responsibilities.

Some key strategies that help me stay on track:

1. Start your day early

   I’m a morning person and love waking up at 5am. This gives me extra hours before work to study, exercise, or start the day at a steady pace. This habit has been a lifesaver, freeing up time in the afternoons.

2. Plan & track everything in a calendar

   I prefer planning rather than making last-minute decisions. I track all commitments (team meetings, personal plans, travel, and assignments) in my Google Calendar to stay organised and avoid scheduling conflicts.

3. Set clear priorities

   Time is limited, so defining what matters most is key. During my EMBA, my main priorities are university, work, and family while maintaining my commitment to fitness. A balanced diet and regular exercise are non-negotiable, as they help me manage fatigue and stay mentally sharp. Naturally, my social life takes a backseat, but it’s a temporary sacrifice I’m willing to make.

4. Prioritise tasks

   Not all tasks require the same attention. I keep sticky notes with my top priorities and tackle the most urgent ones first. For a structured approach, the Eisenhower Matrix is a great tool to differentiate between urgent and important tasks.

5. Take time to recharge

   Some students use travel time to catch up on coursework, but I prefer to prepare in advance so I can use flights to unwind, reset my mind, and arrive refreshed for the Bayes long weekend study.

6. Embrace flexibility

No matter how well I plan, some days it’s impossible to do everything. When that happens, I adjust my priorities and tackle what I can with flexibility.

Final thoughts

Commuting for an MBA at Bayes has been challenging yet incredibly enriching. Effective time management, clear priorities, and a commitment to growth are key to making it work.

Despite long flights and packed schedules, the journey has been worthwhile—offering unique learning opportunities, lifelong friendships, and invaluable professional connections.

As I near the end of my first year, I already know I will miss this routine. As exhausting as it may sound, I truly loved it, and if given the chance, I would do it all over again.

For those considering a similar path, my advice is simple: set clear priorities, plan wisely, and embrace the journey.

An Executive MBA is not just about academia—it’s about growth, connections, and lifelong learning. Remember, you don’t have to be 100% productive all the time. Allow yourself to recharge so you can return to your responsibilities with renewed energy.

Good luck to everyone embarking on this incredible journey!