Who can comment on their experience with a distance learning program?
I prefer a Distance Leraning program to a Full-Time LLM as I need to earn money. I simply cannot afford to take a year out. On the other side, I am very concerned that I will not be able to keep my motivation level going. It seems to be a long time - two years - no weekends or spare time. Besides I have children.
How did you vanquish your inner temptation for such a long time. Any experience? Did you take some time out or how did you manage?

<blockquote>Who can comment on their experience with a distance learning program?
I prefer a Distance Leraning program to a Full-Time LLM as I need to earn money. I simply cannot afford to take a year out. On the other side, I am very concerned that I will not be able to keep my motivation level going. It seems to be a long time - two years - no weekends or spare time. Besides I have children.
How did you vanquish your inner temptation for such a long time. Any experience? Did you take some time out or how did you manage?</blockquote>

Hello for_now,
I have not completed an LLM by distance learning but I did a distance learning course a while ago. It was set for nine month. At the time when I started I was highly motivated. This lasted for about three months. Afterwards, I realized I had to structure myself and stick to it. Whilst I had done my online studies always at a different time in the beginning, I set specific time frames and days later on and made sure that nobody disturbed me in the meantime. It's so easy to get interupted. Neither will it be easy to stick to it when you feel tired or would like to meet up with friends.
Nine months seemed a long time. My online studies were making up the majority of my spare time. Nevertheless, I was very shuffed that I did it in the end.
My advice to you: If you really want to pursue this LLM from the bottom of your heart - do it but you must know for what reason... If you loose your interest and motivation during your studies take some time out and don't do any work at all. Set a time when you take up your studies again and you will feel refreshed and motivated for your Distance learning. After all it doesn't matter if you do it in one and a half year or two years.

Hello erdmann_micha, Many Thanks for your personal insight. I suppose I am still struggling with my decision and not fully convinced that I can handle a distance learning program additionally to my full-time job and family.