# Is it just me or are online courses WAY harder to finish than in-person?

Author CourseHopper_ChrisCategory[Education & Communications](https://jobicy.com/question-category/education-and-communications.md)Rating 👍 254 / 👎 125Asked on10 Feb 2025Last active21 Jun 2026Answers18 [Answer](#answer-form-container)

(254)  *  [Arts & Entertainment](https://jobicy.com/question-category/arts-and-entertainment.md)[Career & Skills Development](https://jobicy.com/question-category/work.md)[Cars & Other Vehicles](https://jobicy.com/question-category/cars-other-vehicles.md)[Computers & Electronics](https://jobicy.com/question-category/computers-and-electronics.md)[Creator Economy & Side Hustles](https://jobicy.com/question-category/creator-economy-side-hustles.md)[Education & Communications](https://jobicy.com/question-category/education-and-communications.md)[Finance & Business](https://jobicy.com/question-category/finance-and-business.md)[Food & Entertaining](https://jobicy.com/question-category/food-and-entertaining.md)[Health](https://jobicy.com/question-category/health.md)[Hobbies & Crafts](https://jobicy.com/question-category/hobbies-and-crafts.md)[Holidays & Traditions](https://jobicy.com/question-category/holidays-and-traditions.md)[Home](https://jobicy.com/question-category/home-and-garden.md)[Lifestyle & Psychology](https://jobicy.com/question-category/lifestyle-and-psychology.md)[Money & Legal](https://jobicy.com/question-category/money-and-legal.md)[Personal Care & Style](https://jobicy.com/question-category/personal-care-and-style.md)[Pets & Animals](https://jobicy.com/question-category/pets-and-animals.md)[Philosophy & Religion](https://jobicy.com/question-category/philosophy-and-religion.md)[Relationships](https://jobicy.com/question-category/relationships.md)[Sports & Fitness](https://jobicy.com/question-category/sports-and-fitness.md)[Startups & Entrepreneurship](https://jobicy.com/question-category/startups-entrepreneurship.md)[Tech & Tools](https://jobicy.com/question-category/tech-and-tools.md)[Travel](https://jobicy.com/question-category/travel.md)  Show more (12)

## Description:

I’ve signed up for like 5 online courses in the past year (coding, marketing, etc.) and have finished exactly ZERO. 🤦‍♂️ With in-person classes, I always saw them through. What’s the secret to actually completing these things when you’re learning remotely? Discipline tips? Motivation hacks?

### 18 Answers

Sort by: Most LikedNewest FirstOldest First

![Sue Per Incremental](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Sue+Per+Incremental&background=random&size=42)
Sue Per Incremental [13 Feb 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1739203500-is-it-just-me-or-are-online-courses-way-harder-to-finish-than-in-person#answer-176.md)

Copy answer link Report answerBreak it down into TINY chunks. Like, 'watch one 10-min video today'. The satisfaction of checking something off, however small, builds momentum. Don't look at the whole mountain

65
CourseHopper_Chris: Thanks, that makes a lot of sense! How do you stay motivated on days when even tiny tasks feel like too much? Report
Sue Per Incremental: Hey Chris, on those tough days, I remind myself that doing *any* little bit is better than none. Sometimes I set a super easy goal—like just opening the course page or reading one sentence. Even if I don’t get much done, it keeps the habit alive and makes it easier to pick up again tomorrow. And it’s okay to take breaks when you need them! Report

*  J. Y.: Yeah, breaking tasks into tiny chunks actually stops you from freezing up. That "one 10-min video" move? Smart. Keeps the brain tricked into thinking it’s manageable, not a life sentence. But don’t fool yourself—momentum is just motivation wearing a temporary mask. You still gotta show up every damn day. Mostly right though. Report

*
![Verda M](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Verda+M&background=random&size=42)
Verda M [12 Feb 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1739203500-is-it-just-me-or-are-online-courses-way-harder-to-finish-than-in-person#answer-175.md)    Copy answer link Report answerNOT just you! Accountability is huge.Try to find a study buddy in the course, or tell a friend your goals. Having someone check in makes a big diff. Also, schedule it like a real class in your calendar.

60

*
![RewardDrivenRon](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=RewardDrivenRon&background=random&size=42)
RewardDrivenRon [15 Feb 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1739203500-is-it-just-me-or-are-online-courses-way-harder-to-finish-than-in-person#answer-177.md)    Copy answer link Report answerSet a specific, tangible reward for finishing. 'If I complete this course, I'll buy myself X'. Make it something you really want! Also, try the Pomodoro technique for study sessions

48

*
![Wilona](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Wilona&background=random&size=42)
Wilona [20 Feb 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1739203500-is-it-just-me-or-are-online-courses-way-harder-to-finish-than-in-person#answer-179.md)    Copy answer link Report answeri find that actively engaging with the material helps,like taking notes by hand or trying to teach someone else what i just learned. Makes it stick better than passively watching vids.

47

*
![Anonymous](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Anonymous&background=random&size=42)
Anonymous [8 Aug 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1739203500-is-it-just-me-or-are-online-courses-way-harder-to-finish-than-in-person#answer-1322.md)    Copy answer link Report answerI once bought eight online courses during a midnight ramen binge, told my roommate I was going to become a full stack wizard, and then spent the next three months eating instant noodles while opening lesson 1 like a guilty ex. I even printed a curriculum and stapled it to the fridge, which my roommate used as a coaster. Embarrassing, yeah, but I learned something useful from that mess.

What finally worked was treating the course as a product, not a pastime. Pick a concrete final project you actually care about, set a real launch date, and announce it somewhere public. Build only what you need from each lesson to finish that project, skip the fluff. Make the deliverable a tangible thing people can see, use, or critique. That pressure of a real artifact forces you to prioritize doing over watching. Pair that with tiny ritual cues, like a specific playlist or a mug, to get you into gear. If a course still feels irrelevant, ditch it and build the thing anyway. That outcome matters more than a certificate.

44

*
![FocusFred](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=FocusFred&background=random&size=42)
FocusFred [23 Feb 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1739203500-is-it-just-me-or-are-online-courses-way-harder-to-finish-than-in-person#answer-180.md)    Copy answer link Report answerMake sure ur learning environment is distraction free. Turn off phone notifications. Tell ur family not to interrupt. Easier said than done I know!! 😅

40

*
![Alma Pierpoint](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Alma+Pierpoint&background=random&size=42)
Alma Pierpoint [18 Feb 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1739203500-is-it-just-me-or-are-online-courses-way-harder-to-finish-than-in-person#answer-178.md)    Copy answer link Report answerFor me, it was realizing WHY I wasnot finishing. Sometimes the course just wasn't right for me, or the timing was bad. It's okay to quit if it's not serving you. Don't fall for the sunk cost fallacy.

40

*
![Audrey Little](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Audrey+Little&background=random&size=42)
Audrey Little [24 Mar 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1739203500-is-it-just-me-or-are-online-courses-way-harder-to-finish-than-in-person#answer-1332.md)    Copy answer link Report answerdelete or archive all but one course, limiting yourself to a single active class cuts decision fatigue and boosts completion

38

*
![Amber Miller](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Amber+Miller&background=random&size=42)
Amber Miller [24 Mar 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1739203500-is-it-just-me-or-are-online-courses-way-harder-to-finish-than-in-person#answer-2941.md)    Copy answer link Report answerFinishing online courses often feels like yak shaving because the path isn’t linear and distractions are everywhere. One low-risk quick win is to make your progress idempotent—meaning each study session should leave you in a state where you can pick up exactly where you left off without confusion or extra prep. That way, momentum doesn’t get lost between sessions. For a long-term fix, grok the course’s structure deeply before starting: map out milestones and dependencies so you’re not blindsided by complexity later on. This mental model helps reduce overwhelm and keeps motivation steady over time.

33

*
![C. C.](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=C.+C.&background=random&size=42)
C. C. [30 Jul 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1739203500-is-it-just-me-or-are-online-courses-way-harder-to-finish-than-in-person#answer-2164.md)    Copy answer link Report answerNah, it’s not just you. The thing about online courses is they’re built on this fantasy that you’ll magically summon discipline outta nowhere. Spoiler: most people don’t. In person, there’s actual pressure—teachers watching, classmates judging—that weird social glue keeps you moving.

Online? It’s like trying to finish a book with no deadline and a thousand distractions screaming for attention. If you wanna finish one, maybe stop treating it like some side hobby and more like a job nobody else cares if you show up for or not.

29

*
![Anonymous](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Anonymous&background=random&size=42)
Anonymous [3 May 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1739203500-is-it-just-me-or-are-online-courses-way-harder-to-finish-than-in-person#answer-2041.md)    Copy answer link Report answerOnline courses feel harder because they demand more self-trust; try treating each lesson like a tiny promise to yourself, not just another task on your list

28

*
![J. A.](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=J.+A.&background=random&size=42)
J. A. [6 Apr 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1739203500-is-it-just-me-or-are-online-courses-way-harder-to-finish-than-in-person#answer-3088.md)    Copy answer link Report answerIt’s definitely not just you. One thing that often gets overlooked is how the social and physical environment of in-person classes naturally supports learning—like casual conversations before or after class, group projects, or even just being physically present with others focused on the same goal. Online courses usually lack this organic social interaction, which can make motivation dip without those subtle reinforcements. A fresh approach might be to create your own mini-community around the course—even if it’s outside official channels—through chat groups or regular video calls with peers who share your goals. This adds a layer of human connection that online platforms rarely provide but can boost accountability and enjoyment.

27

*
![Matthew Wright](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Matthew+Wright&background=random&size=42)
Matthew Wright [29 Jun 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1739203500-is-it-just-me-or-are-online-courses-way-harder-to-finish-than-in-person#answer-930.md)    Copy answer link Report answerYou’re definitely not alone in feeling that online courses can be, um, incredibly challenging to complete. Many people find the self-directed nature of online learning, well, a bit daunting. So, here are some strategies to consider. First, establish a routine. Setting specific days and times for studying can make learning feel more concrete and less like a “whenever I feel like it” situation. Secondly, create a dedicated workspace; this minimizes distractions, and quite frankly, it helps your brain associate that space with focus and learning.
Try to engage with fellow learners. Whether through forums or social media, connecting with others can provide motivation, accountability, and even a sense of community.And if you ever hit a wall, remember that it is totally okay to take breaks; just don’t let those breaks turn into long gaps. So, in essence, you really can do this! Keep pushing through!

27

*
![J. J.](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=J.+J.&background=random&size=42)
J. J. [12 Jul 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1739203500-is-it-just-me-or-are-online-courses-way-harder-to-finish-than-in-person#answer-2019.md)    Copy answer link Report answerYou said "discipline tips" and "motivation hacks," but honestly, the problem might not be motivation or discipline alone. Online courses often lack immediate feedback loops that in-person classes have—like raising your hand and getting an answer right away. Try building mini-feedback systems for yourself: quiz apps, coding challenges with instant results, or even quick self-assessments after each lesson. That real-time check-in can make a huge difference in keeping you engaged and on track.

23

*
![A. L.](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=A.+L.&background=random&size=42)
A. L. [4 Jan 2026](https://jobicy.com/q/1739203500-is-it-just-me-or-are-online-courses-way-harder-to-finish-than-in-person#answer-5705.md)    Copy answer link Report answerIsn’t it ironic that the very flexibility heralded as online learning’s greatest asset often becomes its Achilles’ heel? Without the external structures and social accountability embedded in in-person settings, the burden of discipline shifts entirely onto your internal mechanisms. To transcend this, strategically engineer micro-commitments that create visible progress, embed real-time feedback loops to simulate interaction, and impose artificial deadlines that mirror classroom cadence—these deliberate signals transform remote courses from abstract obligations into concrete milestones worthy of pursuit.

22

*
![Anonymous](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Anonymous&background=random&size=42)
Anonymous [17 Jan 2026](https://jobicy.com/q/1739203500-is-it-just-me-or-are-online-courses-way-harder-to-finish-than-in-person#answer-5994.md)    Copy answer link Report answerNo, it’s not just you—online courses demand a different kind of self-management because they remove external social pressures and immediate feedback. When I coached learners using platforms like Coursera and Udemy, I found integrating tools like Trello for tracking progress and setting automated Calendar reminders helped simulate structure. Pair that with using apps like Quizlet for instant self-testing to mimic classroom interaction, and you create a feedback loop that keeps engagement steady.

18

*
![Kevin Gomez](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Kevin+Gomez&background=random&size=42)
Kevin Gomez [21 Jun 2026](https://jobicy.com/q/1739203500-is-it-just-me-or-are-online-courses-way-harder-to-finish-than-in-person#answer-8597.md)    Copy answer link Report answermaybe stop treating 5 corses like a personality trait. Online classes die from choice overload and fake flexibility. Pick one curse, set fixed sessions, and finish it before hoarding another certificate you'll never use

7

*
![Emery Clark](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Emery+Clark&background=random&size=42)
Emery Clark [8 Jun 2026](https://jobicy.com/q/1739203500-is-it-just-me-or-are-online-courses-way-harder-to-finish-than-in-person#answer-8250.md)    Copy answer link Report answerCompleting online courses runs into a huge hurdle most overlook: the zero-tolerance for procrastination combined with endless distractions-phones, social media, background noise. In-person classes force you to show up physically and mentally, creating accountability no app can mimic easily. Trying to muscle through without safeguarding your environment or designating uninterrupted blocks will backfire every time. Locking in fixed schedule slots-even if awkward-and removing all digital friction is non-negotiable; otherwise motivation knees out at 30% completion rates 🙃📉.

2

Want to answer? Join the conversation and help others by sharing your insights.

Log in to your account or create a new one — it only takes a minute and gives you the ability to post answers, vote, and build your expert profile.

[Log in or Register ›](https://jobicy.com/dashboard-page.md)

How we moderate answers

We manually review all contributions to ensure that every answer provides clear, actionable, and professionally relevant guidance. We prioritize responses that show practical experience, cite real examples, or demonstrate familiarity with hiring, skills, and job-market trends. Low-quality, duplicate, or AI-generated content that lacks substance is filtered out to maintain accuracy and credibility across the platform.

What makes a high-quality answer

A high-quality answer offers structured, practical, and experience-based guidance that directly addresses the question. Strong answers include specific steps, industry examples, tools or frameworks, and clear reasoning rather than vague opinions. They avoid emotional language, personal journaling, or lifestyle advice, and instead focus on skills, responsibilities, hiring expectations, resumes, interviews, salary insights, and career transitions. Answers written by individuals with verified professional backgrounds or direct experience in the field are prioritized.

Expert participation rules

Experts participating in Q&A must base their answers on real professional experience, not speculation or generic statements. Contributors are encouraged to reference prior roles, industry exposure, hiring involvement, or relevant technical knowledge when appropriate. All expert responses must remain objective, neutral, and career-focused, avoiding promotional content, personal anecdotes, or lifestyle guidance. Verified experts may receive enhanced visibility on the platform, but only if their contributions consistently meet our quality standards and align with Jobicy’s career-focused topic guidelines.

## Similar Questions

*  [![D. D.](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=D.+D.&background=random&size=65) D. D. Education & CommunicationsWhat are the best methods to enhance virtual team communication? It feels like some techniques work better than others, but what strategies truly make virtual communication more effective and engaging? 7 94 10 Oct 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1760092822-what-are-the-best-methods-to-enhance-virtual-team-communication.md)
*  [![J. E.](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=J.+E.&background=random&size=65) J. E. Education & CommunicationsCan I list online courses on my resume for credibility? Quick question: do employers actually value online course certificates on resumes or is it just filler? 5 43 6 May 2026](https://jobicy.com/q/1778076904-can-i-list-online-courses-on-my-resume-for-credibility.md)
*  [![LinguaLeo](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=LinguaLeo&background=random&size=65) LinguaLeo Education & CommunicationsBest way to learn a language for remote work abroad (beyond Duolingo)? Eyeing a move to either Spain or Portugal in the next year to work remotely. I’m doing Duolingo daily, but I feel like I need something more robust to actually... 17 374 5 Mar 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1741190400-best-way-to-learn-a-language-for-remote-work-abroad-beyond-duolingo.md)
*  [![Alex Chen](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Alex+Chen&background=random&size=65) Alex Chen Education & CommunicationsBest online learning platforms for skill development in 2025? Looking to upgrade my skills but overwhelmed by the number of online learning options. What platforms have you found genuinely useful for professional growth? 6 201 7 May 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1746636300-best-online-learning-platforms-for-skill-development-in-2025.md)
*  [![Daphne Stevens](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Daphne+Stevens&background=random&size=65) Daphne Stevens Education & CommunicationsWhy do some employees resist adopting new workplace communication tools? It seems like every company wants to switch up the platforms they use for messaging or meetings, but not everyone is on board. I’m curious why some team members push... 7 61 15 Oct 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1760487400-why-do-some-employees-resist-adopting-new-workplace-communication-tools.md)
*  [![J.L.](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=J.L.&background=random&size=65) J.L. Education & CommunicationsEssential software skills for entry-level remote marketing jobs? What are some essential software skills or platform experiences a recent graduate should absolutely focus on acquiring to land a good entry-level remote job in digital marketing these days? 15 225 15 May 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1747299600-essential-software-skills-for-entry-level-remote-marketing-jobs.md)
*  [![Anonymous](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Anonymous&background=random&size=65) Anonymous Education & CommunicationsWhat is instructional scaffolding and how can managers use it? How can managers and team leads apply instructional scaffolding to onboard, coach, and upskill employees-especially in remote or hybrid teams—so learning transfers into everyday performance? 8 162 12 Aug 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1755042152-what-is-instructional-scaffolding-and-how-can-managers-use-it.md)
*  [![Anonymous](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Anonymous&background=random&size=65) Anonymous Education & CommunicationsHow can I use education to improve remote team communication I’m a mid-level manager leading a distributed team and want to use education and communications training to improve collaboration, reduce misunderstandings, and support my career growth. What types of training... 7 167 22 Jul 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1753152798-how-can-i-use-education-to-improve-remote-team-communication.md)
*  [![LJ](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=LJ&background=random&size=65) LJ Education & CommunicationsHow do you gauge company culture before accepting a remote job? When you can’t visit an office or meet the team in person, how do you figure out if a company’s culture is a good fit? Any red flags or clever... 16 169 1 May 2025](https://jobicy.com/q/1746099600-how-do-you-gauge-company-culture-before-accepting-a-remote-job.md)
*  [![Cassandra Parks](https://ui-avatars.com/api/?format=svg&name=Cassandra+Parks&background=random&size=65) Cassandra Parks Education & CommunicationsExplain how to showcase public speaking skills on a resume Need quick tips on listing public speaking experience on my resume. What’s the best way to do this without overdoing it? 5 33 3 May 2026](https://jobicy.com/q/1777776651-explain-how-to-showcase-public-speaking-skills-on-a-resume.md)

[More Questions](https://jobicy.com/jobs.md)        ×

Why are you reporting this content? Our team will review your report.

Report Issue