How to balance one’s studies and work with the pursuit of Islamic knowledge

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success. He says: I attend your lessons, and I am not a specialist in the Islamic sciences. When I attend the lessons, I become enthusiastic about seeking Islamic knowledge. But when I mix with my colleagues at work, I compete with them in their field of specialization. I would like to pursue postgraduate studies in my non-religious field of specialization. What do you advise me to do, Honorable Shaykh? Should I continue, or what should I do?

Answer:
You work for two things: you study and attend the lessons for women, and the Shaykh [gives] lessons at times that do not conflict with work and with the necessary studies. You study your specialization; there is no conflict between them, no conflict between the two. But if all the time is taken up with the specialized lessons and you need them, then prioritize the specialized lessons, and after that seek Islamic knowledge.