As if going to school while working full-time wasn’t hard enough, if you have children to top it off, it may seem like mission impossible! Well, if you’re anything like I was when I started my classes, you’re probably wondering how the heck you’re going to be able to do it!
I’m proud to say that I was able to earn my Bachelors degree in Finance when my daughter was only 7 months old! That’s right, I also got pregnant while in college… and still graduated! Now I have 2 daughters and I am studying for my Masters degree in Accounting. 🙃
It’s not impossible but it does take planning, discipline, and support. I’ll elaborate down below:
1) Planning: you need to know exactly what your schedule will be looking like every semester. If you’re taking a class that is on campus, make sure you know what day and time you need someone to watch the kids (if they they’re too young to take care of themselves). You’ll need to prepare for the entire semester so that you have time to study, do homework, and attend class. I did this in my handy dandy daily/monthly/yearly planner.
I also have a wall calendar with all of the important dates for the month. The wall calendar really helps because if you see it in passing, you will make note of what’s coming up for the week (subliminal messaging). Once you have your semester written down, it makes things a lot clearer and easy to follow through. I also suggest going over your schedule every Sunday night and planning for the week ahead. This little tip has worked wonders in my life. All of this also applies if you’re classes are remote! You will still need to map out your schedule in order to block out time to read, study, etc.
2) Discipline: You’re committed to getting your degree right? To reaching the next step that will open doors for you and your family to have a better future and/or lifestyle? Well, in order to succeed you need to prioritize your studies over leisure activities, time-killing habits, etc! This is going to require you to be on top of your time-management. Study when it’s your time to study and play with your kids when it’s time to do so. Just make sure everyone is aware of your goals and time constraints. Always allow “buffer” time which is extra time between your schedule JUST IN CASE anything comes up (like your tire popping, or your infant spitting up on their outfit when your half way out of the door, you get what I’m saying!) Which leads to me to the final tip…
3.) Support: It really does take a village to raise kids doesn’t it? Well you need to make sure that village is also onboard with your school/ work schedule. Whether it’s your partner, parents, relative or baby sitter – sit down and have a chat with them about how you will need their assistance.
*Side note: please make sure you’re leaving your kids with someone you trust! We see so many things on the news today – please people – if you don’t have someone you trust to watch your kids- put everything on hold! Doctors go to school for yyeeeaarssss and the outcome is usually BANK! You can wait for the right time to start when you KNOW that you have someone trustworthy helping you.
Finally, your job. Make sure your boss knows what your plans are and what your schedule will be. If anything they’ll see you as an even more valuable employee. But it’s imperative that they are aware of your college degree pursuit so that if anything arises during the semester, they will understand.
I hope this helps! It can be hard at times, but when you finally get that degree – the feeling is just inexplicable! So worth the hard work and sacrifice.
Let me know you if you liked this post! And good luck – my fellow college grad. You rock.
You’re doing amazing things!! And lovely picture!