Hello!

I want to go back to university next year but am unsure how I will manage to juggle studying, work, children whilst having a life at the same time. Any ideas or thoughts?


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  • Omg! This is me right now! I am actually contemplating a summer subject to see how I go!


  • Oh I will be following this question as I was thinking about doing the exact thing next year but wasn’t sure how we would cope with the extra expense and trying to juggle study on top of everything else that is already go go go.


  • You may have to identify things you’ll temporarily give up, or trade offs. Buy a pre-made meal once a week. Give up one outing a week. Things like that.


  • I also was thinking the same thing but I decided that I just need to get it done, so I now do uni part time whilst full time work with 5 children.
    People say I’m crazy but to me I feel like I will better myself for my career if I do this, don’t get me wrong it crazy and stressful at times but you work out a routine or schedule and try to stick to it as best as possible I do most of my uni work at night when the kids are sleeping. Good luck in what you choose to do


  • My daughter wants to do this. Go back to university and work part time to keep money coming in. She keeps putting it off though as she’s worried about being able to do both. It is possible to work, study, have kids and a life. Hard work short term for long term benefit. Good luck


  • I obtained my degree while working full time but I had a supportive husband and only one child to worry about. Hubby loves to cook so I didn’t have to worry about that and we had an ironing lady for a while. We still went out and managed to fit everything in. I’m not saying it was easy, but it was manageable. Good luck with whatever you decide to do.


  • Good on you. Meal plan and if you can afford to hire a cleaner.


  • I’ve often thought about going back and studying but I’m just not sure I’m disciplined enough to do it and worried that I’ll have no down time at all as like most mums out there, I’m juggling work, kids, after school activities, sports etc. I keep thinking I’ll do it when the kids are a little older but I think if you’re driven enough you can do it. I’m probably too lazy and enjoy my “me” time too much


  • My husband and I bit the bullet and both went back to uni at the same time. We have been studying for a year and a half now and are managing. We have 4 kids (this year we will have a preppy, grade 3 and 2 at home). We are studying externally so is a lot easier to do lectures etc when kids are in bed or rest time in the middle of the day. Only thing that is scheduled (other than assignments) is tutorials but they are often recorded if we miss them. Our house is pretty crazy but we still find time to go out and have fun and have found we often have more holidays than the kids so works well. It’s achievable you just need to be organised and just communicate with lecturers. I find they are really understanding.


  • I worked full time whilst studying and with 3 kids. I think it depends if you can handle multi-tasking and if you are able to apply yourself. Just because I did it I have known many mums who have studied part-time or started then pulled out because it was too much. Good luck.


  • A relative of mine did a degree externally (at home) but he still have to go to the Uni occasionally. he also worked part time shift work and has children. It was difficult but he succeeded in doing it. he had to apply for extended time a couple of times to send his assignments in. he didn’t quite finish as he got really sick. he was given some marks (about 50% from memory)


  • I would definitely look at doing it online one subject at a time, and see how you go, if you just do one for starters and will be able to work on it in the evenings when kids are in bed.


  • Depends how organised you are. Online and part time might be your best bet


  • Also; educational institutions can usually provide study tips. Good luck!


  • Setting up a schedule/timetable for home and for study is essential.
    Sticking to a schedule is important and time management is key for study.
    Finding ways to streamline home and other chores is a good idea to make the balance work.


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