Those of you who are in school/taking classes

Newt69

So those of you who are In college/taking classes....how do you pull it off.

I need 1 class (biochem) to get my bachelors degree, I've been putting it off because of "time" and the possibility of failure at the class.

Now that it have DS and work 40+hrs a week...now I'm really kicking myself for not doing it before.

So know I feel like I'm really setting myself up for failure.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

BeebopandBuddy

I just finished school in April. I did school work after bedtime and when I could steal time at work (lunchtime, etc). There were also mornings or afternoons when DH had to deal with the kids so I could write a paper/study. It sucks, but I always just kept in mind it was only a short period of time I had to make it through and then it will be over.

CdnFarmGirl08

I'm taking some courses. I also just had to admit to myself that I wouldn't be getting A+'s in the class and to be ok with that. I would still be a good mom.

I took online courses first (that was a bit easier as I didn't have to go to class, but challenging to actually find the time. I found I often left assignments to the last minute) then I took an in-class course. That was harder as it was a 50 minute drive to the city to take it. I just had to balance things out and count on my DH to watch DS when necessary.

I started before I was pregnant, it's just taking me a longer time than I also originally planned. I am doing the equivalent of a full year, but it's taking me about 4 years. I had planned to finish in 2.5. And now with this pregnancy, it will probably be another .5 year yet.

Bighair12

I just started a masters program. It is full time for 2 years. I can only work full time till January when I start clinical rotations.
But, I study every evening after bedtime and get up early very morning. So far it's worth it. Mh has to do more with our daughter but this is what we both want.

misspunky

I've been lucky enough that I don't work full time and my parents help out ALOT. I'm done with the first step in my nursing career in December and am really dreading starting next month. I study when my mom, dad or DH can watch DD. Late at night, morning or going to class a little early help too. It's just something you have to set your mind and commit to. Definitely not easy but totally worth it in the end!

Oh, and I forgot the copious amounts of wine I drink each semester

Eastie156

I started my Masters (MBA) in Sept 2011, right before we got pregnant with Ethan. It's been a juggling act going to school part time at night, albeit most of my classes were online, but that increases the workload believe it or not. DH is also in Law school at night and works full time, so our situation is a little different. In order for me to juggle an MBA, work and a baby (E) and pick up slack on H's part, I really had no choice but to go to part time work in Feb 2013. I've been part time now for almost a year and a half. H and I will both graduate in May 2015.

The hardest part of it all was being pregnant both times and trying to study. Our nanny has helped a lot by staying late in the afternoons so that I can study between 2:30 and 5. H has been a great help on Saturdays to me when I needed to study and my Mom also helped when we both had to study on a weekend.

ETA: I think mentally knowing that this was going to be our life for a few years has helped. It's definitely a sacrifice. Honestly, we don't see friends often and hardly have time to keep the house in order. We have a house cleaner that comes every week, that's helped a lot, because our house would be a pigsty if it were left to us.

elizabethwig

i'm in a bit of a different situation since my school is full time (e.g. i get paid to do my degree), but it still requires a lot of extra time outside daycare hours. i have one night a week that i stay late - i pull 14 hours those days to get things done. and most evenings, i'll catch up on email or do something necessarily but a little mindless while we watch tv. i've got a lot of requirements coming up, so i expect my husband will be doing a lot more and i'll be gone a lot. it's temporary. you can do it!