Being a mom is a full-time job and now you have started thinking about going back to school. Working full-time, being a mom, and now contemplating being a student again can cause a lot of anxiety and just thinking about it. Well, I am here to tell you that it is indeed possible. I am a college professor and I see moms just like you graduate all of the time. It isn’t easy, but with the right motivation and attitude, you too could be walking across that stage to achieve your goal of a college degree.
Deciding to go back to school is the first and hardest step. Once you have decided on the right university and program for you, you can start planning how school is going to fit into your already busy life. Here is a list of things to keep you on the right track:
Figure Out A Schedule
If you do not allot a specific amount of time to complete your studies each week, it will never get done. It may take a few attempts to see when it works best, but make a plan and stick with it.
Track How You Are Using Your Time
Are you spending too much time watching TV or scrolling through social media? If so, make sure you are making good use of your time. Missing the new episode of Grey’s Anatomy will not mean that much to you once you have your degree in hand.
Motivation Is Going To Be Hard
There will be times when you are excited and there are going to be times when you do not think you can finish. This is when I want you to remember why you started in the first place. Was it to find a career that you love? To give your children a better life? A personal development goal? Whatever the reason, make sure to remind yourself of it and often.
Reward Yourself And Include Your Children
One of my students took her children out for ice cream to celebrate her mini accomplishments. Not only was it fun for her but it included her children in the process.
Get Everyone Involved
If you are going to go back to college, you are going to need support from family and friends. Post a calendar of your assignment due dates on the fridge so that everyone will know when you are busy. Accept help with the kids if you need some study time. By including your children in every step of the process, you are being such a great role model for them, and they will want to go to school just like their mom.
Do Not Be Too Hard On Yourself
There are going to be times when you need to throw a frozen pizza in the oven, or there’ll be laundry that did not get done. Look at the long term and what you are trying to accomplish and do not beat yourself up.
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Have A Designated Study Spot In And Out Of The Home
If you are in your study area, this will acknowledge that mommy is busy and needs to focus. You will also want a backup plan in case your Internet is not working. Always have a local library or coffee shop in the back of your mind in case you need to utilize their resources.
Research Your Career
A college degree is not easy to obtain, and it is a long process. Make sure that you do the research on your particular field so you know what you are getting into. How much is the average salary? How is the job market in your area? Do you have to complete any unpaid internships?
Only Borrow What You Need
It is not surprise that student loans are a hot topic these days. Many students borrow more than they need and then they are left with massive debt. Keep in mind that student loans cannot be forgiven with bankruptcy.
School Is For Learning
I have so many students come to me during the last week of class and tell me that they are lost, or do not understand something. Students feel like they are bothering their professor or academic counselor by asking questions. Believe me, you are not! I would much rather someone asked me too many questions, than to think they are lost and frustrated. We are here to help.
I hope that this list was helpful for you. It is going to be a tough long road, but you can do it! Just make sure that you are keeping a personal, academic, and professional balance the best that you can. You will be nervous at first, but you will be very surprised about the things that you can accomplish with a little motivation and focus. A degree is something that you earn and nobody can take away from you. Best wishes to you and your academic endeavours.
