To try and study with a toddler and a 4 day job?

[Snufflebabe]

I have worked in my chosen field for the last few years, no promotions, only progressing when I have moved jobs.

I have been in my current role for 2.5 years, but have had a years maternity leave during that time. My boss has just recently handed in her notice, and there have been noises about the chance of some progression for me. There is a meeting next wek to discuss.

I work very hard in my role, and have developed it above and beyond my original job description. I enjoy it, and get a lot of satisfaction. My boss suggested today that should I want to/ should I be offered the chance to progress it would be expected that I do some further study.

I am a mother to a toddler, with a partner who is never usually home until 8.30pm. He works a Saturday, so Sunday is our only day together. I do all the house work, food shopping, house related stuff, and I am exhausted most nights. I just don't know how I would make it work?

Does anyone here study on top of there job? I work 4 full on days per week, with no support for the little one one 2 of my days off. Would really like to hear others experience. Thanks!

[BertieBotts]

IME you can do it if you study part time and are organised in study time. You'll also need more support with housework - I know your partner comes home late, but effectively you would be as well.

Would the studying be short or long term? Short term it would be doable, take shortcuts during that time, convenience foods, as much childcare as you can afford, etc. Long term it would be harder, but still ultimately positive. You'd really need DP on board though, you can't do it all alone.

[molschambers]

Sounds to me like it would be hard work but also a shame to let an opportunity like this pass you by. It will only work with the (practical) support of your partner. He will have to pick up some of the slack - seems like you are doing more than your fair share right now anyway. How about employing a cleaner? Any relatives that could help by taking DC when DP is at work, thereby letting you study?

[Noqontrol]

How long is the studying for? I've done it with a baby and toddler whilst working. It was hard but it's possible. The housework went to pot though.

[lou2321]

You can do it if you organise you time well. My DCs are 6 & 4 so I still have the little one home on my day off (I work at least 30 hours plus additional voluntary work). They have some sort of activity every night so I basically organise what I can at the weekends.

It is really tough but I get the kids to bed at a reasonable time 7/730pm and can get on with it then. DH is really supportive but also works long hours so can only do so much. I also have a cleaner for a couple of hours a week.

My final exam is tomorrow so 6 long years of studying will be over - yippee! Oops I should be studying now I guess!

[Goldrill]

Depends. I work 4 days too and am trying to finish my MSc dissertation but it's just not happening for me at the moment. I have a very supportive partner who is around a lot and pulls his weight, but am too knackered to concentrate by the time DD is in bed and we have had tea etc. I find I need bigger blocks of time to do the work and end up using holiday days - where I book the time off but actually go into the office to work - to get anything done. I'm not unmotivated or disorganised - I completed the full taught section of the MSc in half the required time - but that was before DD came along. (Am also pregnant now, which is not helping, and have a fairly physical job)

So - do you have the energy to do it in the evenings when the sprogs are in bed? Or perhaps in the early mornings - and can you study for an hour and still get stuff done, or do you need several hours together to concentrate?

[RightBuggerforit]

I studied one day a week at uni and worked the other 4 days with a baby/toddler for my MSc. It's really hard work, your evenings and weekends are taken up with study, research and assignments. Dh did most of the housework and childcare, so it was hard for both of us. I'm really glad I did it now though, as it really helped my career. Just be sure you'll have the support you need to complete the course before you agree to start it! x