Mumsnet Talk

I currently work at a high school 20hrs per week as a T.A. I want to do a part time degree with the O.U so that I can eventually become a teacher. Is anyone in a vaguley similar position? I am worried that I will never have time to finish the uni work- let alone see my 2 children- (age 2 & 6).
Thanks in advance for any advice

I have got a friend who has just accepted a fulltime TA type job in a secondary school. She is half way through a degree so that she can do a PGCE and hopes to have time to do the other half. She has only one child and a husband that can do the school run in the morning though.
I think it can probably be done but she is a lot more focussed and dedicated than I could ever be!

Thanks for the reply, I am starting to think it can be done, but I would have to become highly organised!!!!

Hi I work 3 days a week and have 3 children the yongest was 1 when I first started my BA with OU I managed but spent alot of evenings and weekends working on the computer but I still managed to find time to take the kids out. Ds1 has health problems too so had to juggle hospital appointments and even surgery. I have just signed up to do the Honours so either I must be mad or it can't be too bad.

Alibobins- well done you! I really appreciate your reply. I am definitely prepared to work every evening, so maybe I can do it after all. I am desperate to get my degree but scared of failure! (issues!)

I felt the same but suprised myself just waiting on exam results due out on the 16th Dec!!!

Hi dancingmummy, I've got a 4yo ds, work 27.5 hours a week in learning support and am studying a 60 credit masters level course. It's tough! I find that something has to give (usually cooking proper meals/getting housework done). I'd say it can be done (although am only a couple of months into the course) but you have to be prepared for perma-tiredness.

Good luck.

I was wondering this myself OP. I am thinking of doing an OU masters course but am really scared that I would be setting myself up for failure, as much as I really want to do it. Intention is one thing, managing school, work, kids, hubby is another.
I'd like to hear that lots of people have done this and are better for it! (would make me feel better.

I just got my final result for my BA (passed), I have done it over 8 years, including several breaks.
I have 2DCs, now aged 10 and 7, who have grown up with a student mum, but I have also worked several part time jobs in childcare.
You do need to be organised and schedule time for study, family and DH/DP, but at the end think how great it will be to have your family at your graduation ceremony.
I'm not saying it will be a walk in the park, but it is definitely worth it!

I have just completed a 3 year foundation degree done part time one evening a week while working full time as a nursery nurse. I graduated with a commendation. It was hard work. But enjoyed it so much I am now doing a top-up year to BA Hons which is full time and I am still working 4 days a week (32 hours). My tutors tell me that I can get a first.
The most important thing is to be organised and not to worry about the housework
I love being a student, it fulfills my inner geek ( and my stationery fetish too)

I work part time at the Uni where I am also studying part time for a masters. It is quite feasible - I am a single parent and have no family around here, I just don't really ever get time to myself.

I work full time and am doing a distance degree which will in total take 4 years. DC1 is due in March. At the moment it's not too bad, although sometimes motivation can be a little, ummm, low after a long day at work. Do-able though, I just find that i need to organise myself really well, or the assignments/ lectures quickly mount up.

My friend is half way through a 6 year part time OU degree. She is a single mum with three kids and works part time. She's amazing. Sometimes I don't know how she does it... She says it's fine because she enjoys the subject matter of the degree. Really admire her.

I am a full time nanny - I work M-F 7-5.30 although I attend uni one day a week (9.30-3 term time only) whilst charge is at nursery. It is hard work but you can do it