To go back to college with a 8 month old?

[LongLiveTheChief]

I'm 28 and married with a 5 year old and a baby who's 6 months at the moment. I've worked from home for the last 2-3 years making cards and selling them on a reasonably profitable Etsy page. I love it! I can pick and choose my hours and never have to worry about missing anything for my son at school.

BUT

I miss work :-( I've always wanted to be a midwife but life got in the way. My mum needed my financial support when I was at school and I felt that leaving and getting a job was the best idea. She then met someone and I wanted out so bought myself a flat at 18. Since then, I've had to work in some shape or form.

Since being on maternity leave, my husband and I have survived on a considerably lower wage (no mat pay for me!) so I'm now wondering if this is the time to actually do something with my life. Pension age is constantly increasing, I'm going to have at least 40 years of my working life left, why not do something I enjoy?

I'm just worried about leaving my little girl. The college I'm looking at has a nursery and my son can do before and after school clubs so it would be fine. It's full time but only half of the hours in class, so probably 2 days a week away from them. I'm just worried that I'm being a sh*t rubbish mum by putting my wants before my children.

Ideally, id use the course to go to university and see where it goes from there. Should I wait a year or grab the bull by the horns and do it this year? X

[hana32]

YANBU. Sounds like you've got it figured out. Go for it!

[Manijo]

I also went to university when my DD was one. She went to the college nursery and it all worked out very well. Two days away from them is really not very much if you think about how many it would be if you worked full-time. You do have to work in study time and your hospital placements too. I used to do all my revision and essays in the college library whilst DD was at nursery. This meant that once home I could spend my free time with her and my DH.

[Manijo]

Just wanted to say...go for it!

[KrayKray00]

I done it! I enrolled on to a HE access course when my first son was 1.5 yrs old which took two years to complete. I then went on to university and found out I was pregnant during my first week there! I continued with my studies and didn't take any breaks or gaps in only mid 20s but really want to have a career now. I have just completed my 3rd year and will graduate with a high 2.1. If I can go it you can! It is hard work and at times you will want to give up but I think it is better to study whilst children are young so you can focus on a career and easier childcare when they are at school. All the best and good luck!

[KrayKray00]

Any may I add, you are not putting your own needs and wants before your children, you are securing them a future which may lead to a well paid job. Think of the long run, education is important, you are setting a great example 😊

[LongLiveTheChief]

Thank you all for your lovely replies. I've had a think today and looked at childcare etc and now feel ready to talk to my husband. He's he kinda guy that needs to see a plan of action before saying something is a good idea or not. He's got a huge part to play in this too so I want to make sure it's right for both of us! Xx

[Manijo]

Let us know what you decide. As PP mentions, it is an investment in the future for all of you. Let us know what you decide. Good Luck

[lemony7]

I went back to uni (had to leave after my second year due to pregnancy) and my DD was 9mo. She went to nursery and it was the best thing I ever did.

It's bloody hard work but it's so worth it. Now I have a job in my degree field and I love it. And DD is nearly 6!

It's worth a try if you can make it work