Should I choose to study or do a work?

[LemmeavaBru]

Hi all,
Need some advice please. I have a large family including a dc with a disability. I left work last year because of the logistics of having new baby, managing school runs and caring for my SN dc. Now my dc are settled and the youngest is at nursery in the mornings I've started working very very part time with a temp agency as well as volunteering in a sector that I'm interested in and will require PG studies. I'm managing ok.

My dilemma now is that I'd like to apply for a part time job, similar to my old job but at a lower level and pay, AM, term-time which will allow me to drop off DCs. But I'd also like to continue in my volunteering role and start the PG in September, part-time. At the end I would be professionally qualified and options for flexible working. No guarantees of course.

My heart says I should go for both. They're both part-time and I could possibly fit it in while kids are at school and study in the evenings. I'd be super-organised arrange dds appointments during school holidays, possibly get a cleaner. My head says this would be too much. It would mean a lot of juggling and organising, and I'm not naturally highly organised. It would also mean a lot of stress. One of the things I love about being a sahm is I'm a lot calmer and content.

I do want to do one of these things only because I would like to retain my skills and some sort of income going especially as my dc grow older. I'm also quite ambitious and fear I might lose my motivation the longer I'm out of the work place What should I do? Sorry for such a long post. Thank you.

[LemmeavaBru]

Anyone?

[Chosenbyyou]

Hi

I think you want to pace yourself and be realistic. You don't want to bite off everything and then realise you are stuck chewing!

I work 4 days and do a MBA in my 'spare time'. It is tough and I have two children but no special needs. Also I have reduced the pace of study and have lots of support.

If I were you I would write a plan and stick to it. Make it realistic with certain goals - put some additional tasks in a side box (like refresh CV, do linked in profile, contact X employer for info etc) and do those tasks if you find you have spare time. Unless you are massively time bound it is better to teach your goal and enjoy the journey rather than rush and stress yourself to the max.

I hope this is helpful xx

[Chosenbyyou]

Teach = reach

[LemmeavaBru]

Thank you chosen. That was very useful.