Studying whilst on Mat Leave?

[anonnancy]

Hi

Just want to ask some advice really from anyone who has experience in the below.

I'm seriously considering an online course or evening course whilst I'm on maternity leave to give me a bit more scope when looking for work after my maternity leave.

I currently work in the NHS as a medical secretary, but have always wanted to work in a HR based role - ideally sticking in the NHS. I have seen jobs advertised in my Trust for HR advisors but it is essential that the applicant is to have a relevant CIPD qualification etc, which I don't have so can't apply.

I find my current job so mind numbing as I've been there, done that and got the t-shirt... there is no opportunity for me to progress in my department as all management are very cushy. I just feel like I need a complete challenge and work in a sector I've never worked before, but to do this I'll likely need a qualification of some sort (in either business management or some sort of HR qualification).

Has anyone done an online or part time course whilst on maternity leave? I've had a brief look into it but it looks like I'd really struggle to afford the fees for an online course, so probably won't be able to pursue it.

And if you did pursue study whilst on Mat leave, how did you find it whilst juggling your duty and responsibility as a new mum?

TIA x

[Roselilly36]

I have had two DS’ and no way could I have considered doing a course alongside being a new mum, just preparing a sandwich for lunch some days was a challenge, of course it depends on your baby but with both of my two I know it would not have been possible, the day just seems to vanish when you are looking after a baby, and the evenings you are just too tired to do anything.

[anonnancy]

Bumping in hope of anyone else's experience ??

....bump...!

[Monsterinmyshoe]

I'm also trying with an 8 month old and it's proving rather difficult! If my baby is feeding or sleeping on me, I do watch online lectures of a course I've purchased, but I need to be at a computer to do the practical, which is the challenge (not to mention my brain, which is basically turned into a rotting cauliflower since baby).

Do you have shadowing where you work? In my office (also NHS) they have HR administrators, which I can imagine might lead to a HR advisor position, although you may have to fund the CIPD yourself. My Trust also does in-work apprenticeships where you are paid at your current band and not an apprenticeship rate.

[CooperLooper]

I don't have children so can't advise in that respect. However I have done my Level 5 CIPD through a distance learning course whilst working FT in a job with long hours (out from 6:30pm until after 7pm). I completed it in around 10 months and that was only spending 5-6 hours every Saturday day time on it. And not every weekend either, maybe 2-3 weekends out of the month.

So I suppose it's achievable if you want to think about that in the amount of hours per week you'll need, if that helps.

[BeardofZeus]

I’m sure you could achieve it! You would just need discipline and support