Change careers as a mother: how The Open University can help you retrain

Feeling stuck in your job? Considering a career change but worried about juggling study with family life? You’re not alone. Nearly two-thirds (64%) of mothers with young children under the age of five have considered retraining, according to recent research by The Open University. 

It’s understandable given the lack of flexible hours and overwhelming childcare costs - the idea of a sudden career change might feel like a daunting prospect. It’s not impossible, though. In this guide, we’ll address the challenges you might face if you were to return to education as a working mother, and also provide you with practical solutions from The Open University and real advice from mothers who’ve been there, done that.

Why should you consider The Open University? 

For mothers wanting to retrain or launch their own careers, The Open University (OU) is a highly recommended resource. The OU offers you the chance to boost your skills and employability with flexible courses that can be worked around your parenting and professional commitments, if any. So, whether you want to get on the career ladder, or climb higher, there’s so much on offer. 

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In fact, for over 50 years, The Open University has helped two million people expand their skill set and it's proven a popular choice with our Mumsnetters.

Understanding your barriers (and how to overcome them)

1. Time management

Finding time to study as a mother can feel like trying to squeeze water from a stone. Between school runs, packed lunches, and maintaining a household and social life, the idea of carving out dedicated study time might seem impossible. 

It’s no surprise, then, that many would feel overwhelmed just thinking about adding another commitment to their already packed schedule. 

The 18% of mothers who worry about finding enough hours reflects a very real concern - after all, there are only 24 hours in a day, and most of them are already spoken for.

Practical tips to help

• Check the conditions of each course and understand the full details of the flexibility/commitment possible

• Use your commute for reading course materials

• Block out specific study times when children are at nursery/school

• Create a weekly family schedule so everyone knows when "mum's study time" is

• Keep course materials on your phone to utilise small pockets of time

What Mumsnet users say 

“​​I did it while working part-time and with two young children. You need dedication though as it’s mostly self study. There are some weekend tutorials and online evenings but generally you are on your own. I would definitely recommend [it] though. Got the job I wanted post-degree!” Sharingplatter added. 

Why study with The Open University

The OU’s structure is specifically designed to help overcome the typical barriers parents face when returning to education. Their 24/7 online learning platform means you can study whenever works best for you - whether that’s during naptime, after bedtime, or in small chunks throughout the day. 

There's no need to attend fixed lectures or commute to classes, saving precious time and energy for study and family.

2. Flexibility

The traditional education model of fixed schedules and in-person attendance simply doesn’t work for most mothers. With 40% of mothers needing flexible study options, it's clear that rigidity is a major roadblock. 

The unpredictability of family life - from sick children, school holidays, and family commitments - means that any study program needs to bend and flex around these realities. 

Unlike childless students, mothers often find themselves needing to study at unconventional hours or in unusual locations, making traditional education formats particularly challenging.

Practical tips to help

• Create a dedicated study space at home, even if it's just a corner of the kitchen table

• Use weekend mornings for focused study while a loved one takes children out

• Join online study groups with other parents for mutual support

• Download materials to study offline when internet access isn't guaranteed

• Consider studying during school holidays when childcare is already arranged

What Mumsnet users say 

“I loved studying with the OU. Had all three of my kids whilst studying for a degree.

Yes, you have to just do bits whenever you can. It's hard work, but worth it.” rainbowduck

Why study with The Open University

Flexibility is at the heart of the OU's approach. You can adjust your study intensity as family life demands, switching between part-time and full-time study if needed. 

Course materials are broken into manageable sections and accessible from any device, making it easier to fit learning around your existing commitments.

The Open University offers flexibility around work, children and other priorities

3. Financial planning

The financial impact of returning to education can extend beyond just course fees. 

For 45% of mothers, the cost consideration encompasses not only tuition but also potential reduced working hours, additional childcare expenses, and study materials. Many mothers find themselves caught in a catch-22: they need additional qualifications to earn more, but can't afford the upfront investment in education. 

This financial pressure is often compounded by existing family commitments, mortgages, and the rising cost of living, making the decision to invest in education particularly daunting.

Practical tips to help

• Research all funding options through the OU's Finance Finder

• Consider part-time study to spread costs

• Look into employer sponsorship - many companies support professional development

• Check eligibility for grants and bursaries

• Plan course costs around tax-free childcare benefits

What Mumsnet users say 

“I am studying part-time with the OU, working towards a psychology degree. I applied for funding from SAAS so my fees are fully funded.

“Go for it, it's the best thing I have ever done. I am in my 40s (have a degree from years ago at a bricks uni) and needed a degree I could do flexibly from home to work around family life.

“You won't regret it.” Vettrianofan

Why study with The Open University

When it comes to financial concerns, The OU offers significant financial advantages, with courses costing around 20% less than equivalent qualifications at campus-based universities.

4. Dealing with guilt

The complexity of balancing family life with study goes beyond simple time management. For 40% of mothers, it's about maintaining the delicate ecosystem of family relationships while pursuing personal goals. 

This includes managing partner expectations, ensuring children don't feel neglected, maintaining family routines, and preserving quality time with loved ones. 

The emotional labour of constantly switching between roles - mother, student, partner, professional - can be exhausting, and many women struggle with feeling like they're not giving enough attention to any single aspect of their lives.

Practical tips to help 

• Involve your children in your learning journey - let them "study" alongside you

• Create a family calendar showing study times and protected family time

• Build a support network of other studying parents

• Plan quality time with children around assignment deadlines

• Schedule "compensation time" for days when you need to study more

• Use meal prep and batch cooking to free up study time

• Share your achievements with your children

What Mumsnet users say 

“I can't recommend the OU highly enough. I did my degree as a full time working mother of three - two of the years I was pregnant, then had a newborn. The support from tutors and fellow students is great (being honest, as in a brick uni, some tutors are better than others) plus the resources are wonderful. You will never regret it!” Rapunzel's Real Mom

Why study with The Open University

The OU understands the challenges of balancing family life with study. Their supportive learning environment includes personal tutors who understand parent-student needs, an active online community of other studying parents, and regular check-ins to keep you on track. 

Technical support is readily available when you need it, ensuring that technology never becomes a barrier to your learning.

Studying with The Open University means you don’t have to miss any family moments

5. Energy management

The physical and mental demands of combining motherhood, work, and study create a unique type of exhaustion that goes beyond simple tiredness. 

For the 18% of mothers concerned about energy levels, this represents a complex daily challenge. The typical day of a working mother often starts before dawn - managing morning routines, preparing children for school, commuting to work, maintaining professional performance all day, handling after-school activities, overseeing homework, managing household tasks, and coordinating bedtime routines. By the time children are asleep, when many mothers plan to study, they're operating on empty.

Practical tips to help 

• Study complex topics during your peak energy hours

• Break study into 25-minute chunks with short breaks

• Keep energising snacks at your desk

• Take quick walks to refresh your mind

• Plan rest days before major deadlines

• Create a consistent pre-study routine

• Use lunch breaks for power naps

• Schedule regular study-free weekends

What Mumsnet users say

“Yes, I have been through so many phases where I have no energy for my kids. I think exercise helps the most but that's the hardest thing to do when exhausted. 

“Instead I try to do small things where I can to improve my energy levels and reduce my anxiety, like having a nice shower and coffee in the morning away from the kids (if possible), eating more protein (I boil eggs and keep in the fridge or snack on peanut butter or other nuts), and fewer simple carbs (switched from white to wholemeal bread), going to bed 15 mins earlier, doing 5-10 minutes of exercise or stretching when I remember, taking vitamins, deep breathing in the shower, drinking a bit more water etc. Every little thing really does help and adds up to more energy.” Endlesslaundry123

Why study with The Open University

Perhaps most importantly for working parents, the energy-conscious design of OU courses means you can work at your own pace, breaking study into smaller sections that fit your natural energy patterns. 

Without the pressure of fixed schedules or early morning lectures, you can create a study routine that works for you and your family.

What are the benefits of further education?

As well as the possibility of moving up the career ladder, a better skill set could open you up to a better income. Graduates from The Open University have seen a significant 61% increase in earnings, equivalent to an average weekly pay boost of £136.

Members of our own Mumsnet community have seen a boost in their salaries due to the courses through Open University, too. 

“I have more than doubled my salary since completion,” Theyweretheworstoftimes said in a recent forum.

How can you get started with Open University?

If you’re interested in undertaking a course, head to The Open University’s website to explore options and also funding possibilities, with start dates as soon as February and April 2025. 

About The Open University

The Open University has been a pioneer of distance and flexible learning for over 50 years. It delivers quality education and invaluable support to those wanting to improve their skill sets, boost their knowledge and get on or climb the career ladder.

About the authors

Kat Romero is a writer and journalist with over a decade’s experience in the industry. Hailing from London, she has become experienced in scouring the market to find the latest and best products, services and events that are worth your purchase. As a mother herself, she knows all too well how hard it can be to juggle family life around professional commitments. So, you can trust that she’s fully invested in making sure you receive the best recommendations.

Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she brings parents content designed to make life easier. As a mum-of-two, she’s all too familiar having to juggle work, family and social life commitments. So, she's fully invested in making sure fellow parents have all the information they need for success.