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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to think I can study with 3 DCs?

52 replies

ruledbyheart · 09/08/2013 12:41

I have applied to do an access course with the open university its a great course that will open up the pathways to do a degree in a subject I am fasinated with.

But everyone around me in RL says I'm being ridiculous and won't be able to do it so I'm just throwing money away as I'll never complete it.

It's going to be tough the course starts in October so I will have a 6 week old baby and 3DCs under 6yrs old, I also plan on going back to work in November, however I will only be working one night a week outside the house and 3 nights from home (only a few hours).

2 of my DCs are going to be at school full time and DD3 will be at preschool 2.5 days a week, DP works evenings so can take the baby whilst I get my work done on the days the DCs are at school.

The course is completely distance learning and requires approx 9hrs of work a week.

AIBU to think this is doable and I'm not mad in doing it?

I don't want to be stuck at home for another 3 yrs doing part time work and being bored during the day counting the months till DC4 can go to preschool.

OP posts:
CreatureRetorts · 09/08/2013 12:42

I think you're mad Grin
Unless you have excellent childcare and support from your partner?

Cloola · 09/08/2013 12:44

I'm starting a open university law degree in October and everyone has said the same to me, lm determined to prove them wrong, as long as you plan your time and schedule in your study you will be fine. I have 2 children one with disabilities. I can't wait to get started.

SJisontheway · 09/08/2013 12:45

Completely doable. I did a masters when mine were sililar ages (ds was 8 weeks) and everyone said I was mad. I ended up with a first and it led to a job that I love. I do have a very supportive dh, and other extended family also. That helps a lot.

Whatdoiknowanyway · 09/08/2013 12:45

My mum did a teacher training course in the 1960s. She had 4 children under the age of 6 when she started and 5 under the age of 8 when she finished.
She could not have done it without the support of my dad and her parents who lived nearby.
But she did it.

oldandcrabby · 09/08/2013 12:51

It is an access course, so a good opportunity of seeing if you can cope with study on top of everything else. You sound pretty organised and your dp is prepared to back you up. I would go for it. When I did OU my children were older and I was working term time. I think I had to nag less about doing home work or expect chores to be done because they knew I had to commit time to OU work.

Original poster
ruledbyheart · 09/08/2013 12:53

If DP stands by his word I'll have 2.5 days to get the work done plus 3 evenings once the DC are in bed, thankfully I'm nocturnal so I can be up til 2am anyway.

School holidays will be tougher though as my course doesn't take breaks as its part time.

OP posts:
WilsonFrickett · 09/08/2013 12:56

If your DP is supportive and you can carve out the time, then yes, why not? Although see a current thread about freelancing to see where it can all go wrong - as long as you have support/childcare and aren't just trying to fit it in round the gaps, you will be fine.

Kyrptonite · 09/08/2013 12:58

I did 2 OU courses this year at level 3 whilst working full time and have 3 year old DD and 4 year old DS.

Start next course in September and will have a newborn as well. It is doable. It's stressful at times but not impossible.

Good luck.

purple15 · 10/08/2013 19:37

I am a little similar to you although my three children are teenagers. I have been seriously ill and it has been a massive road to recovery.

I have secured a full time place to study Social work at Uni in September.

I am really enthusiastic that this is something I really want to do, however, all my friends and family are saying it is an impossible.

Joiningthegang · 10/08/2013 19:40

Of course you can, I finished my masters whilst having babies and working part time - it wasn't easy but was doable - soooo pleased it is over with now though

Joiningthegang · 10/08/2013 19:41

I had 3 dc - 2 born in the process of doing the course

morethanpotatoprints · 10/08/2013 19:45

Hello OP.

I did a HND with 2 dc at school and then an Exec Diploma in Management, Hons Degree with dc3 a baby. Then I did a PgCE with all 3 dc.

It is possible with a supportive partner or lots of child care etc.
I don't regret doing it for one minute, even though I don't use any of those quals now as a sahm.

captainbarnacle · 10/08/2013 19:46

Very do able. I have just 4 more courses to do to complete my BSc with the open uni. I started 4 years ago with Ds aged 3 and 1 and now I have 3DS (6, 4, 2). I don't work, but I do not have a partner living here or family close by. It is tricky with a baby under 1 as I find they don't allow me to study in the evenings or day time! But otherwise, with a bit of planning it is fine. Good luck!

Original poster
ruledbyheart · 10/08/2013 20:11

Thanks everyone its good to know Im not crazy and it is possible, very excited about starting the course now.

OP posts:
Grumpywino · 10/08/2013 20:14

No kids but studied for MSc with a very demanding job, everyone tried to warn me off but if not now when? Don't put these things off, give it a try, I know one lady with five children and a full time job who did very well!

Viviennemary · 10/08/2013 20:17

I think it will be very tough and I don't think I could do it with so young a baby. But people do if they are disciplined and organised enough. Make yourself out a timetable and mark in study times. People do amazing things all the time. Good luck.

Beastofburden · 10/08/2013 21:24

Very do able, and this is the joy of the open university is that it allows you to do this kind of thing. Take no notice of the doomy people. It's no worse than a lot of people's jobs. Or you could waste that kind of time easily. A lot of people spend 9 hours a week watching telly or blogging, you could spend the exact same time just becoming an expert on Hollyoaks.

AnotherStitchInTime · 10/08/2013 21:34

My SIL completed her nursing degree and she has 5 kids and is a single parent. She had a lot of family support though.

I am starting a pt distance learning MSc in October, I have 2 kids under 5 and am expecting a baby in January. I am a SAHM and dd2 (17 months) will be at home with me so nap times, evenings and weekends will be my only chance to study.

I figure even if the baby is feeding in the evening I can still get reading and assignments done with the help of a wrap sling. Luckily my DH is very supportive and good with the kids too.

NewAtThisMalarky · 10/08/2013 21:38

I had two preschoolers and studied for my AAT. I finished the exams before any of the single people with no children, and I was working more hours than you are .

I'm currently doing OU as a single parent to two teenagers, while working full time.

Of course you can do it.

Tiggles · 10/08/2013 21:43

I have 3DCs aged 11, 6 and 4, work full time and am now studying part time at uni in the evenings (equivalent of 1/2 a full time uni course each year). I did odd modules when DS1 and 2 were tiny (first module exam was when DS1 was a few weeks old and was up all night the night before with him, still passed, but was hard work).
It is sometimes hard to juggle everything, but as long as you are quite rigid in making sure you get on with stuff it is ok - I take 4 lunch times aweek at work just reading text books so I don't have to do it at home. I also try and make sure that I aim to finish assignments a week or so early in case there is a family emergency.

MissDuke · 10/08/2013 21:46

I had a baby during my access to university course - I was doing it at the local college. I am starting a full time uni course next month, and have 3dc - hoping and praying it will all work out!

saggyhairyarse · 10/08/2013 23:19

I am half way through my Uni course and did Access to HE at college and, yes, I have an entourage of 3! It is doable but there might be time you go a bit nuts if your organisation starts to slip. Generally speaking though, it is completely doable - good luck!

iamadoozermum · 10/08/2013 23:34

I did my MSc with the OU and had three children by the end of it, submitting my dissertation when DS3 was 8 weeks old. I also worked full-time throughout, except when on maternity leave. I'm currently studying for an MA and a BSc also with the OU and I still work full-time. So it's definitely possible, but hard work and can be very stressful.

For me, the key things are: being organised in making sure you keep that time available for studying, it can be easy to start eating into it and the next thing you know you are several weeks behind, start working on assignments early (never really works out for me, that one though!), try out the forums (I'm finding the FaceBook group for my current module very useful) and excellent childcare and support from your partner. I couldn't have done it without DH, especially when he completely lets me get on with studying without distractions.

jellybeans · 11/08/2013 00:54

I have 5 DC and am nearing the end of my OU degree. It is do able although hard work!

neunundneunzigluftballons · 11/08/2013 00:57

Yep possible I am half way through a masters and I have 3 children and work full time where there is a will and all that