To ask for your experience on studying and working

[twinklestar2]

Looking to finish my CIM Diploma in Digital Marketing. Started it a few years ago and then found out I was pregnant. Now have a 3-year-old and thinking of going back and doing the last two assignments to get the grade.

What is your experience of working, having a child and studying? It it really tough? Is it worth doing? Any tips?

Also TTC #2 and moving house just to make life harder!

It is doable if you have the right support. I did an MSc while working full time when DC were 2 to 5 and 5 to 8 (if that makes sense - it took 3 years). I was lucky as DH "only" worked 3 long days so he had 4 days off and did 99% of housework, shopping and cooking - I really only did the Sunday dinner. Child care was also split. It was hard going but I really needed to do it for my future career prospects so we both sucked it up. You've got to be really disciplined and know when you work best - for me it was morning so I usually went to bed just after DC around 9pm and got up at 4/5 am (even at weekends although have always been a morning person). Good luck.

I did OU degree while working. Found spending 20-30min of lunch break (mostly in car for some peace) helped to get hours in. Also meant you could have things ticking over in your head then faster to pick up a chapter again in the evenings rather than starting from scratch.

Studying for a masters, 3 children, pregnant with 4th and work full time.

I don't think I could do it without the support of my husband who does loads of housework, cooking and childcare on top of his full time job so I can study and do my dissertations. We work as a team and give each other lay ins, dinners, nights off etc. Support and teamwork is the key.

I'm currently studying the LPC and Masters, I started studying law with the OU when my DD started primary school (graduation is next week!) I did work too but Part time which left 2 days per week to dedicate to studying with no distractions. I found it manageable and achieved a good mark but I'm not sure It would have been the case if I had been working full time or had younger children ( I'm quite easily distracted) I suppose it all depends on how organised you are and what the workload is like. Good luck with it

I'm about to start year 2 of an OU degree, work 2 jobs and have 2 children, one with additional needs.

Its mostly stressful round about assignment time but I find planning my week ahead very helpful ie I will study on x evenings, work on another evening etc. DH is very supportive which helps massively.

Good luck to you OP.