AIBU for thinking I can go back to Univeristy (distance learning)

[Isitbedtimeyet4]

Left a degree when I was 19 for many reasons.

Now I’m married and have a 21mo and an 8mo, and am 33 weeks pregnant.

I’ve decided I want to finish my degree (Primary school teaching), I would like to provide a better life for my husband and my children.

The course starts in October, so I’ll have a just turned 2yo, just turned 1yo and a two month old, I will be returning back to work in June/July next year as well.
I’m aware it’s going to be a lot having three young children, working, completing a degree and trying to keep the house running and in a somewhat presentable condition 😂 but AIBU in going for it?
It will benefit us so much in the long term, allow us to buy a bigger house, won’t have to worry about childcare in the holidays, will have more disposable income to allow the children to do whatever activities they wish to.

My husband doesn’t seem very enthusiastic, honestly I think he’s just thinking about the short term hassle rather than the long term benefit. He hasn’t said anything about me not doing it, but it’s made me wonder if I’m being silly/taking on too much?

The degree will of course be part time, will be finished when youngest turns 4.

[Isitbedtimeyet4]

Oh thank you for the positive situation! I think I’m going to sit down with hubby tonight and have a frank conversation with him about whether he thinks we can handle it and go from there

[Royalbloo]

Go for it! You can achieve whatever you want to as long as you make it a top priority.

I'm working full time, as a single parent, with one child and I'm doing a Masters. Distanced learning, one weekend per quarter at uni, and I've done it - even through COVID.

It's my no. 2 priority after DD. That's what made it work.

[tinkletinklelittlestar]

My heart says do it, no one questions a man about it. My boring practical guilt ridden mum head says sort out support network and have the option of deferring if possible.

[Royalbloo]

16hrs a week is easily spent on tasks that add little or nothing to your life or to your future - if someone challenged you to watch eight 2hr films in a week, could you? Of course you could!

[KitKat2020]

I think it’s doable! know people who have returned to uni with young children, and even children with additional support needs.

It is all about time management and having support. You can’t make more time, but you can use it well.

The most important thing will be for you to have ‘protected time’ for your studies. In addition to working when your children go to bed, every now and again you might need one full weekend day or two full afternoons/ evenings.

Optimise your routine too- Lunch breaks, commutes etc.

Keep on top of reading/podcasts/webinars and you’ll find it easier to prepare assessments. You have a good knowledge base already to build upon. Don’t become complacent, but you might find that it takes less than 16hrs per week.