Two weeks into MSc and I am struggling

[Usernamqwerty]

I have two children aged 3 and 5, in full-time childcare. I am commuting 90-100 minutes an average of 3 days a week to Uni (rest online). It's a healthcare degree with lots of classes / contact time with lots of prep to do, plus coursework and exams over the coming months.

I am super tired and just struggling to find time to relax. I also have a disability which affects my energy levels which doesn't help 😔. I am registered with the University disability team. Husband works long hours and I do nearly all the housework and life admin.

Any ideas on things I can do to make things easier?

Thanks for reading x

[Usernamqwerty]

@EdmontinaDonsAutumnalHues

Poor you! I remember the exhaustion. My round trip commute was several hours for my postgrad degree - and I also had low energy levels.

I don’t have any brilliant suggestions but you may like to know that there’s now a dedicated ‘Mature Study and Retraining’ board under Education. There are a few other posters on healthcare courses there. If you feel it might be relevant or helpful I’m sure MNHQ would move your thread for you.

Many thanks! I'll check that out ☺️

[EdmontinaDonsAutumnalHues]

Poor you! I remember the exhaustion. My round trip commute was several hours for my postgrad degree - and I also had low energy levels.

I don’t have any brilliant suggestions but you may like to know that there’s now a dedicated ‘Mature Study and Retraining’ board under Education. There are a few other posters on healthcare courses there. If you feel it might be relevant or helpful I’m sure MNHQ would move your thread for you.

[Usernamqwerty]

Audio books are a great idea too! I struggle with ebooks 😁

[Usernamqwerty]

@helpmewithdrawgracefully

Gosh this sounds a lot.

Is there any budget for help? I'd suggest hiring someone to clean for you if there's any flexibility at all.

I did an MSc while working p/t and with primary age DC and it was tough but I'm SO glad I did it. Do you have Audible or Scribd? I'm wondering if you can get any of your reading list or related material as audiobooks for your commute? I have ADHD and struggle to read print books but have to do a lot of CPD reading for my job and audiobooks have been a gamechanger.

What have the disability team offered you? You may have access to a Specialist Mentor who can help you to organise your time, generally motivate you etc (my ADHD wasn't diagnosed when I did my MSc but I know people who had Specialist Mentor help and really appreciated it).

Thank you! Yes, I might well consider a cleaner.

Disability team have sent my requests to the course team (placements closer to home, use of a computer for exams etc) but not any ongoing support. I might ask if I can see someone.

[helpmewithdrawgracefully]

Gosh this sounds a lot.

Is there any budget for help? I'd suggest hiring someone to clean for you if there's any flexibility at all.

I did an MSc while working p/t and with primary age DC and it was tough but I'm SO glad I did it. Do you have Audible or Scribd? I'm wondering if you can get any of your reading list or related material as audiobooks for your commute? I have ADHD and struggle to read print books but have to do a lot of CPD reading for my job and audiobooks have been a gamechanger.

What have the disability team offered you? You may have access to a Specialist Mentor who can help you to organise your time, generally motivate you etc (my ADHD wasn't diagnosed when I did my MSc but I know people who had Specialist Mentor help and really appreciated it).