Masters / work / family juggle - should I go for it?

[Macl00]

Hi,

I am seriously considering doing a part time, distance learning Masters Degree. I work 4 days ("5th" day I'm on full mum duty) have 2 young kids, and though very little outside help, a supportive husband and kids are well settled into our nursery / school routines.

Spend almost all my week night evenings vegetating on the sofa, weekends can be fairly busy and value time with the family, but whilst the kids are young I feel I could be making much better use of my time ..(don't get me wrong I'm fully aware of how enjoyable an evening in front of the TV is!)

The degree is related to my job and should improve my prospects, it also satisfies a real interest for me.

Obvious worries around the work/life/study balance and also the intensity of study - I finished my undergrad 15 years ago so it's been a long time since I was in an academic environment! That said I've a real hunger to move forward and am much more focused and experienced than my 20 year old self, but don't want to go into it and find it I'm full of regret especially as it could be at the expense of family (and ££!) 🥴

Any similar experiences and outcomes?

Hmm I don't have kids but work 47-72h a week as a Dr including nights and 3h commute and am easily managing an msc (2 out of 3y currently), depends on the course and how much friends and family can pick up the slack at home when you have deadlines probably

I did, late 40s, single parent to an 11 year old with a 45-50 hour a week job plus a commute. Turned into a PhD, really pleased I started. It is a struggle at times but I enjoy it.

I started it because I was bored at work, always full on, top of pay scale and seniority with nowhere to go unless I leave, but I can do it with my eyes shut. I needed to stay because whilst I work long hours it is really flexible and I needed that as a LP.

It has been hugely beneficial and I’ve made some great friends/met likeminded people at uni. I enjoy it far more than work ….. but obviously I need to pay the bills too.

Yes, I did this in my 30s with two primary aged children. Just requires organisation and accepting you’ll probably get less sleep.

I'm about to start a part time distance learning MA, whilst working fulltime and being a lone parent. Part of me think I'm mad for attempting to juggle it all, but just wanted you to know you're not alone.

I've just finished my 6th module of 8 in a postgraduate of taught masters level (but not technically a masters). It's tough. My kids are 10 and 12 so reasonably self sufficient but need dropping off and picking up a lot. I find the assignments (one per module) tough but doable but the exams are tough. Its 20 years since I sat an exam and I just don't have the focus or brain space to remember so much detail any more. It'll be worth it when I'm finished, but it's been an absolute slog.

Thanks all, some great and reassuring input. Appreciate we all have our own version of events and everyone will have different personal experiences, but enjoying the positivity!

@PuneorPlayonWords I am a little concerned about level / intensity of study after many years of rotting my brain in front of the TV or in my phone (!). Hoping some determination and focus will bring me back into that head space but don't want to underestimate it. Well done on getting through the slog!

The focus for exams is absolutely what I've found the worst part. If I do anything again, it will be assignments only! But is worth doing, both for the qualification and for your kids to see there's more to your life than the treadmill of work, school, chores and activities. Best of luck with it!

@Macl00 your comment about watching TV really resonated with me. When I’d finished my masters I carried on because I couldn’t imagine not doing something productive with my mind in the evenings. I think I like the pressure tbh.

No plans for another relationship, my evenings are my own.

I’m looking for a new job atm as DC is finishing A levels so I’m ready for something new. My more recent masters (have an older one) and doing a PhD is definitely making a difference to what I’m considering.

As I say to DC, once you’ve got it no one can take it away from you.

@AVeryHairyBiker love that sentiment that noone can take it away!! And great to see it ignited a fire that's kept going.

@PuneorPlayonWords The one I'm looking doesn't actually have any exams, it's assignments only so hopefully that eases things a bit! Nice take on the role modeling impact too 😊

I’m currently doing a level 7 post grad diploma that can be extended to a masters. Work is funding the pgdip and I’m 18 months in. It mostly finishes in August but there’s a final piece of work (4000 words plus presentation and a 2 hour end point assessment interview in November).

I am mostly enjoying it. Each time I submit assignments I say “I think I’ve done enough to scrape a pass” then get a combination of merits and distinctions. My last deadline was hideous - 3 sets of work including one with 3 parts all due in 22 December. I moaned like hell and really felt like I’d scrape a pass in each. Results came out today and I got a distinction for each assignment! I’m not sure I believe it.

i work full time but get a study day once a week (which has led to bullying within my team so that’s fun 🙄) and I have 3 dc at secondary. I use odd annual leave days around each assignment deadline to help me balance it (then feel guilty it’s not time with dc).

let’s just say, I’ll be glad when it’s over!

Doing a full time, full on MSc at 52. 1 yr of insanity in a 90% international cohort average age of 25, in a highly technical subject. Like a fish out of water for first month but love doing it. The not so good bits are assignments (give me an exam any day), and group work ( I have to resist the urge to facilitate), every 'no pay day' is a shocker too; the good bits .... Having the time and space to think big thoughts, mixing with a vast range of cultures, the flexibility and freedom. Also uni facilitates are fab compared with 30 years ago!

Doing a full time, full on MSc at 52. 1 yr of insanity in a 90% international cohort average age of 25 ... Like a fish out of water for first month but love doing it

This was exactly my experience.

Do you have an employer who might pay for your degree, @Macl00? If not, are you aware of Government Postgraduate Loans?