Distance MSc over 2 years, what else would I manage to fit in?

[Pendulum]

I am planning a rather radical change to my life, I am very excited but a bit clueless about lots of things!

I currently work four days a week but do around 45-50 hours in those days plus some evening and weekend overspill. I'm really fed up, massively stressed and ready for "something completely different"!

I've seen an MSC course that really appeals to me. It can be done over 2 years, mainly by distance but also approx 30 days' tuition on-site (which is a way away from home). Hopefully it would open up different career opportunities for me at the end of the 2 years.

I have 2 DC, the elder is at school and the younger is currently in nursery 4 days per week although I would reduce the nursery hours if no longer 'working'. What I would love to know is, during that 2 years would it be realistic to seek work experience in the 'new' field, or some bits of temp paid work here and there? Or would combining the Masters with part-time childcare responsibility be enough of a load?

Would love to hear how others do it!

I have just finished a 3 year MA which I did while working full time. It was great, a bit like a hobby I could pick up and put down of an evening/weekend. I didn't do much else though. I miss it now it's over. MY DC's are teens, though which made it easier for me, though.

Wow, well done KatieScarlett! That's an amazing achievement. Was it a subject you chose out of pure interest, or one you are planning to use in your career?

Politics, Management and Government was paid for by employer and was done for pleasure as I don't particularly want any more responsibility than I already have IYSWIM.

Sounds great. Not a million miles away from what I have in mind!

I am doing mine at the moment, also 3 years. I found the first two years pretty easy (no dc!) but have no idea how this final year/dissertation will be with a one year old .

I did it for career - got me the job I wanted! Slightly dints the motivation but will keep trudging on! Paid for by employer which also helped!

I'ts amazing the reactions I've had while doing the course. People assume that I must be delighted it's all over and I've got all this free time, etc. I'm not delighted at all, I miss it. It was fun to concentrate on something that interested me, loved the distance element for sheer practicality, liked my supervisors, etc. was a lot of fun.

KatieScarlett - time to find your next course then!