Managing Kids, Work & College
It's been a crazy three years. I've kept a full-time job and raised two kids all while taking online classes. I thought it would be too much to handle at first, but since both of my kids have been in school, I've learned how to make it work, plus I am now working towards mommy blogging!
When I was a stay-at-home mom for six years, I always thought it would be too much—the juggling act of raising kids while going to school, or even kids and working just seemed like too much for me! But after my kids started school, I got a job at their elementary school, (until last November, now work from home) I realized that if you put your mind to it and make sure to take care of yourself first (which is super important), you can handle pretty much anything. (Even if you feel exhausted at times)
So if you're thinking about going back to school or starting online classes for the first time: DO IT! You can do it! Just make sure that whatever you're doing works around your schedule and makes sense for your family life.
It's crazy that I've taken on so much in the last three years, but somehow it all works out. Here's how:
1) Divide your responsibilities into manageable chunks. When you're working full time, it can feel like there are no breaks between work and home life—especially if you're doing something as intensive as going to college online! But if you break down your responsibilities into small chunks, instead of focusing on how much work there is left to do or how long it will take, you'll be able to get things done more quickly and enjoy your downtime more fully. Most semesters, I take 4 classes and manage them all by the class’s due dates for assignments. I know which days I need to read my chapters and/or do homework. Plus, I study at night when everyone is going to bed!
2) Be realistic about what you can accomplish each day. If your goal is to get everything done in one day (including studying), you're setting yourself up for failure before you even start. You'll feel overwhelmed and discouraged, and you won't be able to complete everything on your list. Instead, make sure to set aside a few hours each day for studying. If you have an exam coming up, add extra time into those days so that you can review what you've learned in the past week or so.
3) Don't wait until the last minute. If you know that an assignment is due in two weeks, start working on it as soon as possible. This will give you more time to work through the material and ask for help if you need it. It also means that you'll have more time to catch up if you get sick or have an unexpected event that throws off your schedule.
4) Work in short, focused periods. If you have a big project due in two weeks and you're trying to get it done by tomorrow, don't start at 8 a.m. and work straight through until midnight! Research from Cornell University says "taking purposeful breaks (anywhere from 5–60 minutes) from studying to refresh your brain and body increases your energy, productivity, and ability to focus."
5) Avoid distractions. If you're studying, put away your phone and computer. The same goes for TV, video games, or anything else that might be calling you from another room. The house can get cleaned later, same goes for the dishes. As I said before, I do a lot of homework when the kids go to bed, which is the perfect time! College isn't forever and for me, it is flying by.
You are here now, and this moment is yours to take advantage of!
**I will be creating a pdf study planner in the near future
