thread: Study, work and being a mum!

  1. #1
    2013 BellyBelly RAK Recipient.

    May 2007
    Brisbane
    5,310

    Red face Study, work and being a mum!

    Just wondering if there are any other CRAZY CRAZY woman out there like me?

    I've just started back studying externally at uni (B. Early CHildhood) last week, two subjects this summer semester.
    I also start at work part time next Monday. 20-25 hours a week for three weeks, then four weeks off as they are closed, then 20-30 hours from mid-January, with the possibility of picking up more hours.
    And yes, its necessary for me to be studying AT LEAST 2 subjects a semester while I am working.

    For the next three weeks, Shel and I have worked it out that we are both working part-time, then Shel is working 32 hours a week for the 4 weeks the centre is shut, then Shel will be SAHM and I will be the working mum.


    It's going to be really hard, i know. I feel seriously nuts some days, especially right now, trying to get back into the swing of things!

    Any other crazy mums out there studying AND working? Wanna be crazy together? LOL!

  2. #2
    BellyBelly Member

    Oct 2008
    Over The Rainbow
    1,142

    Wow good on you leash!
    Im Planning on studying( just trying to finalise what im going to study whether it be early childhood or Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), and working in a few months eeeek abit scared but it will be worth it!!

  3. #3
    BellyBelly Life Subscriber

    Jun 2009
    Sydney, NSW
    2,140

    No children for me... but I was studying part-time (2 subjects a semester) and working full-time - its a tough gig, helps to have lots of support around you. All the best - stay on top of your work load, studying externally requires lots of discipline.

    As a suggestion, I would have a weekly set time to listen to your lectures (if they are online) similar to the committment of going to a live lecture.

    On another note, those with lots to do often are the most organised people I know.

    Working, studying and being a mummy you're a star in my eyes

  4. #4
    Registered User

    Oct 2008
    SA
    1,078

    I'm hearing you Leash on the craziness of it all.

    I'm studying a Cert III in Fitness and my pilates instructor quals at the moment - I wouldn't say its as full on as a uni committment but its still hanging over my head - I need to get it finished. Plus I've just picked up part time work at the studio I'm training with. Which is great cos we need the $ and it helps me with my qualifications. But arrrgh. Its been nuts.

    More than happy to be crazy with you. But we probably wouldn't have it any other way huh!?

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Feb 2009
    Central Coast NSW
    592

    Another nutter doing it here. I'm working 8 - 12 hours a week and am studying my accounting qualification through distance education part time (but am keeping up with the full-time schedule). DH works part time at his second job 2 days and we have our own business he looks after bub when I'm at work and I try and do all my study in her sleep times and in the evenings and my housework with her when she's awake - normally I can cope with this, you get used to it and you know the saying 'if you want something done ask a busy person' . Prob not the best to talk it up right now though as have been too damn sick the last month to feel like I'm doing well at anything and wish I was doing neither work or study right now as is hard enough to be upright for my bub Yep - we're all crazy

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Sep 2009
    56

    Hi - I know this is a late reply but I also work full timme - although I am lucky to be able to work from home. I also study part time - 2 subjects a semester - and some days it does my head in - other days I am sooo happy to finally be doing a degree. Unfortunately I have a good 4-5 years to finish my degree but then my youngest will be 5-6 years old so will work in well.

    There are times I want to quit but I know if I just keep plodding along I will graduate and then I wont be a year 10 drop out any longer ....

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Apr 2007
    SE QLD
    2,321

    LEASH! Crazy woman here too! I've applied for uni for next year, but don't find out if I'm accepted until mid-Jan. Will be studying (hopefully) to be a RN, full time - a 3yr course! I'll also have to be working and look after Jensen.

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Dec 2007
    Adelaide, SA
    896

    I was working a 40 hour week and studying my diploma in horticulture and had two children, DH was working a 38 hour week. I stopped once I got to a point in my preganacy with Lachlan were I couldnt cope.
    Now i wonder how i did it. I have a new job and only work 4 hours a week, I am looking at starting to study again and have three children to run around everywhere now

  9. #9

    Dec 2005
    not with crazy people
    8,023

    Ive been considering going back and studying.
    I work full time from home on my own business, have 4 kids and hubby makes 5 but there is always rooms for osmething for ME!!!! yes being selfish now

    Why do we do this to ourselves

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Nov 2008
    Here and There
    136

    I am another crazy although at the moment I am on mat leave but will return to uni next semester and do 2 units. I had been doing my rural social welfare bach for the past year, 20 hours a week work, two kids and pregnancy. Something had to give and of course it was the house work. I also felt like I wasn't giving any area all my attention as I was so busy I had to constantly be thinking what I had to do next. I am unsure if I will return to work as I work in a stressful call centre and at the moment I would prefer to focus on my study part-time and kids if we can afford it. You just need to make sure that you also have Leash time or else you may end up feeling burnt out.

  11. #11
    Registered User

    Feb 2006
    NSW Central Coast
    5,301

    Hi Leasha,

    I did it. If I can you can too!! It can be tough at times, you will need a supportive partner and to be relatively organised. Try to make sure you keep up with your studies, that's what usually falls to the way side because you have noone but yourself nagging you to do it. Well that's what I found anyway. I was always cramming for my assignments and doing them at 11pm on the night they were due, only to send them off in the nick of time! At work you will have your director on your ass to keep stuff up to date, at home it will be Shell and Jasmine that keep you in line, but for you studies, no one really cares if you don't send in your assignment but you.
    You can do it babe. You will be sooo proud of yourself when you've finished, which probably seems like a millenia away, but it will be upon you in no time! I did it working 3 days a week, with a toddler and pregnant. Thankfully it was only one module while I was pg, but I did 6ish months with 2 modules and working and having DD.
    Good luck hun, PM me if you'd like more info, it sounds like we might have studied the same course .

  12. #12
    Registered User

    Oct 2004
    WA y WA y A WAy
    2,161

    i am nutter then a nut tree ... i was doing full time accelerated progression at uni ( 4 sometimes 5 subjects ) this got all a bit to much i forgot what my kids looked like ..so this year ...3 kids and i will drop down to 3 subjects and 8-16 hours work..
    organisation is the key good luck with your studies

  13. #13
    Registered User
    Add Stevie on Facebook

    Apr 2009
    Sunshine Coast
    1,280

    well, that will kinda be me in a few months, my daughter will be 5-6 months old and i will be going back to work for around 20 hours a week, Dh works at the mines week on week off, week that he's on wont be so bad, week that he's away my darling MIL will be looking after DD, i feel terrible but it has to be done. Once ive gotten back into the swing of it im hoping to start a course in the middle of the year, not too sure what yet, have a few ideas but my brains still a big jumble....

    GL you crazy mummy you

  14. #14
    Life Subscriber

    Jul 2006
    Brisbane
    6,683

    I'm crazy too hun. Two delightful but active boys, full-time work, plus I studied last year and this year, now that I'm trained, I have replaced the study with volunteer work.

    It takes good partner support and organisation (which us Librans can really struggle with ) but it can be done.

    How's it going so far hun?

  15. #15
    Registered User

    Nov 2009
    SE Qld
    45

    Wow, good on you ~Leasha~!

    That is so admirable of you! I'm not working, but I am a SAHM with 2 lil boys and trying to finish off a B Business so I understand how busy you're going to be. There is no way on earth I'd be able to work, study and be a mum, not unless my DH started to help out heaps more but when he works a lot/long hours and often on weekends, that just isn't possible really.

    So although I'm not quite in the same situation as you, I just wanted to say well done to you and wish you all the luck in the world!

    I think the key to success when things are like this is to plan ahead, be organised, try sticking to a bit of a schedule/timetable as best you can, and have a very helpful and supportive partner to share the load.

    Good luck!!!