My toddler playing on my computer while I unsuccessfully attempt to study.
I was about five months pregnant when I decided to go back to school. I know, amazing timing, right? I had worked as a Medical Tech at a doctor’s office for years, and it was time to take the next step to a new career with higher pay. That’s when I applied for nursing school.
Nursing school is tough, you guys. I mean, nursing school is already tough, but it’s even harder when you’re working a full-time job and have a family to take care of. There are days when I am so stressed out that I want to hide in a corner and cry. I can’t even count the number of days I’ve thought about quitting. I don’t know if you’re already in school or if you’re thinking about school, but here is a little advice for moms going back to school.
- Make sure you have a lot of support, whether it’s from a spouse, family members, or friends. That’s the most important factor. It’s not impossible if you don’t have any family nearby or a spouse to help, but it does make things more difficult. On days you feel overwhelmed or want to quit, it helps to have someone to just vent to or to watch the kids so you can have a break.
- Even with that support, I will say that being in school is tough on your family. It is exhausting. You and the people helping you are taking on extra roles they didn’t take on before. You’ll feel bad for having less time with your family, but just remind yourself that it’s for your long-term success. Keep the end goal in mind and make sure you and those supporting you are completely transparent. Don’t feel bad about asking for help. Be clear about what you need but also be mindful and respectful of other people’s limitations.
- Time management is also key, especially if you’re working full-time. I know that time management is not everybody’s strength, but if you can manage your time well, it makes the whole going-back-to-school-experience so much less stressful. Dedicate a couple hours a day to school instead of procrastinating and stressing out at the last minute. That doesn’t mean you should spend all your free time on schoolwork. Make sure–AND THIS IS SUPER IMPORTANT–you give yourself time to relax AND time to spend with your family. If you have good time management, you can make sure you have time dedicated to your family and time for yourself whether if it’s me-time, a date with your hubs, or going out with friends.
Making the decision to go back to school isn’t an easy one and requires a lot of sacrifice and dedication. It’s a rough road, but you can do it. Just make sure you keep thinking about the end goal. The few years you dedicate to school will pay off for the rest of your and your family’s lives. Good luck, mama! Let me know YOUR advice for moms going back to school in the comments below.
