If you’re like most women, you’re probably thinking about your future and your family at the same time. You want to make sure that you’re providing for your family in the years to come and you’re doing everything you can to get ready for the future.
One way of doing this might be to go back to school to advance your career. But, if you’re a working mother, you’re probably wondering whether or not it’s worth it. After all, most mothers with children under the age of 18 don’t have the professional support or the time to go back to school. Yet plenty of women have succeeded in going back to university and being mothers. If you’re considering pursuing both, here are some details about the pros and cons of going back to university as a working mother.
What you gain from going back to university as a working mother
Going back to university can help you to develop in your career or even make a change to your career path. It’s natural to consider a career change after having children. Your priorities change to include your children; it makes sense that your career might not live up to your standard anymore. Maybe you want a career that offers you more time with your children or greater flexibility to fit around your new lifestyle. University can help you gain the qualifications or skills to make this change or progression.
Universities should have structures in place to help you access your studies as a working mother. Often, student accommodation can be provided for families. There might be bursaries or scholarships to help you with the finances.
What you lose with going back to university as a working mother
Going back to university as a working mother means you will have to make some sacrifices. It can be tough to balance everything, and there are always things that you’ll miss out on if you go back to school.
As a working mother, you might have the feeling that your children aren’t getting enough of your time or attention. You might have less time for yourself and feel tired most days. You may also experience guilt because you’re not around during their childhood as much as other mothers are.
It’s not uncommon for mothers who go back to school to face financial difficulties. This is especially true when you don’t receive financial support from a spouse or partner. If you want an education, but not at the expense of your family, then it may be more complicated than it seems.
Is going back to university as a working mother worth it?
It all depends on your perspective. You will be able to earn more money in the future, and gain invaluable skills that will likely increase your income. In addition, if you go back to school while you’re a mother, you’ll also have the ability to work part-time or even remotely and still get the same return on your education. Though this may seem like an expensive option at first, many women who are already mothers have found that they can pay for their degree by taking advantage of financial aid options, scholarships, grants and other resources available for students with children.
Moreover, if you decide that going back to university as a working mother is not for you, there are other alternatives available to you, which won’t take as much of your time and energy. For example, investing in continuing education programs like webinars would allow you to earn credits from home without taking time off of work. In contrast, those who want an undergraduate degree typically need at least four years of full-time study (or about eight semesters) before graduating.
Consider your circumstances to work out whether or not this is the life change for you.