NFBR: Going back to school

[littlemissladybug]

I finally decided to bite the bullet and go back to school. I've been talking about it for a few years now and feel like I can't wait any longer. I've applied for 2013 Spring and just submitted my financial aid forms.

I'm really nervous and not sure how I will balance being a mostly SAHM/wife and student.

Any advice? I really regret quitting school 10yrs ago and am doubting myself.

[bethaboo]

Good for you! You should be so proud of yourself.

I don't have much advice, but just has fun. Make friends with your classmates so you can go through the school process together and help each other out.

[315bride]

Is this towards a bachelors degree?

[melaniesc]

You can do it. After I finished undergrad I worked full time for 2 years before going to grad school full time. Granted I didn't have kids at that time, but it was still difficult because I was doing school full time, working part time and had just met my husband around then, so finding time for work, school, dating and friends was difficult.
Just be prepared that it will be a struggle to juggle, but it'll be worth it in the end. When I graduated I know for a fact one of the main reasons I got my job was because I had a master's degree (the manager at the time only hired people with master's). I still work for that company more than 11 years later, so I'm very glad I did it.

[xokell2]

I started back up again in November when I found out I was pregnant. Due to the fact that I previously had a miscarriage at 13 weeks I wanted something to distract me. The pregnancy so far is working out and so is school and I should be done next May. Good luck!

[billysgirl07]

We can start a club - I plan on going back Spring 2013 too! What degree program are you thinking? Will you be returning in the traditional setting or online?

I actually work for a University whose campus primarily focuses on Adult Learners. The one piece of advice that I offer our students is to be open and honest with your instructors. If something in life happens, let them know. They understand that you have a job and a family and if you are open with them and show them that you aren't trying to just get out of coursework or something, they can be very helpful and willing to work with you.

Congratulations on making this decision - I know it's a difficult one to make! I sure wish that I would have continued with grad school after I finished my undergrad rather than going back a decade later. If you need to talk - pm me and we can be in this boat together!!!

[nsl]

I'm a graduate student who also works full time (during the school year) with two small children. I won't lie, it's brutal. If my husband wasn't so supportive and willing to take over most of the parenting duties on nights when I have class or weekends before a paper is due there's no way I would be able to manage everything. I love my program and know that this was the right thing for me to do at this point in my career, but finding a good life/work/school balance has been tricky.

[curmudgeon]

You will be fine, congrats on taking this step. My only advice is make sure your H realizes that school does not = you sitting around all day and he will help with house/children when you need it.

ETA: It will likely be very hard to get back into the groove of school, aside from your other responsibilities. Just remember why you are going back, give yourself some time to acclimate and be sure to take a little down-time for yourself.

[lostarz]

I decided to go back to school in Fall of 2010 for a Master's degree in Engineering Management. I HATED undergrad; not necessarily the degree (Chemistry) just all the studying and whatnot since I had to study harder than everyone else to get the same, or worse, grade lol. I never thought I'd go back. But mav is right, you'll do well since you want to be there. I don't have kids but I work full time and am taking two classes a semester. It's tough and I pretty much have no social life, but I'll be done next April! Good luck! You can do it!