Anyone studying/has studied for a degree with a young baby?

[josie271280]

Hi all,

Just wanted some honest opinions on this really, on whether or not it is feasible...

I am almost 3 months pregnant, with my baby due late November. I currently work as an AutoCAD Technician but this is going to be far too stressful with a new baby I can tell, even part-time - everything seems to have an urgent deadline and required overtime or late working. I quite fancy becoming a teaching assistant, and then doing some study through the Open University to get a degree and eventually become a primary school teacher.

Has anyone else out there juggled a new baby/ies with studying and/or part-time work? I know this is probably something I should have done a while back but since wanting kids and falling preggers I have wanted so badly to work with children. I would probably have to do the part-time study route which would take 6 years (plus possible PGCE), and that alone requires around 12-16 hours of study a week!!

I'd really love to hear from all you super-mums who have managed to pull this off, so that I know there is hope for me yet!!

Also, anyone else considered switching careers to work with children once they'd had their own?

Thanks all

 

[Squiglet]

I did my BSc (Hons) in computer programming and business management when Tia was just 8 weeks old.... I came out with a 2:1 and I had loads of other cr*p going on at the time too...with my ex, my sister and my illness... so its more than feasible...

I had to study for a minimum of 20 hours a week at Uni in order to qualify for my loan and that had to be a recorded 80% attendance.

It was hard work... don't get me wrong... especially as a breastfed Tia and she didn't sleep at night... but it was worth while..

 

[zebrastripes]

I'm currently studying for my AS levels, in History, Geography, and English. It is hard, I come back from school and need to do essays/revise, but i can't because Willow is teething and doesn't want put down, then by the time she falls asleep I'm far too tired etc...so it can be a bit tricky juggling it, sometimes, but it is definitly feasible..I went back to school when baby was 5 months old, I am still breastfeeding her at almost 9 months, I've never had to put her on formula..it means pumping twice a day, getting up very early, doing nothing but study when i get the chance..but if you are organised and determined you can do it!

 

[KJL]

I'm starting an Msc in Archaeology GIS in October and then straight on to my Phd. Layla will be about 7 months when I start. I think it's feasible, I know it'll be hard work and demanding with a baby but possible. Us woman have the amazing ability to multi-task

 

[elaine22]

I have a degree but am planning to return to uni for just over two years to take a DipHE in Sept 09, when my LO will be 2. It will be tough and means my partner and I have to move to be near my mum who has offered to care for her during the days I am at uni/on placement (when she is 3 I will put her in nursery 2/3 times a week too) Not sure how it will work out yet but I am determined to be super organised and motivated Good luck with your course!

 

[Xena]

I was in my first year of uni when I got pregnant with Lydia.

I finished the year and then took the following year out. (Lydia was born at the beginning of the academic year that I took out).

I decided to change courses and started the first year of my new course when Lydia was 12 months old.

During that year we were TTC, so I got pregnant 2 months into that year.

So again I finished the year, then had Alex, and now I'm in the middle of another year out.

I'm going back in September to the second year of the new course - Lydia will be 3 and Alex will be 13 months.

 

[x-kirsty-x]

Having kids is the reason I've given up on my dream of becoming a nurse