This is a Guest Post.
If you’re a mom, the prospect of going back to school can send shivers of excitement—and fear—down your spine. You’re eager to further your education and grow your career, but you worry about affording school and fitting it into your busy life. How can you make it happen?
Get Started
If you know you want to go back to school but aren’t sure of the path you want to take, explore options available in your area. Maybe you’re ready for a big career change and want to try something that’s a big departure from what you already do for a living. Or, maybe you want to take what you already do to the next level. For example, a registered nurse may want to pursue her passion for helping others by becoming a nurse practitioner.
Setting your sights on a specific goal will spur you forward and give you hope to power through.
Explore Financing
If your family is on a tight budget, paying for college can seem like your biggest obstacle. You’ve heard about the common options for managing it, like financial aid and scholarships, but there are other ways to pay for college that many overlook.
Investigate getting a federal loan. They are usually a better option than private loans. Don’t assume that you don’t qualify. Oftentimes, even families with upper-middle class incomes qualify for Stafford loans.
529 plans are another option. These help you save via investments, so they’re a good choice if you’re making long-term plans and college is still a few years down the road for you.
Make a Schedule
Night classes and online classes are both fantastic options for moms. They can allow you to have a part-time job to keep your family financially afloat while you pursue your degree, and they let you schedule time to take care of your kids.
To keep things manageable, think about taking one class at a time. It will put your graduation date further away, but in the meantime your chances of avoiding burnout are better.
If your college dreams put you on campus and you become a full-time student, organization becomes especially important. Make sure you keep an eye on your kids’ school calendar as well as your own so you don’t miss any important events for your kids or let any of your assignments slip by in the mayhem. Time management is tricky, but sticking to a reasonable schedule is key in juggling school, family, and work.
Involve the Kids
Talk to your kids and get them involved in the housework. Make sure they understand how busy you are, and during what times they shouldn’t disturb you. They will probably be willing to help you out with chores that you don’t have time for, like folding laundry or loading the dishwasher.
Going back to school as a mom is challenging, but the payoff is worth it. Affording it financially and emotionally is possible if you think ahead, make a solid plan, and don’t stop until that degree is in your hand.
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