When I first met Hubby I was working nights and taking college courses during the day. When I moved out of state to be with him I took time off from school to establish residency so I didn’t have to pay out-of-state tuition.
However, I found out I was pregnant before my six month waiting period was over. Hubby was in school so I decided to wait until he was finished before I went back. Life happened and now three kids later I still haven’t gone back.
I’ve tried to go back several times but every time it hasn’t worked out. (It usually has something to do with finances and child care.) The other day Hubby mentioned my going back to school. He talked about taking online courses or evening courses.
The flame is being stirred but I’m not sure what to do about it. Most everyone would say GO! However, I’m not sure if this is the right time. Do I start with summer courses or wait until fall?
Also, I’m scared. That’s a lot of money to be spending for something I might not be able to finish. What if something happens during the semester? What if Hubby can’t watch the kiddos while I’m trying to study?
Our entire family life will change. I won’t be able to do everything I’m doing now because I’ll have class and have to study. House work will have to be divided. Meals will be different because if I’m taking evening courses I won’t be home to cook. Laundry probably won’t be done every day like it is now.
Yes, I am definitely scared. Scared of making the wrong the choice and my family has to suffer because of it. Scared that we’ll need the money I’m spending on courses and if I wasn’t in school then that money would be available to use. Scared that I will fail. Scared that I won’t be able to handle the stress. Scared…the list goes on.
Photo Credit: What Silence
{ 6 comments… read them below or add one }
While I realize none of our situations are 100% the same, I thought the exact same thing 2 1/2 years ago. To make matters worse, my wife was leaving for basic training and then AIT and would be gone for the better part of a year. So, with 2 young kids at home, I thought, “there’s no way.”
.
The more I read about online schools the more it looked “doable”. I finally decided that I would just make it happen. I knew there would be sacrifices, but I decided early on that they wouldn’t hinder or take away from my family. Yes, I get less sleep than I used to, but that’s my sacrifice. The kids went to bed between 8 and 9pm and then it was study time. I would take an hour to get the house organized and then from 10pm-2am, I was in the books (or in this case, on the computer). On the weekends, I might get up early or change things up a bit, but for the most part, I lived on 4-5 hours of sleep and just dealt with it. Sounds horrible, but you’ll adjust
This time next year I’ll have my degree and my kids won’t even know I was in school.
I wish ya the best and I’ll say a prayer for ya!!!
Have you thought about starting slow? Maybe one class to see how you can fit it into your day, then add more as you see how it’s going to work. I wish you the best!
PS: Laundry being done every day is seriously overrated!
@Angela Mills – I have thought about only taking one class to see how it goes. I’m leaning towards summer courses since then I could possibly pay Eldest to help keep Youngest entertained while I’m studying.
No matter what happens I would have to start slow. It’s been too long since I’ve had to pace myself to study and I didn’t have a family back then.
@Toby – Thanks for the prayer Toby. I think my main thing is I’m scared. I know that my husband will support whatever decision I make and will help out with the kids and the house. I’m just scared of taking the plunge and failing.
It will all work out and when it’s the right time I’ll know…I think.
@Angela Mills – True. Although, I like having my favorite clothes available to wear whenever I feel like it.
I have a load of darks everyday so I just do it to get it over with. Laundry is the one thing I have no problem staying on top of. The rest of the house…well…that’s a bit different.