How to manage time between me, 1 child, a Significant other, school and work?

Question

I am married to a wonderful woman, have 1 beautiful boy, and have a job that i'm not 100% happy exceeding in a career in so i'm choosing to go to school for 2 years to become an Ultrasound Technician and possibly start a career path. I'm afraid that not only will this be a financial strain on my family but also i'll lose much valuable time that i'm currently able to spend with my family. Does anyone have any advice on how to make things easier for me and my family, or just general tips? Thanks.

Answer 1

Considering you're going for certification in something very practical with a good chance of a superior job at the end of the rainbow, you should be in good shape. You aren't going to tell your wife, "I'm going to try studying Renaissance Literature for two years and see if I can get a job at Denny's afterward."

There needs to be a sense of family pride in the belt-tightening and labor-sharing that will be necessary. "We're all in this together for the benefit of the family."

I recommend having a weekly planning meeting for the family. That's where you get together, decide what meals you're going to eat, what activities there are, what's coming up in school for your son, your exams and homework, who's going to do what chores, budget issues and so on. Depending on how old your boy is, he can start to pitch in with things like the laundry and cooking even.

Also -- to save time and money, just make a big huge pot of chili on Sunday (or something like that -- maybe two such big dishes) and eat those all week with simple vegetable sides. You will save a ton of money and stay healthier if you can stay away from take out and ordering pizzas.

Answer 2

I just accomplished the same thing in virtually the same situation. The #1 advice I can offer is this: COMMUNICATION. It is essential to be able to talk with you wife, there will inevitably be a lot of stress on both sides with the new situation. When things get rough, just remember the long term goal, and remember that although two years seems like a lot starting out, it really goes very fast, especially if you are going full-time. Another tip: try to schedule your classes with a break here and there, 1-2 hours. Use this time to study and write your papers, it will be that much less you will have to do at home when you would rather be a husband and a father. One last idea that I benefitted from as well...see if your school has a tutoring program, and what the requirements are to be a tutor. My school offered free tutoring to those who needed it, but paid their tutors...it made it so much simpler to quit my job and tutor on my own schedule, it really freed up my evenings for my husband and son. Hope this helps, and good luck!!!!

Answer 3

The financial strain will pay off in two years. The trick is not to waste time, but develop a schedule and stick to it. Have dinner with your family. Designate an hour each evening as "family time." Play board games (they're coming back in style). Discuss the day's events. Put your son to bed each night, if possible. On the weekends, find at least 3-4 hours to do something together. You're not alone, countless people make these temporary sacrifices for a better life. One more thing, don't leave all the housework to your wife. At least do the dinner dishes together and while you're doing them, talk to each other. Good luck to you.