How do I balance college, part time work, my son, and my husband?

Question

I recently decided to go back to college, it has been 2 years since I have seen the inside of a university. I only work on weekends, so that really isnt a big deal. What I guess that I am asking is, how do I make time for school work, my two year old, my husband, and house work while still having a sense of self? I need a little time for me, whether that time involves talking to people, resting, etc. Any advice that isnt harsh would be helpful. Thank you.

Answer 1

You can't balance it all. Basically, you steal time from where you think it will be least missed. Usually, it's the family that suffers. Don't worry, you'll find ways to justify it to yourself.

Answer 2

I have also been going back to school. I am only part time at school though. Right now I am taking 7 credits but I also work full time, am married, and have two children ages 5 and 2. What works best for me is like some others have said is to let the housework go til you have time. I work during the week so I do laundry on the weekend. My husband is a big help with dinner and dishes and straightening up the house. He puts the kids to bed between 8&9, so I do homework at this time and on the weekends. I also try to stay ahead with homework so that if something comes up I will not fall behind. Lean on your husband to really help you out now. Congrats on going back to school and good luck. I know its hard right now but I just keep thinking about when I complete school that it will all have been worth it. At least this is what I'm hoping.

Answer 3

Aside from his child support, he is not obligated to provide more. Of course, it is wonderful if he can. He now has a blended family and he cannot show favorites among the children. If it is a financial burden and would unreasonably affect others he has to say no. On the other hand, YOU have a blended family alos and YOU can not show favoritism. I am with my second wife (and last) she has a son from her previous marriage in a very prestigious university. Despite having some scholarships, it is istill more expensive than I planned for education. But we talked about it and we are BOTH willing to make this a prioity. I never use the word "sacrifice" you do NOT sacrifice for your family, you prioritize. We feel, when all is considered, that the BEST education we can provide for this young man is what we should do. We CAN do it, so we do. He is doing excellent and I am sure his future will be better because we prioritized his education. What better could I do with my money? You should have a 50% decision in your family's funds, above and beyond anything he is court ordered to pay, and the EX should have nothing to say in that. NOTHING. If you decide this is the best choice for this young man, then find a way to finance your share.

Answer 4

Congrats on going back to school. It can be hard to juggle school, work and family - but it can be done.
I work full time (40 hours + 10 hours of commute time each week), go to school with a full load (am in an accelerated program 8 hours of school each week - 5weeks at a time for 18 months), and maintain a healthy relationship as well. I do not have kids, but do have 2 cats and 2 dogs.
The best advice that I can give is set up a schedule, discuss this with your husband. Do not get behind on school work - try to stay at least 1 class ahead if possible. Keep your life in balance and it should be a breeze.

Good luck!

Answer 5

As the mother of a six-year old, wife, and full-time student (day and night classes), I know where you're coming from. No matter how hard you try, there's no way you can do EVERYTHING! The thing is--don't try to. Let the housework wait, so you can spend a little extra time with your family. Do the important things. Try to make a schedule. List the NECESSARY things first, then the things that are IMPORTANT, then the other things that need to get done but are not time sensitive. Laundry can wait a day or two. Your child will only be 2 once, so enjoy it while you can.

Answer 6

The best thing would be if you take your husband out of the account. After all he is a grown-up and if he has agreed for you to go back to college, he should not only accept the fact that you can't take that much care of him but should help some more with whatever he can. That's easier said that done as men get so used to being taken care of that they really become grumpy when you start neglecting them. Hope your husband is understanding enough!!

Answer 7

i congradulate you for going back to college!! what a great thing to do. if your husband is as greata guy to give you a child, h e will be great enough to give you 20min, after school to go rest, weither that be a hot bath, read a book that is 'fictional' or close ur eyes and relax'

then later, arrange for a sitter and takehim out and treat him to dinner or a movie etc... take turns letting each other get some time alone, cause u both need it

Answer 8

You need to be really organised , have a chart stating the time you have at home and then organise your family round that, remembering that houswork is the least of your priorities and can be done by both you and your partner or once a week, no one died from not having their clothes ironed or their carpets hoovered and cook meals in bulk and freeze so all you have to do is heat them up.
Good luck and don't worry it will all be fine.

Answer 9

Hopefully you have a loving and supportive husband who will work this out with you. If the both of you can tend to your child and the house equally, it will be less stressful for you. Set aside a few hours one day out of the week (even 1 hour will work if that's all the time you have) for YOURSELF.

Answer 10

This is a difficult time for you . Slow down a bit - your son needs you the most at the moment .Put university on the backburner. This stage in your life causes marital problems with many couples . Your husband could feel neglected.

Answer 11

Divorce husband, put 2 year old in care, keep job at weekend, employ part time housekeeper, enjoy the rest of your life.