Things to Consider Before Going Back to College as a Parent

Bonjour lecteurs! Have you ever considered going back to school while being a busy parent? In my recent Instagram post, I was amazed (and impressed!) to see how many of you keep learning. There are so many ways to keep educating ourselves as parents. And while I love a good book or podcast to discover new horizons and expand my knowledge, I have not considered going back to l’université. However, many do! Are you actually thinking about taking the plunge? Here are Things to Consider Before Going Back to College as a Parent…

Set Up Clear Goals

Whatever your situation, married or single, when going back to college, there are so some things you should know as you prepare for your new project.

I think the most important is to choose wisely your course and design clear goals. I am a big fan of setting up targets in life.

What would be the raison why you decide to go for it? Do you want to expand your knowledge in a specific topic or do you hope to enhance your career options? Or simplement to have a new challenge in life?

Think About The Cost

If you go back to college to enhance your career, it can have a big impact on your finances. Good for you! I am a big ladies’ supporter and I am always encouraging women to go after their dreams. You should listen to Your Dream Life podcast, you would love it!

But it’s also important to rechercher how much it will cost you. Nowadays, a bachelor’s degree in the UK can be up to £30000!

It is certainly an investment, but it is worth it, especially if you are going for a job in a high-paying industry.

Look online and ask directly universités about help or bursaries you could get to support you in your new project. And then off you go!

Tune in with some of my fave podcasts for inspiration and it will be all about killer papers! And if you need a good story to remind you it’s all about being resilient, check out this fab portrait of Alex Highsmith.

Be Realistic About The Time Required

Another thing to bear in mind before going back to college is the personal time you will need to invest.

No doubt that you will need to make some sacrifices. Going back to studying means you will inevitably spend less time with your loved ones.

It might be worth looking at online courses as it might be more manageable than attending evening classes or something similaire.

But you will need some great management skills to get it all sorted.

Realistically, how long will it take for you to finish your course and get the diploma you want? Weekends will probably spent working or studying.

Can you fit it all with your current schedule around your family? Some will pay for papers to make it quicker, but it’s up to you!

Set Strong Boundaries

Being a busy working maman myself (I was doing 3 jobs myself this year), I think le secret is to set strong boundaries.

Decide what days work for you to spend time on your new educational project and stick to it.

It’s also worth investing in a planner. I am nothing without mine!

I set up my week ahead every Sunday night so that I know what I have ahead of me the following week.

You Need A Strong Community

A project as such will also test your resilience and there will be times when you’ll want to stop.

To avoid those and feel overwhelmed, get your communities to support you.

It really does take a village to go through such an experience. Ask your family and friends how they can help you.

Are you a single parent? Can they babysit for you so that you can get some work done?

Feeling demotivated? Call a girlfriend and go for a drink or lunch with them. You will need your allies to get through this.

I am nothing without the Step Up Club, I am always so proud to be part of this community of fab ladies. It inspires me and reminds me why I am doing this in moments diffciles.

Enjoy The Experience

As long as you do your research, remember that YOU CAN DO IT!

Easy to say, but also try to enjoy the experience. It’s such a magical thing to do going back to college as a parent! It’s a massive step and such an inspirational experience.

I reckon many ladies would love to do it but are actually not going through with it.

You’ve taken the plunge and decided to do something extraordinary, so savour the experience.

Like anything else in life, it is not about the final goal, but the journey you take to get there. No doubt you will learn many lessons and this is is an inspirational moment.

Good luck! Bonne Chance! You ROCK!

 

Have you ever considered going back to college? Or take a course or a new direction in your career? I hope this will inspire you to be bold and adventurous!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.