Almost every mother will agree that the arrival of a baby changes everything, from studies to careers. Some mothers end up putting their dreams on hold or giving them up completely to take care of their little ones. While you need to dedicate your time and effort to loving, nurturing, and raising a child, you should not let that be a reason to end your pursuits.
Having dreams of your own and doing your best to work towards them does not make you a selfish mother. Quite the contrary, it further builds your capacity to provide for your child as they grow. Plus, it keeps you from so many regrets and “what ifs.” So, are you a busy working mother? Do you have hopes of furthering your studies to advance your career? Then you’ll find these tips helpful.
Start with a good plan
A good starting point always involves having a detailed plan of action. First, take the time to think about every aspect of your studies, family, and career objectives. Then, determine what your goals are and divide them into immediate goals and long-term ones. Next, draw a timeline of how best to achieve each of those studying goals in a way that does not affect your family and work life. Having put together all the information you need, you can then take the next step and create your strategy. Also, ensure that you put together everything you need to further your studies, from personal computers to reliable internet and personal study space.
Choose a flexible university and course
Today, thanks to modern technology and the internet, education is more accessible and flexible than it used to be. You no longer need to be physically present in a university to advance your studies in any way. With so many masters and diploma courses now available online, all you have to do is choose an accredited institution and a flexible course.
For example, if you are interested in master’s level courses in the nursing field, you can easily find CCNE accredited online MSN programs. This way, you can advance your studies and career while keeping your eyes on your kids and work. Thankfully, you can find almost any advanced course available online, no matter the field of study, whether you’re looking for specific study areas or seeking to upgrade yourself. Focus on courses that fit easily into your daily schedule, so you don’t have to stress yourself throughout your studies.
Personal reading
Every loving parent knows the importance of spending time with their kids after a busy working day. Once your little ones are tucked in or snoozing away, indulge in some personal reading. Even if you’re not enrolled in any certificate course at the moment, nothing should stop you from doing your readings at home. There’s a wealth of knowledge now available in both local libraries and online options. So, if you’re looking to hone your skills or knowledge in a particular industry, find the right books to read. You can also sign up or subscribe to blogs that will help you advance your studies and career. A simple click of your mouse will open a world of endless study options to you, covering almost every field or subject you can think of. Believe it or not, personal studies or reading can help advance your career.
Don’t overload yourself
If you are a busy working mother, the last thing you want is to add more burden to your daily schedules – which is a potent recipe for stress. To avoid overloading yourself, pick your courses or curriculum wisely and in ways that make them easy to take on. The more courses you register for, the more work will be required of you. Plus, some courses may require more work than others. Also, determine which time of study will work best for you. For example, are you an early morning person or a night owl? Knowing which time works best for you will help you schedule your time appropriately.
Don’t forget your network of support system
Having and maintaining a solid support system plays a vital role in accomplishing your study goals. For one, it provides you with the extra pairs of hands to help you juggle your responsibilities. Secondly, you can find some level of financial and emotional support from your support system. For example, whether you need some extra cash or encouragement to keep pushing, your support system will come in handy. Your network of support systems should include people you trust, whether friends, family, or both. But be sure to fill them in on your plans to not spring any surprises on them.