10 Tips for Going Back to School as a Working Parent

Going back to school as a working parent can seem like an impossible dream. In fact, it’s easy to picture a college student as an 18-year-old living in a dorm, pulling all-nighters at the campus library. But the reality is 73% of students enrolled in college courses today are actually “non-traditional” students. 

A non-traditional student could look like a dad or mom finishing up a bachelor’s degree after more than a decade in the workforce, while juggling twin fifth graders. Or a stay-at-home parent with a dream of becoming a nurse logging on to take online courses at 6am before their 3-year old wakes up. 

No matter what your situation might be, it’s still possible to go back to school as a working parent and achieve your goals. Here are 10 tips for going back to school as a working parent that will help you make the most of your time and resources as you strive to achieve your goal. 

Be clear about your goals

It’s important to know why you want to go back to school. Is it to make more money, start a new career, do something just for you, prove to your kids that you have what it takes to earn your degree, or some other reason? Whatever it is, write it down. Be specific about your reasons for doing this, and post it where you can be reminded of your goal every day. 

Ask for help

Deciding to go back to school is a big undertaking, and you will need help as a working parent to make this happen. This help can come in many forms. Whether you need child care, a more flexible schedule at work, specific time to attend courses, access to a computer on your lunch break, or even a study partner—there are people willing to help if you ask. Talk to your family, friends, coworkers, and even your employer. Explain to them what you are doing and ask for help as you pursue your goal. 

Consider logistical issues

When planning to go back to school, think about what you need to make it work. Then, do some research and find a program that will meet your needs—whether that’s a flexible schedule, online classes, accelerated options, part-time tracks, etc. Talk to an Education Advisor at Achieve or an admissions counselor and ask how a program can fit into your schedule. The school or program you choose should be able to support you as you complete your studies. 

Be realistic about the time required

People often underestimate the time and effort required to earn a degree. Your chosen school should be able to give you an idea of how much time it will take to complete your program, but there are a lot of things to consider when scheduling your courses. You have a lot of responsibilities when it comes to family and work, but you’ll need to carve out time in your schedule and protect it in order to achieve your goal. Understand that if you choose to go back to school on a part time basis it will take longer, but it may be more manageable. Make the choices that are right for you and your family, and know that it’s ok to go at a slower pace as long as you are making progress toward your goal. 

Research financial aid and payment options

For many, the fear of the cost of college is what prevents them from even looking into a program. Yes, college is expensive, but you can do it if you plan and prepare. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 85 percent of students receive some form of financial aid. Regardless of your age, you may be eligible for financial aid through FAFSA or Pell Grants. There are also many scholarships out there for parents who choose to go back to school. You can even enroll in a program, like those through Achieve, which will allow you to make manageable monthly payments on a portion of your program without taking out loans. Remember: if you’re working toward a nursing degree, you should make a lot more money once you earn your degree too—more than double your average salary in some cases! 

Get organized

As a working parent, you will need to be extremely organized in order to achieve your goals. Review the syllabus for each course as soon as you begin and make a note of any deadline or due date. Planning ahead will help you navigate unavoidable roadblocks such as extra shifts, sick children, and dozens of other things that may pop up throughout your studies. Procrastination is your enemy. If you find that you have extra time one week, work ahead to ensure that you can stay on track if something unexpected happens. 

Find a study space that works for you and set boundaries with family 

Learn what you need to succeed in your studies—whether it’s uninterrupted silence or soft background music, studying with the kids at the kitchen table or working alone in an office. Choose what works best for you and create an environment that will help you study. Talk to your family about your needs and ensure they understand how to support you as well. 

Prepare to make sacrifices 

Making sacrifices is inevitable when you’re working toward a goal. You will be required to give up some things that you like or miss out on experiences in order to achieve your goals. (This is why writing them down and placing these goals where you can see them, as discussed above, is so important!) There may be times when you have to miss a soccer game to study or delay a family vacation because money is tight, but it will all be worth it in the end! Release yourself from the guilt you may feel and remember that not only will you be earning your degree to advance your career, but you’ll also be showing your kids what it’s like to work hard to achieve a goal.

Take care of yourself

You can’t survive long without food or sleep. When planning to go back to school, you need to leave some margin in your life. Don’t expect to study all night and work and care for your family all day, because this isn’t sustainable. Allow for some time off to spend with your family, friends, or just for you. Set a schedule you can stick to and realize that this is probably going to take some time. 

Celebrate success

There’s no need to wait for the end of your program. Celebrate all of your accomplishments, both large and small, along the way. Did you score well on an exam—celebrate! Have a successful week of studying—celebrate! Complete a course and earn credit toward your degree—celebrate! The point is to recognize your achievements and appreciate the progress you are making. Involve the whole family and celebrate together. You will all rearrange your lives to make this goal a reality, so it’s a good idea to commemorate positive outcomes together. 

With proper planning, it’s possible to achieve your goals. Use these tips to help you get and stay on track in earning your degree, and contact Achieve to learn more about ways to make the process more flexible, convenient and affordable. 

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