Balancing grad school with family commitments

Two years of grad school can, at first glance, seem an impossible task for students thinking of starting a family — and especially for those who already have children. Graduate school is a big commitment, as is the full-time job of raising children, managing a household and juggling other jobs. Whether you’re a recent college graduate wondering if you should put off grad school to start a family or you already have a family and are thinking about going back to school, with the right attitude and strategy, you’ll be able to have it all.

Have a plan. The first step in pursuing an advanced degree while balancing a family is to have realistic expectations. Start by addressing the following questions: Do you have a partner who would be willing to watch your children while you attend classes or would an online degree work better for your situation? Does your career require that you pursue a degree at this time or would you be able to wait a few years? If now is the right time, would your current employer be able to help you finance the degree program? If not, do you have enough financial resources to support tuition and your household? Are you willing to take out loans?

Manage your time. Once you have realistic answers to these questions and have settled on your graduate school plan, keep the following in mind when things seem to get too hectic: time management is the most vital skill to balancing so much responsibility. If you can plan your study times for when your family commitments relax, you can greatly optimize your time. Keep a detailed calendar with entries for your various academic, family and social obligations. You can sync your class times, due dates and meetings right alongside play dates and doctor appointments.

Keep your goals in sight. While juggling graduate school and a family can be overwhelming and stressful, reminding yourself that you’re working toward a degree that will help better your family’s situation in the long run can help keep you focused.