It can be difficult to pursue an education, build a career, and raise a child at the same time. However, this doesn’t mean that the mother of a young child or teen has to give up her passion for learning new things. There are many different ways to get an education without having to reduce your hours at work or neglect your child.
Trade School
Trade schools can be an effective way to learn new skills in a period of several weeks or months. When you graduate, it may be possible to start work in a field that you love or make yourself more marketable to your current employer. According to Niche, technical programs can teach you more real-world skills in 12 weeks than you learn in a 4-year degree. In some cases, you’ll learn skills such as styling hair or fixing water heaters that can also save you time and money with your kids.
Online University
There are a variety of benefits of taking courses online for mothers who have busy or irregular schedules. According to Independence University, online schooling makes course materials and resources are accessible at any time, allowing students the freedom to study and learn when it’s convenient for them. This means that you can take a test on your own time while your children are taking a nap or submit a paper after work regardless of when your shift ends.
Take Classes During Summer or Winter Break
Most colleges will offer courses during the several weeks between Thanksgiving Christmas when students are traditionally on break. They will also tend to do the same thing during summer breaks as well, which can be ideal for parents who need to complete their courses as quickly as possible. Generally speaking, you can complete three, six or nine credit hours in less than six weeks. Therefore, you give yourself a chance to take almost a semester’s worth of classes in about half the time.
Take Advantage of Educational Opportunities at Work
Your employer may offer seminars or other types of classes that can help you get ahead on the job. For example, you could take a forklift certification course that could be mandatory for those who are looking for a full-time factory job. It may also be possible to learn IT, data security or other skills that can help you advance within your current company. In some cases, Lendkey points out, your employer will agree to pay for some or all of your continuing education costs. This may allow you to get your undergrad or graduate degree without having to take out costly student loans. As your employer is paying for it, they may provide a flexible schedule to ensure that you have the best chance of getting passing grades.
As a parent, your top priority is to be there for your child both emotionally and financially. Fortunately, you can get a degree or certification that helps to get a job that secures your financial future without taking you away from your son or daughter. Flexible degree or certification programs also ensure that you don’t put yourself at risk of losing your current job before you graduate.
Read more: Where Do I See Myself in 5 Years?
