For those that have gone to grad school, how bad is it really? Are there a lot of papers, class work, etc? How manageable is it with a LO?
For those that have gone to grad school, how bad is it really? Are there a lot of papers, class work, etc? How manageable is it with a LO?
wonderful grape / 20453 posts
It depends on your program. Mine (engineering) has been really feasible. Easier than I expected, honestly. At this level, they aren't there to knock you down. And there are not many papers....but I've had lots of homework for some classes. Some classes have been really easy and a couple have been more work than I expected. I am doing distance ed and it would've been totally feasible with a child, had I only taken one class at a time. My husband is taking grad courses (on campus) and neither of us have any qualms about the manageability of it. You do need a supportive partner. I know that there will be days and evenings where I have to leave him be and my job will be to hold down the fort. For us, it worked out best that I will graduate soon so that we aren't both knee deep in school work.
I have a LOT of coworkers who finished grad school with kids at home. I refused to believe it can't be done Slowly, but surely.
Oh i just realized that I'm strictly speaking from a part time experience. The program I'm in is geared towards working adults in the field...
pomelo / 5000 posts
Hi Boogs! What are you considering grad school for?
I don't have children, but there were people in my program who did. They made it work. In fact, they were probably more focused than the rest of us!
So much depends on the program and degree. My PhD program had many people come in super focused and jump through all the hoops quickly. Others took the more scenic route. We did A LOT of reading, a lot of writing, and there were many requirements to meet. You have to have the patience to deal with academia and all that is wrapped up with that. I loved my experience for sure, but there were a lot of frustrations along the way. I was just thinking earlier how I missed being in a classroom with an inspiring professor and people sitting around discussing things.
nectarine / 2797 posts
Depends what type of degree you want and why you want it. I went for a PhD in Chemistry because I thought I wanted a particular type of job. Once I got in there, I realized I would hate that job, and I hated the grad school experience too. It took me four years to finally cut my losses and get out.
GOLD / cantaloupe / 6581 posts
Depends on the degree! (are you sensing a pattern in these responses lol) I'm working on my MLS (Master's in Library Science) and my program is entirely online, which allows me to work full-time. I am also pregnant, and expect to continue my schooling once LO is here, albeit probably one class at a time. My program is honestly not that difficult, because I have great time-management skills. Those are a must, especially with a LO! Good luck deciding
pomegranate / 3244 posts
I am in my last semester of my masters program (2 years/4 semesters). It has been pretty tough, and I don't even have kids yet! However, several of my classmates do and they manage just fine. I have been full time since I started, and I also work 15-20 hours/week at a job I was placed in by my grad program (part of my financial aid deal). The first year I took 4 classes (12 credit hours) per semester. There has been a lot of group work involved, and a lot of reading/studying/problem sets. My program requires an internship, which I did this past summer. This year, I was able to get some classes waived due to previous professional experience, so I only have 3 classes (9 credit hours).
Last year I would have told you NO WAY would it be doable with a small child. This year, however, I totally think it would be!! I think it is the combo of one fewer class and knowing what to expect. It might be worthwhile to see if you can attend part-time, or see if any of your requirements can be completed online (my program has an online option for some of the core requirements).
My classmates that do have kids definitely take care of the university childcare that is subsidized for students. Even if they don't have to attend class, it is nice to have a few hours to get any work done so that once at home they can focus on their spouse/child.
I think it is totally doable (and I hope I didn't make it sound too scary, ha). What are you thinking of going to school for?
hostess / watermelon / 14932 posts
I was pregnant during my 2nd year so I was totally exhausted!! But one girl in my program had her baby between years 1 and 2 and she managed. She was exhausted and graduated late but did it!
We did Couple & Family Therapy!
wonderful pea / 17279 posts
No LOs, but I had a full timejob when I got my MBA. There was a ton of group work and more presentations than undergrad.
GOLD / wonderful apricot / 22646 posts
I was pregnant and working full time when I started my dual mba/masters program. Will go back in March! It wasn't bad at all when I was pregnant, I'm sure it will be more to juggle now that LO is here!
blogger / nectarine / 2687 posts
like others said, it depends on the program. mine was designed for working teachers, so a lot of our assignments and projects were designed to incorporate what we might already be doing in the classroom or at school. it was definitely manageable and i'm thinking about going back for a second!
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