DILEMMA ! - CHILDREN, family / STUDY please help?

Question

.... I have been in childcare since leaving school in '98, just leaving to see if I could have a career change as I felt I wasn't going anywhere where I was (nursery nurse in a nursery) I have longed to go further but unsure which direction.

I have continued in education for years, only stopping last summer. I done numerous IT/computer courses, numerous first aid, food hygiene. In '98 I did a one year cert. course in childcare then went on to do NVQ3 in childcare and education...and now wondering whether to start a FD degree ?

If I do go ahead with the study:

I am also in two minds whether to do it full-time or part-time as I will need to continue in a full-time job.

Plus - if I do go & do it f/t will i be able to manage study + family?

What I need to keep in mind is these facts:

1. I am 26 going on 27 early next summer

2. My husbands 31 going on 32 autumn next year

3. We are desperate to start a family, with our age, especially hubbie's

4. I am not currently in FT work

5. ...

Answer 1

I live in the desert with no family or friends, just me and my partner with a 2 and a half year old daughter and 19 weeks pregnant and I am managing to do pretty well in my full time university business degree which I do externally (both because I live so far away from a university and because I am a stay at home mum). I reckon you could do it. I do all my uni work on weekends so I reckon you would be ok. I think 2 at a time is doable, i.e. mothering + studying, or working + studying, but it would get crazy with all 3. If you want to work part tme, study part time and mother full time you will be stressed as all h**l, but you could probably acheive it. Good luck : )

Answer 2

It's really hard for us women, we are trying to have it all.  I have 3 children and am currently studying via correspondence.  I am finding it hard but am coping.  Education is important but I think with what you have already accomplished if you really would like to have a child now you should go for it!  There are always options to get back into studying or career changes down the track.  The trap you need to try and avoid is "I'll have a baby after I've..." at 26 you still have plenty of child bearing years ahead of you but if you keep putting it off you may end up looking back with regret.

****I just asked my husband's opinion and he says that at your age you could still complete a course but if you really want children now you are also at an age where you will be young enough to pick it up again once your children are a little older.  Not much help there I know lol.  I think if you break it all down you are asking yourself, do I want to study now and have a career now.  Or do I want to have children now and  study and have a career later.  It's up to you mate.  What's your heart telling you because your head is over thinking this on a major scale!!!  You sound like a very smart woman but not everything ESPECIALLY starting a family, can be worked out academically.  If you really want a child now then all the other things can be worked out, a little baby doesn't know the difference between a cozy corner in a 1 1/2 bed home or a huge bedroom in a 5 bed home.  As long as there's plenty of love and that child is wanted the rest is icing (frosting if you are in US).