If you’re a working mum who has returned to school for post graduate studies, then accept my congratulatory message before diving into this post. I am frequently asked how I’ve managed to deal with the demands that come with motherhood, work, career, blog, studies and other activities.
The truth? It’s Difficult with a capital ‘D’ but I will share my suggestions from a personal perspective. Some would argue that it would have been just perfect for mums to focus on one core activity at a time but if wishes were horses, then beggars could ride hassle free.
As mums, we almost always have to make difficult decisions and the success is mostly determined by considering lots of factors like the amount of time we want to devote to certain roles and responsibilities, how well we manage our time or how we are surrounded with understanding and helpful people.
Also, my girls have forced me to be better at balancing this mum life than I would ever have thought possible. What from the hobbies that need my extra attention to the incessant distractions that make me find ways to still squeeze out some sort of productivity here and there!
If you’re in this category, coping with work and studies as a mum is not an easy mix but in the long haul, the step you have taken is guaranteed to make you proud.
There will be hitches, including ups and downs…
Occasionally,
you will feel exhausted to the point of being overwhelmed…
you will feel deserted even when you have the most supportive family members…
you will struggle to adjust even with the most organized plan…
But don’t relent; hang in there because you’re really not alone.
Due to my busy schedule, I try to maximize the amount of time I spend with the girls because everyone told me it will be hectic and time consuming but no one told me how much time school, work and other seemingly small chores will consume. Even with enrolling in a post graduate program in a school as flexible as National Open University of Nigeria, keeping up with regular activities like week day meal preparations, publishing posts and checking up on mails can be a real time sucker once in a while really. Phew!
So here are a few tips to make this ‘Mission Impossible’ an accomplished one:
o I cook and freeze meals in large quantities and just thaw during the course of the week, especially stews and soups. So instead of making them from scratch, I simply defrost, heat up and voila!
o On days when I have exams, I use public transportation because it enables me to play catch up on last minute reading before I get to the center, which is approximately an hour from my house, give or take a few minutes.
o Ocassionally, I make a detour on my way back from the study center and grab some fast food. This way, I get to save up on time and use the energy to revise for the next paper, while giving the kids an opportunity to savor the novelty of fast food experience at home.
o Fortunately, I am usually given study leave at my place of work when writing an examination. Strike this deal with your employer from the onset as part of your conditions of service. It really helps you to focus on the examination and avoid distractions that could emanate from work.
o I always ensure to have breakfast every day. Usually, I grab a bite of fruit as I dash out of the door, especially on days when I have exam in the morning because it keeps me refreshed and active. It helps with retentive memory too! –my theory though.
o I try to get enough sleep. I know this could seem surreal and far-fetched but I will share some tips on this in my next post about my family’s bed time routine. Stay put for it.
o Be optimistic, studying while you have a young family can be the best time to fulfill that personal goal of yours. So take that leap of faith if you’re still thinking about it and don’t worry, you can just thank me later. Lol!
o I won’t lie though, studying like this is really hard with kids and all but it can be done. There are days I cry due to the stress and days that I enjoy too. Then there’s this fantastic feeling that comes with the reward for your hard work when your results are published and you excel!-Priceless.
o Don’t put off till tomorrow what can be done today. Avoid procrastination and start that study already. It’s a fast moving world and we need to keep pace with it.
o Due to the flexibility of the institution I enrolled in, I would highly recommend it for mums. I get to read at my pace and complete assignments without undue pressure if planned properly. There are deadlines though but so far, they have been met. And any day one was met, the feeling was simply awesome!
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Of course motherhood doesn’t come with an instruction manual but being an outstanding mum is achievable through determination, learning from past mistakes and tackling it one day at a time. Feel free to share your challenges and experience too in the comment section or send a mail to kasimanda@gmail.com
There ain’t no hood like motherhood!
XOXO
Yours Truly.
Nikimandi
2 comments
Very good write-up. I absolutely appreciate this site. Thanks!
Thank you.