Pursuing a College Degree as Mom

When my baby was three, I went back to school to get my master's degree. I understand your hesitation. I also struggled with whether or not it was the right thing to do for my family. Turns out, it was the best thing I could have ever done for my family. It took me about four years to finish a two year degree, so I worked on it slowly. But the years would have passed anyway. I'm glad I'm not still standing here trying to decide whether or not I should do it.

For my children it meant very little sacrifice. Instead of mommy working on scrapbooks or organizing the basement, mommy wrote papers. Instead of reading a magazine at the park, I read a text book. It meant I had to be efficient with my time. It meant I could not be the perfectionist about school assignments that I was before I had children. But I could do it. Having children had taught me a lot about juggling, and I found I was capable of doing even more than I thought I was.

My degree has also opened doors and opportunities for me I would never have considered at this stage of my life. You should absolutely do it. Don't think about it another minute. Your hesitation means that you are already the kind of mom that puts her family first. This prioritizing will allow you to earn your degree while still being a great mom. I predict it will be a blessing to your family now and later. Go for it!

Ps. I wrote about my experience pursuing a degree in more detail in my ceoMom Day book. It's archived in November 2008 called "Mama, Ph.D." Maybe it can offer more perspective.

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