The Unanticipated Complications of Going Back to School

Going back to school when you have a job and a family can be more than a challenge. There may be consequences and complications you have not even thought about as you fill out your application and choose your major course of study. You will not only have to commit dollars to funding your education, but you will also have to commit hours of your time. This means that the way that you currently spend your time will have to change. You will have to plan more and be more flexible, as you juggle your current responsibilities, together with the added responsibilities that come with going to college.

Time spent in class is a small portion of the time taking classes will actually demand. You will also have to set aside time for travel, study time, and likely time to go to the library. College work frequently requires you to work independently outside of class. There will be long reading assignments and term papers to complete that may require hours of library research. In addition, college instructors frequently reserve books in the library for students to read on their own time. This may require a special trip to the library, when you have least expected it.

In addition to the added hours of study, you should make sure that the time you have set aside for studying is as productive as possible. Distractions such as telephones, television, and the demands of husband and children will likely interrupt your study time unless you plan carefully. It will be necessary for you to set aside a specific time and place to study, where you will not be disturbed. This planning may include the need to arrange for child care during your study time, so that your children will be taken care of and their needs met while you study. You will also need to talk with your husband, as study time will likely take away from the amount of attention available for him.

You must also be prepared to give up some of your free time, time you may spend with friends and family, time you may spend on your hobbies and other interests, and time you may currently spend sleeping. In addition, the time you currently spend working may have to be modified. It is not realistic to think you can work forty or more hours a week and also take a full schedule of four or five classes per semester.

So, as you file your application, you should think seriously about how returning to school is going to change your life—today and tomorrow. You cannot let your present obligations keep you from achieving your goals for your future. But, you still need to live in the present, with your husband and your children, and the many unexpected obligations that will likely arise. Therefore, it is necessary to keep an open mind and be as flexible as possible, as you meet your new obligations. Also, keep in mind that these new challenges are temporary. A college education requires a commitment of a year, two years, or four years, but not forever.