how do you all balance study?

[harvey123]

i'm looking at starting a law course mid-year? i'm also going back to work full time and have a six month old dd, am i crazy to try studying? how does everyone manage to do it and keep motivated? it's been about 6 yrs since i left uni....how do you get back in the swing of studying???

[Zeal]

Everyone is different with how they cope. I will suggest this with respect - to me that sounds like way too much to be taking on! Working, full time, a 6 month old and then study. I personally would not cope with all of that! I only started back at uni doing a post grad this year as my DD is now 2. I study part-time and only work 1 day per week - this is how I cope. It also takes a little time to get back in the swing of study once you have been away from it :)

[jojojonsey]

Hi Harvey

I normally work full time (on maternity leave), have a 3 kids and I study externally part time (PR & Communications). I tend to only do 1 or 2 classes per semester depending on the testing and assignment requirements. I cope pretty well if I make sure I have the time to read. I also have an amazingly supportive husband which helps immensely.

The hardest aspect for me is finding time to read and research. I tend to read a lot on trains while commuting and before bed. It means that I don't have time to read much else (oh to sit down with a trashy mag and not be in a hairdressers LOL). I find doing assignments fairly easy to accomplish as long as I keep a good study schedule going. I find studying for exams most difficult because my ability to retain facts aint what it used to be. I'm much better at practical work.

It can be done. It can be done sucessfully. I really enjoy it most of the time. For me life is about give and take. I might have to miss out on an hour of TV here and because I need to do an hour of reading. I miss out on reading the latest Dan Brown book because I'm reading a text book. Just sort out what works for you and get all the support you can :) Good Luck!!

Oh and I should add..... it may be a good idea to study away from a computer. I've noticed the draw of "a quick look at BubHub" can be too hard to fight and leaves me way behind!!