Moms of Multiple Children Gone Back to School for a Career Change

T.,
I too decided to go back to school not that long ago. I have three children full time ages 13, 10, and 7. Our fourth child stays with us during the summer. My husband is in the military as well and I work full time. I decided to take online courses to finish up my degree. There are many different colleges that offer online course. I also saw something in a newsletter not that long ago that Fleet and Family Services published about financial aid for military spouses returning to school. You should apply for federal aid through FASFA and also the CALGRANT if you are going to stay in CA for any length of time. I hope that this helps and Congrats on your decision to further your education.

I have decided to go back to school this fall when my son goes into Kindergarten. I still haven't decided if I'm going to do online classes or go to an actual school.

Hi T.,

I am also a mother of three children, ages 9, 6, & 4 and I can't imagine how you will juggle both school and raising your kids & do both well. Usually it's our children who end up being sacrificed. Our children need to be our priority, however I don't know your situation, but if it isn't extremely important, wait until your children are in school before taking this on! Do you really want a day care provider to raise them? It seems so easy these days for mothers to pawn their kids off on someone else so they can do what "they" want to do. Please re-think this. I wonder what you would prefer if you were a child - your mother to raise you or a day care provider? I'm sure you are thinking having an education will contribute to a better life for the family, but kids prefer to have a mother rather than more material things. I couldn't imagine not having had my mother there for me when I was growing up. I wouldn't have traded her, her time, her presence, her boo-boo kissing, her love, for anything in the world! Nobody could have taken her place! She is with our Lord in Heaven now, but I will always remember how much she loved me by the gift she gave me, which was the gift of herself.

Are you using the free schooling from the Navy for portable careers? Check it out from your Ombudsman ar Military One Source.

Are there any online programs you can do so you can do it from home? BTW, congratulations on your decision. Sometimes people are afraid of change and its wonderful that you can embrace it. I think women especially get to reinvent themselves every 10 years or so and its wonderful! I had a corporate communications career which I gave up when I had kids. Then I started a business from home which I've been doing part-time for 5 years. And as my kids get older (they're now 3 and 7), I'll probably reinvent myself again. Good luck T. and congratulations!
C.