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Here Is What I Learned Going Back to School

Modified on July 5, 2022 at 5:45 PM

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The recent pandemic caused many people to reevaluate their lives and make needed changes. Like many, I decided it was time for a career shift โ€” which meant earning a degree. Going back to school as an adult and parent was an eye-opening experience, to be sure.ย 

However, my journey had far more joys than it did hardships and provided me with the satisfaction that, yes, I could do it. So can you. Hereโ€™s what I learned going back to school. 

1. Keep Your Expectations Realistic

One difference between my younger student peers that immediately shocked me was how idealistic my classmates seemed. It made me feel a bit jaded until I read a statistic that made me reassess my perception of myself as simply realistic. Many college students overestimate their post-graduate earning potential by as much as 88%, envisioning 6-figure salaries when the average is just over $55,000.

Many of my student colleagues likewise thought they could slide by with easy grades as they did in high school โ€” but college entails a lot of hard work. Far too many students enroll in university because it seems like โ€œthe thing to do.โ€ They fail to do the hard work of evaluating their financial means versus the likely reward and the realistic amount of time they need for studying and other activities. 

As a result, many of my classmates grew frustrated and some left school. The number one lesson I learned going back to school is that you need a plan. Higher education is a significant investment in your future, which can straddle you with student loan debt for years โ€” and you should evaluate all the factors instead of acting on a whim.

2. Organization Is a Must

Making time for your demanding college study schedule is tough enough. Juggling work and child-raising while you hit the books is a balancing act worthy of a circus performer. 

My planner became my shadow when I went back to school. Each semester, I began by charting vital due dates. Then, I sat down each Sunday night to plan my week, including time for cooking dinner, taking my kids to soccer practice and hitting the books. I used my process as a teachable moment to encourage my children to get organized, keeping them on track of their homework assignments while I did the same. 

If youโ€™re a mom, I canโ€™t recommend this method enough. Itโ€™s fun to plan your week with your children and keep on top of what each other is doing, helping you bond despite your busy schedule. 

3. Overcoming Fear Is Half the Battle

If youโ€™re still on the fence about going back to school, spend some time in mindfulness. Is fear one of the reasons you hesitate? You might question your ability to do the work or whether you can master online learning technology. 

One lesson I learned going back to school is that you canโ€™t let fear hold you back from the future you want. For example, you might fantasize about donning scrubs every day and going to work as a radiology technician. Thereโ€™s no roundabout route โ€” if you want the dream, you need the degree. 

You might have to do some uncomfortable things on your educational journey. I will never count that requisite speech class among my favorites, but I did get more comfortable addressing a group, a skill that will help in my future career. 

4. Youโ€™ll Need to Enlist the Troops

I absolutely love Arnold Schwartzeneggerโ€™s recent commencement speech about the myth of the self-made man. Heโ€™s spot-on in his assessment โ€” none of us get to where we are in life alone. One thing I learned going back to school is that you have to rally the troops. 

For example, youโ€™ll need to get the kids on board for quiet study time. Can you coordinate a time where you work together, perhaps sitting down to work after a romp in the park to burn off extra energy? If you have a partner, talk about your added responsibilities and develop a fair chore schedule. Have your parents or in-laws been begging for more time with the littles? Honey, sometimes packing their bags and sending them to grandmaโ€™s house is the only way to write that essay before Monday. 

5. Self-Care Is a Must โ€” not Selfish

Itโ€™s natural to let your diet, exercise and mindfulness lapse when life gets busy. However, when times get tough, you need your health the most โ€” prioritize your human infrastructure. 

I often joke that I wouldnโ€™t have survived going back to school without my instant pot and freezer. Spending an hour or two each weekend prepping healthy dinners I could heat while working kept me away from the fast-food drive-thru most days. 

Remember that planner? I included my daily exercise and mindfulness practice in my schedule because I knew I needed a healthy mind and body to survive the grind. I certainly wasnโ€™t about to train for a marathon, but I managed to meet the World Health Organization guidelines much of the time by taking after-dinner walks and practicing yoga. 

Going back to school sometimes means burning the midnight oil, but I kept my study space out of the bedroom. I know that part of good sleep hygiene means reserving this space for sleep and sex โ€” and I tried to keep a consistent bedtime.

What I Learned Going Back to School

Going back to school as an older adult is an enlightening experience. I wanted to share the most important lessons I received. 

If youโ€™re thinking about enrolling, take heart from the five lessons I learned going back to school. You can do it and a brighter future awaits. 

Related posts:

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Posted By The Fashionable Housewife
on July 5, 2022 at 5:45 PM
Filed Under: Education
Tagged With: college students, education, student, students

About The Fashionable Housewife

Sarah-Jean Ballard is the Editor in Chief of The Fashionable Housewife blog and Founder of Fashionable Media. Married to a sexy Molecular Biologist, housewife, mom to 5, homeschooler, Certified Personal Nutritionist and entrepreneur who's mission is to help moms just like you look and feel GREAT! Other interests include dancing, yoga, positive intactivism, natural birth and breastfeeding support, babywearing, paleo & gluten-free cooking, and promoting an overall healthy lifestyle to all.

Disclaimer

The Fashionable Housewife is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for blogs and websites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. We alsoย participateย in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission on purchases made through our links. There is no extra cost to you! For more info, please see our Disclosure & Privacy Policy.

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Sarah-Jean Ballard

Hi! Iโ€™m Sarah-Jean. Iโ€™m a Christian, the wife of a handsome Molecular Biologist, and the homeschooling mother of 5 beautiful kids!

I enjoy homesteading, reading, writing, cooking, baking, crafting, home decorating, Xtend Barre, and of course,ย fashion!

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Being a mom is hard. Being a mom and trying to sta Being a mom is hard. Being a mom and trying to stay healthy and fit is harder. ๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿผโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿฅต

Luckily, there are holistic wellness products that can help make the motherhood journey easier!

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The aquarium includes interactive tide pools, exhibits, and tons of immersive activities. See otters, touch sting rays and nibble fish, interact with tropical birds and so much more. They even have axolotls and sharks! There is so much to see. We spent over 3 hours exploring the exhibits! And of course we had to stop in the amazing gift shop before we left. Donโ€™t miss it! 

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This is what our homeschool looks like sometimes. This is what our homeschool looks like sometimes. ๐Ÿฅณ

Canโ€™t believe my oldest son is 13 and outside helping dad do home projects like building a new deck. ๐Ÿคฏ Seems like yesterday he was in his walker on this back deck and it looked a lot better ๐Ÿ˜‚

Thankful that @homedepot has great prices so we could finally afford to do this home reno project! ๐Ÿ’ช๐Ÿป๐ŸŽ‰

#motherhood #motherhoodunplugged #hereisourhomeschool #motherhoodthroughinstagram
My first born son turned 13 years old today. ๐Ÿ˜ฑ My first born son turned 13 years old today. ๐Ÿ˜ฑ

Somebody hold me. ๐Ÿ˜ญ

I asked him if he could stay 12 for one more year but he didnโ€™t like that idea. ๐Ÿ˜’ Was worth a shot, right? 

Scroll for the outtakes ๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚๐Ÿ˜‚

This kid blows me away daily and makes me so proud to be his mom. I donโ€™t have enough words to describe how much I love this child. ๐Ÿ˜ญ

Drop a comment and wish this boy a happy birthday! ๐ŸŽ‰๐ŸŽ‚ 

#homeschoollife #homeschoolfamily #momlife #momlifeunfiltered #momlifeunplugged
Being a mom is hard. Being a mom and trying to sta Being a mom is hard. Being a mom and trying to stay healthy and fit is harder. ๐Ÿ‹๐Ÿผโ€โ™€๏ธ๐Ÿฅต

Luckily, there are holistic wellness products that can help make the motherhood journey easier!

Lost Empire Herbs stands out as a remarkable family venture led by three health-conscious brothers who share a profound dedication to a wholesome, active lifestyle. 

Their journey began with a modest kitchen table and the introduction of pine pollen, but it has since evolved into something truly remarkable, exceeding all expectations.๐Ÿ˜ฑ

What truly sets Lost Empire Herbs apart is their extensive collective knowledge, derived from years of hands-on experience, unwavering commitment, and a willingness to explore new horizons. Driven by a genuine desire to enhance lives, they made a resolute decision to make the benefits of these exceptional herbs accessible to a wider audience. 

Their primary focus revolves around offering hormonal support, a vital consideration given the prevalence of endocrine-disrupting compounds in today's world, although their scope extends beyond this singular realm. ๐ŸŒฑ 

I'm genuinely enthused about the prospect of trying out their products, eagerly anticipating the chance to personally experience the transformative effects of these wellness herbs. The brothers' evident passion and expertise have left me intrigued and eager to embark on a journey towards total wellness, guided by the offerings of Lost Empire Herbs.

@lostempireherbs #lostempireherbs #holistichealth #holistichealing #holisticwellness #holisticlifestyle #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodjourney #motherhoodthroughinstagram #unleashthepowerofnature #rootingforyourhealth #hormonehealth @apexdropofficial
Slow down a little and visit @storylandnh !! It s Slow down a little and visit @storylandnh !!

It seems like summer is almost over and youโ€™re probably scrambling to get all the things done on your bucket list. But donโ€™t forget to slow down and have some fun with your kids this summer!!

Story Land in Glen NH is a great way to make some beautiful summer memories with your family! If you live in the New England area, definitely plan a visit before summer slips through your fingers, mama! โ˜€๏ธ ๐Ÿ–๏ธ 

LIKE + SHARE if you needed this reminder to slow down and have fun! 

#motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodjourney #momlifeunfiltered #motherhoodrising #motherhoodthroughinstagram
Looking for something fun to do in New Hampshire t Looking for something fun to do in New Hampshire this summer? Living Shores Aquarium in Glen NH is an indoor walk through adventure that allows your whole family to discover the wonders of the ocean year-round. 

The aquarium includes interactive tide pools, exhibits, and tons of immersive activities. See otters, touch sting rays and nibble fish, interact with tropical birds and so much more. They even have axolotls and sharks! There is so much to see. We spent over 3 hours exploring the exhibits! And of course we had to stop in the amazing gift shop before we left. Donโ€™t miss it! 

Living Shores is a fun, interactive environment that is perfect for the whole family! If youโ€™re going to visit the White Mountains this summer, definitely make time to stop at @livingshoresnh! ๐Ÿ  ๐ŸŸ ๐Ÿฆ€ 

COMMENT and tell me which part your kiddos would like the best! ๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿป

 #familytime #motherhoodunplugged #momlifeunfiltered #whitemountains #familygoals #familyfriendly
Donโ€™t be fooled. You donโ€™t need the perfect br Donโ€™t be fooled. You donโ€™t need the perfect branch to hang a swing in your yard. All you need is a tree and Slackers Build A Branch!

I got mine from @bolderplay! ๐Ÿฅณ

Would this product solve a common problem for you too?! Comment and let me know! ๐Ÿ‘‡๐Ÿป

Motherhood is hard. Sometimes cool products make it easier! ๐Ÿ’๐Ÿผโ€โ™€๏ธ

#motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodrising #momlifebelike #motherhoodthroughinstagram #motherhoodjourney
Youโ€™re so exhausted you feel like youโ€™re gonna Youโ€™re so exhausted you feel like youโ€™re gonna die, but thenโ€ฆ
.
.
.
.
.
.
SURPRISE!!
.
.
You canโ€™t fall asleep!!!!!
.
.
.
Oh the joys of motherhood! Anyone else relate?!! ๐Ÿ˜ฎโ€๐Ÿ’จ๐Ÿฅฑ๐Ÿ˜ณ๐Ÿ˜ณ๐Ÿ˜ณ

#momhumor #honestmom #parentinghumor #motherhoodunplugged #motherhoodjourney #motherhoodrising
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