Family & graduate study, is it possible?

[hariyo]

Have anyone done this? After working in industry for some time I am planning to go back to grad study possibly in EE(MS,Phd). I have 2 infant kids. How difficult it will be to balance family life and grad study? Are there any tips or thoughts anyone?

 

[RandomGuy88]

I am not in this situation but I know or have known several people in graduate school with children. Its probably more difficult then when you have a normal job because you will working more hours and won't be making as much money. So it shouldn't be a problem if you are financially secure and you have a supportive spouse.

 

[twofish-quant]

Have anyone done this? After working in industry for some time I am planning to go back to grad study possibly in EE(MS,Phd). I have 2 infant kids. How difficult it will be to balance family life and grad study? Are there any tips or thoughts anyone?

It's not particularly difficult provided that you have a spouse that agrees with your goals. One piece of advice is that if there are any wait lists for campus housing or childcare services, get on that list as quickly as you can. The other thing is with kids, time is more more important than money, so there are lots of fun things that you can do that aren't too expensive. Something about young kids is whatever their environment is, they'll consider it normal.

 

[Dr Transport]

Added two years to my PhD, but I would never give up my wife or either of my two kids who were born during grad school...

The thing that made it work was that I was free to take a day or two to look after sick kids and I was off for two weeks while my one of my kids had the chicken pox. Being a theoretician allowed me to stay at home and work while they napped, then I'd catch a few hours to work during the middle of the night.

 

[rezeew]

Yes, it is possible to balance family life and graduate study, although it can be challenging. Many people have successfully completed graduate degrees while also raising a family. It requires careful planning and strong time management skills, but it can be done.

One tip is to set clear boundaries and prioritize your time. This may mean setting aside specific blocks of time for studying and being fully present with your family during designated times. It's also important to communicate with your family about your goals and commitments, and to involve them in the process as much as possible.

Another tip is to seek support and resources. Many universities have programs and resources specifically for graduate students with families, such as childcare services and flexible scheduling options. Additionally, reaching out to other graduate students who are also balancing family life can provide valuable tips and support.

It's important to remember that it's okay to ask for help and to take breaks when needed. Balancing family life and graduate study can be overwhelming at times, but it's important to prioritize self-care and seek support from loved ones.

Overall, while it may be challenging, it is possible to successfully balance family life and graduate study. With careful planning, strong time management skills, and support from loved ones and resources, you can achieve your goals in both aspects of your life.