3 answers
Shannon
Student
Portland, Oregon
1
Question
Asked
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How does an older returning student achieve balance working toward a new career ? #Spring25
Over 50 years old returning to school after 28 years working toward a new career in Dental Hygiene. Trying to keep balance between my responsibilities at home and making ends meet while also attending school.
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3 answers
Vanessa Horne McManus
Paramedic
1
Answer
Las Vegas, Nevada
Updated
Vanessa’s Answer
Hi Shannon, I went back to school in my late 40s to become a paramedic. I had three sons in middle school and high school and also had to work some. I found the best strategy for me was to let everyone know that for that time I was going to need a lot of alone time to study. I set the expectation early with friends and other family and then just focused on my sons and my studying. I also asked for help with the house and rides for them. It’s hard to say no to outside pressures and invitations, but I found that by doing that I could really give the things that were important at the time they needed. The four of us came out of that time great and I was able to finish and get a great job that I love. Good luck to you.
That is wonderful to hear ! Outside pressures are a tough one for me but I am motivated to get this new career :)
Shannon
William Nwaogu
Construction, CAD and BIM
326
Answers
Lagos, Nigeria
Updated
William’s Answer
One can balance career and adult education in various ways.
Choice of education program: Modular learning programs, one to two year programs (certificate, diploma, baccalaureate, advanced level and associate degree) of achieving educational milestones, apprenticeships or learning at work options are good for adults with family responsibilities. Making use of professional training, such as continuous professional developments and short course to acquire course waivers, reduce academic credit units and fees is another option.
Making use of financing opportunities: Scholarships, personal savings, interest free or very low interest financial aids and educational grants are various means of financial relief of avoiding financial stresses like debt servicing, which could affect family responsibilities.
Choice of study mode: Part-time, evening, weekend, online or blended and distance learning options (sandwich, letter, self-paced and study boot camps or accelerated courses etc.) can be explored to match an adult learner's peculiar needs.
Family planning: Birth planning, housing options, budgeting and finance and control of family and household helps to prevent the pitfall of financial wreckage.
Choice of employment for primary income. Part-time employment, self employment and other forms of flexible and ease to manage employments to support family and educational needs is a way forward.
Consultation: Seeking of professional family, career and educational advisory can help to achieve a holistic assessment of your unique needs.
Choice of education program: Modular learning programs, one to two year programs (certificate, diploma, baccalaureate, advanced level and associate degree) of achieving educational milestones, apprenticeships or learning at work options are good for adults with family responsibilities. Making use of professional training, such as continuous professional developments and short course to acquire course waivers, reduce academic credit units and fees is another option.
Making use of financing opportunities: Scholarships, personal savings, interest free or very low interest financial aids and educational grants are various means of financial relief of avoiding financial stresses like debt servicing, which could affect family responsibilities.
Choice of study mode: Part-time, evening, weekend, online or blended and distance learning options (sandwich, letter, self-paced and study boot camps or accelerated courses etc.) can be explored to match an adult learner's peculiar needs.
Family planning: Birth planning, housing options, budgeting and finance and control of family and household helps to prevent the pitfall of financial wreckage.
Choice of employment for primary income. Part-time employment, self employment and other forms of flexible and ease to manage employments to support family and educational needs is a way forward.
Consultation: Seeking of professional family, career and educational advisory can help to achieve a holistic assessment of your unique needs.
Your advice was so helpful!
Shannon
Sunita Wadekar
QA Auditor
12
Answers
Pune, Maharashtra, India
Updated
Sunita’s Answer
Start by identifying your purpose. Why are you making this change? Knowing your “why” helps you stay motivated when things get tough.
2. Set Realistic Goals
Academic: Break down big tasks into manageable weekly goals.
Career: Set short-term steps (e.g., informational interviews, internships, certifications).
Personal: Don’t forget to set goals for health, relationships, and rest.
3. Create a Flexible Schedule
Use digital calendars or planners to block study/work/family time.
Build in buffer zones for unexpected delays or downtime.
Prioritize: Some days school wins, some days life wins—and that’s
2. Set Realistic Goals
Academic: Break down big tasks into manageable weekly goals.
Career: Set short-term steps (e.g., informational interviews, internships, certifications).
Personal: Don’t forget to set goals for health, relationships, and rest.
3. Create a Flexible Schedule
Use digital calendars or planners to block study/work/family time.
Build in buffer zones for unexpected delays or downtime.
Prioritize: Some days school wins, some days life wins—and that’s
Loved reading this, thanks!
Shannon