Here are a few things I’ve learned and some feelings from this journey as a full-time working mum pursuing a degree with the Open University. Studying for a degree is tough, but the Open University made it much easier to face. I never imagined how hard it would be to juggle a full-time job with motherhood. Yet I did it, and so did my family. I even started just before the pandemic—talk about a bigger challenge.
One of the biggest benefits has been the flexibility. With no fixed lecture hours or campus obligations, I could shape my study schedule around work and parenting. After a few months, I settled into a routine: Saturdays and my days off became key study times. The internet also proved to be a great study resource, letting me learn in spare moments.
Balancing a degree with a full-time job and motherhood is a constant act. Meeting work deadlines while caring for your family requires careful planning. But these challenges reveal your resilience and determination. I got the degree opportunity through work, so it was a degree apprenticeship with about 20% of my time set aside for study. That really helped me stay on top of things; roughly seven hours a week went to university work.
Your study hours can stretch beyond the usual 9 to 5. Late nights and early mornings became quiet spaces where the laptop hum and the glow of textbooks kept you company through the night or the dawn. These moments show your dedication. I studied mostly in the evenings, often writing notes and drafting assignments well past midnight. I grabbed time whenever I could.
A strong support system is essential. Whether it’s a supportive partner, understanding colleagues, or family members who lend a hand, the journey feels less daunting when you have people cheering you on.
Multitasking becomes an art. Juggling conference calls, kids’ activities, essays, and bedtime stories—shifting between roles—builds pride in handling many tasks. I’m proud of what I’ve achieved; resilience and multitasking are skills I’ve sharpened.
Every completed assignment, exam passed, and milestone reached deserves a celebration. For a full-time working mum on the Open University path, each step forward shows dedication and progress. I remember how anxious I was about assignment results, wondering if I would pass. A degree apprenticeship isn’t just academics; it’s a heavier workload with more assignments, and those moments of progress felt like small wins worth celebrating.
It’s been a tough, steep learning curve, but my determination carried me through to earn the degree. There have been challenges, sacrifices, and moments of triumph. It’s about staying flexible, mastering balance, and finding joy in small victories. My main tip is to stay organized: understand your weekly calendar, plan study time, and keep a dedicated notebook so you can pick up where you left off.
If you’re thinking about starting this journey, remember it’s possible and you can do it. I’d love to hear if you’ve already begun and how it’s going.
