Any one go to school in their spare time?

[Miguel's Dad]

Hey,

I am thinking of going back to grad school (probably part time) and was wondering if there are any other dads that are currently in school. I want to see how demanding it is on your daily life and if there is any advice out there. Thanks.

[sao95]

I was going to school and working nights as well at one point, while taking care of the kid during the day, it can be done, you just don't sleep much. But actually I'm worse now just having to care for the kid and nothing else because I'm bored alot, and boredom will kill you......

[stretch]

But actually I'm worse now just having to care for the kid and nothing else because I'm bored alot, and boredom will kill you......
Maybe not kill you. Definitely drive you to drink. Which will eventually kill you. But, let's face it, you coulda got there under your own steam, too. all_cohol

I must admit, I can't imagine going back to school now. I have Daddy Brain, my head feels like Swiss cheese.

"Insy-Winsy Spider climbed up the ... uhh ... pipe ... thing. Shit, what do you call that? Oops. You didn't hear that. Let's sing another song, shall we buddy?"

[sao95]

I have Daddy Brain, my head feels like Swiss cheese.


:lol: I know how that is, my wife wonders why I sing kids songs and quote Dr. Seuss even when the kid isn't around :roll: my favorite is to walk around the house saying

"Sighed Mayzie
a lazy bird hatching an egg
I'm tired and I'm bored and I've kinks in my leg
from sitting just sitting here day after day
it's work how I hate it I'd much rather play
I'd take a vacation fly off for a rest
if I could find someone to stay on my nest
If I could find someone I'd fly away free......."

:lol: and it does state how I feel on alot of days :wink:


oh about school, the one problem I ran into was alot of professors are very hard assed about missing classes, you miss so many and they drop you a letter grade, well with a sick kid or the wife works late or a million other married with kids situations I missed more than your suppoosed, I always talked with the professors the first day of class and let them know what was going on, but many of them would still drop my A to a B, It killed my chances of graduating Summa Cum Laude :(

[young-blalock]

I was in the same situation as Sao at one point. I took care of the little guy during the day, worked on some nights, and also took one class at a time. I enjoyed being involved in different things and keeping myself busy, but I had less time for other things like housework. I'd recommend just trying it out for a while to see if it works for you. Good luck.

[longtimesahd]

My kids are getting older and I thought about it a lot.

The trouble is flexibility. Fixed schedules and hard deadlines don't work.

So, I have been reading a series of books in the field I hope to return to. There are some on-line classes too which can be good.

Both of those methods don't give the interaction with other people you are looking for though.

There is a book, 'Going Back to Work' (it's pink and written for moms - get over it) that is really good and talks a lot about this.

The books written for 'Dummies' are a good start in almost any area you can think of. I am reading/doing a websites for Dummies book now.

You can find foreign language courses on CD's with workbooks to get you pretty far.

I know some moms who returned to school, but it seems to me their families really suffered for it.

[pwrandall]

"My head feels like swiss cheese." I finally know how to describe what I'm feeling. Thanks guys.

[Math Daddy]

If you want to work on a grad degree, I highly recommend doing an online degree (if it's available in your field). I spent two years working on my Masters through Capella University, and finished up my thesis project while I was working full-time and coming home to help with Simon. I know there's a stigma attached to online degrees, which is completely ludicrous. Major universities, including just about every one in Florida and many, many more up North, have online degrees now. The work is actually harder, in my opinion. It's the exact same assignments; you just don't sit in a classroom. It's usually asynchronous learning.

[DaddyO]

If you want to work on a grad degree, I highly recommend doing an online degree (if it's available in your field). I spent two years working on my Masters through Capella University, and finished up my thesis project while I was working full-time and coming home to help with Simon. I know there's a stigma attached to online degrees, which is completely ludicrous. Major universities, including just about every one in Florida and many, many more up North, have online degrees now. The work is actually harder, in my opinion. It's the exact same assignments; you just don't sit in a classroom. It's usually asynchronous learning.

Hey, I picked up my MBA from University of Phoenix. I'm sure it was as good as any other run of the mill "brick and mortar" university. Certainly no match for the Ivy league tho. Unfortunately, all that work and sleepless nights has done squat for me.

[jeffus]

Can't speak about Capellas or U Phoenix, but I did 1/2 a masters online. Stopped after the employer paying for it canned me. Otherwise, I would have continued on their dime.

It was a great. You pretty much have to stay with the class, but I found lot's of flexibility. And no commute.

I'd recommend programs that assigned group projects so you can discuss some of the material with your peers from time to time (via e-mail, chat board, phone, or in-person). And the availablility of the professor is very much a key function. If they regularly give out their phone numbers, e-mail, etc so you can call & ask questions, etc.

I think it's a great option for a Stay Home Dad. It's flexible, and you don't have to worry about getting to class on time. You might need to discuss arrangements for exam proctors (the personnel dept did it for me) but where could you go? Or what would be acceptable to the school...

Good Luck!

[bcibob670]

Hey,

I am thinking of going back to grad school (probably part time) and was wondering if there are any other dads that are currently in school. I want to see how demanding it is on your daily life and if there is any advice out there. Thanks.

I go to college now since 2000 and I only take about one or two courses a semester. I am going to finish my BA in CJ.

I go during days and It is wierd sometimes being the one of the oldest in class, but in some ways being around the young adult (18-22) makes me feel rejuvinated and a little more connected to my teens generation.

Most professors are understanding about the priority my family responsibilities have over my school work. When I first went back in 2K I really had to get use to the university mentality. Overtly political professors, activists, etc.. Finally, I just had to turn a deaf ear to the "i hate USA falculty/students (they were a minority of the university population). I havent tried the online courses that claim to be VA approved but , I would be concerned about transfer credits and accreditation if you ever need to change universities.

One of the hardest thing for me as a SAHD is making our home quiet for studying. My kids and my wife seem to love noise.

I hope this helps some.

BOB

[Miguel's Dad]

Thanks for all of the tips and advice. I am definitely going to take my time with pursuing graduate studies. Recently, I have felt the pressure from family and friends by the infamous question "So what are you going to do next?" Right now I am volunteering with a couple of international nonprofits out of my own interests and to keep gain experience. I know for sure that I do not want to go back to work or school full time until my son (and any future kids) are in school. And even then I think I would work only part time. I love this job of taking care of my son full time and know there is nothing else I would rather do. Take care.