Back to School, Back to You: Going Back to School as a Parent

The backpacks are packed. The school calendar is on the fridge. Everyone is settling into a new routine.

And maybe, for the first time in a long time, you have a little more room to think about what you want.

Maybe you’ve been thinking about upgrading your skills or working toward a different career. Maybe you’ve been working in a job that no longer feels like the right fit and you’re ready for a change.

If you’re a parent, making time for yourself can feel impossible, between work, school drop-offs, appointments, homework, meals and everything else that comes with raising a family.

There will probably never be a completely stress-free time to go back to school. The goal isn’t to completely change your life to fit a program, it’s to find a program that fits the life you have, and helps you build the life you want.

5 questions to ask yourself

If you’re thinking about upgrading your skills, changing careers or finally pursuing something you’ve been interested in, these five questions can help you find a program that fits.

1. Does the schedule fit my life?

Think about what your week already looks like. When are you working? When does your child have school or activities? When would you have time to study?

Look for a program and schedule that can fit into your routine, rather than assuming you need to completely rearrange your life to make school work.

2. What kind of learning option works best for me?

There isn’t just one way to go to school. Depending on the program, you may find options such as online, hybrid or in-person learning.

Consider how you learn best, what your schedule allows and how much flexibility you’d like. The right format can make it easier to stay on track while balancing school, work and family.

3. Can I keep working while I study?

For many parents, continuing to work while going to school is important. Look for programs that offer schedules or learning options that make that balance possible.

Going back to school can be a way to build toward your next career move while maintaining the work and responsibilities you have today.

4. Where could this program take me?

Maybe you’re ready for a career change. Maybe you want to build on the experience you already have. Or maybe there’s a field you’ve always wanted to explore.

Think about where you’d like to be after graduation and look for a program that can help you get there. Consider things like hands-on training, work placements, certifications and the types of careers graduates can pursue.

5. What support is available?

Going back to school is a big step, but you don’t have to figure everything out on your own.

When you’re exploring programs, ask about the support available from instructors and other faculty. Having people you can turn to for answers, guidance and encouragement can make the experience feel much more manageable.

New skills, new opportunities

Going back to school doesn’t always mean starting from the beginning. You might already have years of work experience and simply need new training to move into a different role.

Your experience as a parent counts, too. Organization, problem-solving, communication, patience, adaptability and time management are all skills that transfer to the workplace.

October could be your fresh start

If September has you thinking about your own next chapter, you don’t necessarily have to wait until January to do something about it.

With October program starts available at Willis College, this could be the time to take that idea you’ve been carrying around and turn it into a plan.

You could spend the next few months learning something new, building skills and moving toward a career that works better for the life you want.

Your child is starting another school year.

Maybe you can start something, too.

Ready to explore what’s next?

Take a look at upcoming program starts and find a program that fits your goals, your schedule and your life.

Explore programs at Willis College. Speak with our admissions team about possible funding available to you.