Returning to school full-time as a mature student was not the best decision I’ve ever made. Juggling parenting, housework, schoolwork, and friends nagging to hang out has been more overwhelming than I anticipated. I now realize this is probably why many of my friends my age attend post-secondary part-time.
Every aspect of my life has been adversely affected by my decision to take five courses this semester, a decision that’s based on completing a certificate program in one year. But why do I put myself through all of this? Will it really matter that much if I’m at college for more than one year?
Whether or not it matters depends on perspective. If the most important thing is to finish in a certain timeframe at all costs, then, yes, going full-time is a necessity. However, if maintaining a healthy work/life balance or ensuring assignments are completed as thoroughly as possible is more important, then taking longer to finish a credential is worthwhile.
Camosun offers distinct learning opportunities. It has a wide variety of trades. There are certificate programs that count toward first-year diploma programs. Diplomas are transferrable to UVic and other universities. But the key to success in any of this is still passing courses. If I’m constantly feeling overwhelmed by school I start to rush through assignments, miss due dates, or, worse, fail an assignment completely. All of this leads me down the path toward not passing courses.
School is only one part of life. I have a kid who I homeschool; I have friends to see; I have housework to do. I’ve barely spent time with my kid lately outside of him helping me with school projects. I’ve missed all but 20 minutes of his soccer games this season. Spending three hours on a Saturday afternoon watching soccer is too much time away from doing homework. The lie I keep telling myself is that if I skip the game, I’ll be able to spend time with him in the evening. That hasn’t worked out yet. We rarely even eat meals together. I tend to eat dinner in front of my computer while doing homework.
My friends are voicing their concerns. Apart from during the height of COVID restrictions, I never go this long without seeing them. Even then we were having weekly Zoom calls. The friend I talk with most often gives me advice on photography, which has been the most difficult course for me this semester. He wants me to succeed, but occasionally he does throw in, “We need to hang out soon.” As the semester wraps up, I keep promising I’ll have more free time come December 10. I just need to hang on until then.
If I can’t manage a work/life balance while taking five courses at a time, why do it? I don’t have a valid reason. At least not for the program I’m in. The number of courses I take each semester is up to me, which is why I’ve elected to go part-time next semester. Grades matter to me. I might want to go to UVic or another university after Camosun. Seeing my friends keeps me sane. There is always laughter, good music, and conversation. My family needs to come before school and I need to ensure my son graduates high school.
Taking a lighter course load in order to have a better work/life balance is, in my opinion, best for my mental health.