Hello, fellow hustlers!
I get it—life as a single mom is a full-time job in itself. Add in the stress of going back to school, and it feels like someone handed you a mountain to climb while juggling a few flaming torches. But here I am, juggling it all (kind of) and pushing through the chaos. And guess what? You can too.
Let me share a little bit about my journey and how I'm somehow managing to balance the never-ending school assignments, kids' soccer practices, and my personal need for at least five minutes of peace.
1. School + Kids = Chaos (But Manageable Chaos)
First off, I had so many moments where I questioned if I was doing the right thing by going back to school. My brain is already full of “What’s for dinner?” “Did I pay the electric bill?” “Are the kids doing their homework?”—throw in assignments, deadlines, and lectures, and I was wondering if I’d lose my mind. But then I realized: school isn’t just for me, it’s for them too.
By showing my kids that learning is a lifelong journey, I’m teaching them that there’s no age limit to chasing dreams and bettering yourself. So, I’m embracing the crazy and learning to thrive in it. Sure, the kids need constant redirection (honestly, it feels like I’m a professional referee some days), but I make it work. Somehow, someway.
2. Time Management? More Like Time Taming.
Let’s be honest: time management for a single mom in school feels like trying to tame a wild horse. One minute, I’m knee-deep in a paper; the next, I’m running around like a chicken trying to make sure everyone gets to their activities on time.
Here’s my tip: get really comfortable with a planner. Like, best-friends-with-it level comfortable. I live and breathe by my planner. I schedule everything: study time, snack breaks, kids’ playtime, and even the quick moments of peace I get (yes, they are rare, but they exist!).
It’s not foolproof, and honestly, I still forget stuff. But I’ve learned to adjust. And if things don’t get done today? They get moved to tomorrow.
3. Self-Care? Let’s Just Call It a “Guilty Pleasure.”
When people say “self-care,” I used to laugh. As a single mom in school, when is there time for that? But here’s what I’ve realized: taking care of myself is just as important as taking care of everyone else. I’ve started stealing moments for myself—whether it’s a cup of coffee while the kids are occupied, a 10-minute yoga session after a long study session, or a five-minute dance break when I need to shake off the stress.
And yes, there’s guilt at times. But I’ve learned that I need to refill my cup before I can pour into others. So, I’m working on letting go of the mom guilt, one self-care moment at a time.
4. The Power of Saying “No.”
If you’re a people-pleaser like me, this one will hit hard. Saying “no” is hard when you want to be everything for everyone. But guess what? I’m learning to say “no” to things that don’t align with my goals or well-being. I’ve had to let go of commitments that I couldn’t handle—whether it’s skipping an extra playdate or saying “not today” to that work event I really didn’t want to go to.
The truth is, I can’t do it all, and neither can you. It’s okay to prioritize your own sanity and well-being. We’re not superheroes—we’re just moms doing the best we can.
5. It’s Okay to Be a Work in Progress
Some days I feel like I’m crushing it, and other days I’m just trying to keep my head above water. And that’s okay. The beauty of this journey is that there’s no “perfect” way to do it. I’m learning, growing, and figuring it out as I go.
So, here’s my promise to you, fellow hustlers: if you’re thinking about going back to school, chasing that dream, or just trying to survive the chaos of life—keep going. You’re doing amazing. It’s okay to stumble, it’s okay to have tough days, and it’s okay to ask for help. You’ve got this, and I’m cheering you on!
Let’s Connect!
What’s been your biggest challenge in balancing life, school, and everything in between? Drop a comment below, and let’s support each other. We’re all in this together!
Until next time, keep hustling, mama! 💪
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