How many part-time classes should I start with while still working full-time?

October 20, 2008 6:46 PM

GoingBackToSchoolFilter: I'm going to be returning to university part time, while continuing to work full time. Should I start slow, just one course my first semester, or should I do two?

Let's do this point form:

* I'm working fairly standard hours, 9am-6pm Monday through Friday.
* My job is such that I'm not allowed to bring my work home with me, so I never have to worry about making time to get things finished outside work.
* I am not currently occupied with any other major past-times or activities, nor do I have any kids.
* I previously attended the same University, studying English. I am planning on returning to complete my studies (I previously completed half of the degree).
* Each weekly course is 3 hrs.
* Travel time from my home to the University is currently about 1hr each way. I will be taking courses than usually run 7-10pm, possibly weekend classes will be available.
* I have been out of the program since 2003. I completed a community college program in the following 3 yrs, which I finished in the spring of 2007. I have not been in school since then.

I've been told by various people that I should start with just one course, and see how I feel. But, I do still have a lot of classes to complete, and feel like two might be fine. Should I play it safe, start with one course this first semester, or just dive in and take two?

I know this is a very "personal opinion" sort of thing, and there's no definite answer. I'd just like to hear some experiences from any MeFi-ites who've returned to school while working full time, or are doing it now. How many classes do you take while working full time, what sort of balance do you work towards?

posted by smitt to education (16 answers total)

I went back to school this semester, but I only work part time, twenty five hours a week. I'm in a little bit of a different situation than you, in that I pretty much only need to take the classes necessary for my major because I transferred in the max number of credits. I'm looking at six terms no matter how many classes I take a semester, because there are six classes I must take that can't overlap.

I'm taking two writing intensive four hour courses (for a total of eight credit hours) and I'm very grateful I didn't try to take any more. I have a minimal commute from home to work, but from work to school it's an hour and a half each way, which does take away from time I could be writing. Plus, don't discount how tired you'll be after engaging your brain for three hours and then driving home.

You are ahead of the game in that it's only been a couple of years since you were in school. I'd been in the working world for five years, which meant that transitioning back in was a bit of an adjustment.

You don't lose much by starting out with only one class, after all. If you decide to take more a semester, you can make up that second class in summer.

Hope some of this is helpful. Even though I have no free time at all anymore, I am really grateful that I've decided to go back. Actually being in school has been a delight, and if nothing else I know exactly how much money I'm spending to sit in that classroom eight hours a week.
posted by sugarfish at 7:11 PM on October 20, 2008

I have taken two graduate classes each semester while working full time for almost two years and have never found it to be a problem. One semester I was able to get both classes on the same night, (I believe they were from 5-7:30 and 7:30-10) and while it makes for one really long day, I felt like I had much more time to myself during the rest of the week.
posted by mjcon at 7:13 PM on October 20, 2008

When I worked full time, I went to grad school at the same time, taking night classes. I got by fine taking 2 classes a semester. But it really depends on what the course work is like. I didn't have to study for tests, but instead had to write papers, which I find to be easier.

If you have classes in mind, give the profs a call and ask them what kind of course work and out of class time they expect you to dedicate to the class.
posted by All.star at 7:15 PM on October 20, 2008

Congratulations on taking the decision to go back to study!

I'm doing this right now, and had a similar choice, between "part time" and "full time" - "part time" being 2 nights a week (2 subjects plus a summer class), "full time" being 3-4 nights a week (4 subjects plus a summer class). I chose part time, mainly for financial reasons.

It's only been 4 weeks, but I'm already feeling that I made the right decision for me. I've met a fair number of other students on my course, and the other part timers seem to be coping and keeping up and staying sane (and are the ones who are up for going for a coffee after class). Most of the full timers (but not all) are already struggling to find time to do the reading and the problem sets, aren't really keeping up, and seem quite stressed and tired. I'm finding it fairly easy to keep up, I'm not too tired, and I have enough time to do the required study in between classes, while still having time to see friends / go away for weekends (just not quite as much as before).

I'm not sure what the difference is between one or two courses for you and how that translates into the time you're required to study outside class, but easing into it gradually sounds like a good approach. Finding a balance between working, studying, and living is always going to be difficult. If you're determined to go for it, can you sign up for two courses and drop one midway through without penalty?

Also, are grades important to you? You may be able to cope with 2 courses, but you may get mediocre grades because you're stretching yourself too thin, whereas if you only did 1 course, you may get better grades.

It's also worth thinking about the long term implications. When you're 80, will you look back and regret taking an extra year to get your degree? Will you look back and regret losing touch with friends because you didn't have time for a social life?
posted by finding.perdita at 7:22 PM on October 20, 2008

I work full-time and am currently doing night classes as well. I've found that 2 nights a week is perfect if you want to maintain an out-of-school life. I'm currently doing 3 nights, and it's ok, just make sure you space them out (Mon Wed Fri). I did 5 nights a week + work for a semester and I nearly had a nervous break-down; I don't recommend it.
posted by blue_beetle at 7:34 PM on October 20, 2008

I'm working and have stuck to 3 classes a week so far although it's been tough sometimes i.e. exam times. Totally depends on the course and the outside work required as stated above though. Some classes I've taken have been such a breeze that I could easily have taken another that semester, some classes have made me wish it was the only thing I had on my plate. I've gone for Monday Tuesday Wednesday classes which then gives me 4 days straight including the weekend to get the homework done. Works better for me as it gives me more time to get my head round it without being interrupted by another class.
posted by merocet at 8:08 PM on October 20, 2008

Can you sign up for two classes for the first week and then see what your syllabi look like? You sometimes can drop one penalty-free within the first week (just note the dates!).

I think the main thing is to make sure you don't burn yourself out. I had a lot of energy at the beginning, so you may be ok to take two at first. Just if you feel you are losing touch with friends, or getting sick more often, listen to yourself and take it slow next semester. (I didn't, and end up taking a semester off because I was tired, and now am slowly getting back into it.)
posted by ejaned8 at 8:16 PM on October 20, 2008

oh, and if you can manage it save a few personal days for exam week. I always took one or two and it really helped those weeks.
posted by ejaned8 at 8:17 PM on October 20, 2008

I was taking four classes a week when I started a job that was supposed to be 30ish hours a week and ended up being anywhere from 30 to 50. Like you, I can't take my work home (I'm actually not allowed), so while I had time to do my homework, I pulled a lot of late nights and lost a lot of sleep.

In a later semester, I ended up with the class that was finally just too much for me to handle-- obnoxious prof, completely unlisted prereqs, 20 hours of work a week, no feedback, first assignment finally graded and returned halfway through the semester-- and I dropped it. Two or three classes a week turned out to be a lot easier on my sanity, but not appreciably easier on my sleep schedule, depending on the topic. (Film studies, easy. Art classes, not so much.)

This semester, I'm working a pretty steady 45 hours per week and doing 15 hours of work every week on my statistics class. It's the only thing I'm taking, I'm doing well, and my productivity on the job isn't suffering. I'm a little stressed, but it's nothing like it was back in 2005 and 2006.

If you do give two classes a try, don't be afraid to drop if one of them isn't working for you. You'll have more time to devote to the class that is working out nicely and less stress.
posted by fairytale of los angeles at 8:42 PM on October 20, 2008

Is travel time driving time, or public transit time? That might make a big difference.

That said, I've had no trouble working 40 hours and taking 4 intro courses, or 2 higher level classes (over 3 nights). I have to be very efficient, though: very little social life, studying through my lunch breaks, etc. I was very stressed and exhausted, but far more efficient than when I am not quite so busy. YMMV, especially depending on the exact courses you're taking -- higher level courses are harder to do concurrently, as are less related courses.

As other people have suggested, start with two courses, and feel free to drop one. I'd suggest discussing with your employer how you'd like to leave early on days you have midterms and finals (if you do not take vacation days for those days). This will depend slightly on how far you have to go to get to class, but I liked to have one full hour plus standard travel time to the class.
posted by jeather at 9:15 PM on October 20, 2008

Of course it depends on how demanding the courses are. If you were taking a high-level compiler course (to use one example) that might be all you could handle.

I'd suggest going light the first semester to help you get back in the groove. After that you'll have a better feel for your capacity and inclinations. Better to go easy and do well than to take on too much and hate it.
posted by trinity8-director at 9:47 PM on October 20, 2008

I'd suggest discussing with your employer how you'd like to leave early on days you have midterms and finals (if you do not take vacation days for those days). This will depend slightly on how far you have to go to get to class, but I liked to have one full hour plus standard travel time to the class.

Oh, yes. I am doing so much better this term since I figured this out. I now have 20 extra minutes built in between work and class, which I use to zone out in the car and listen to music. I need that transition, otherwise my work brain won't shut up and let my school brain come online.

Also, a healthy, preferably high-protein snack before class is key.
posted by shiny blue object at 4:00 AM on October 21, 2008

I started graduate school in January while working full time. I took two courses in the spring and fall (current) semesters, and one course for each of the summer semesters (the summer classes meet twice a week).

I am busy, but not TOO busy. I'm doing well in my courses, it's not affecting my work performance, and I have been able to keep up other hobbies (dance class once a week) and start a new relationship in the middle of it. I think one course would bore me and make the degree seem like it was taking too long.

I suggest signing up for two classes, and if the syllabi are too involved, drop one within the grace period.

Good luck, and congrats on going back!
posted by purplecurlygirl at 6:43 AM on October 21, 2008

It really depends on the course load and the subject I think. I'm at UMass Online through tuition reimbursement to pursue a different degree. The first semester, I decided with full time work and a part time job to take just 1 course. The course was ridiculously easy, I could have doubled up on courses.

This semester, erring on the side of caution and knowing the subject I was in for, I again took just 1 course and I am glad I did. The coursework is kicking my ass and had I taken two classes instead of just one, I would have been writing this from an asylum.

I have a bunch of courses I need to complete, but I wasn't about to risk my sanity to hurry and get through them. Trying to keep myself level and my schedule manageable was more important to me.

Check into what the add/drop policy is for your school.
posted by jerseygirl at 7:20 AM on October 21, 2008

I've been on both sides of this spot-finished my PhD while working full time, and now I am working in education with non-traditional students. As long as you plan for it, either one or two courses should be fine, but I want to throw out another possibility. Have you checked to see fi they have any independent learning classes? These are normally taken online, self paced. You could take one, finish as quickly as you like, then take another, without having to worry about matching up with a traditional course term. Check with your university to see if they have them, or if they work with another school that does.
posted by midwestguy at 1:56 PM on October 21, 2008

I work full-time (at a job where I can sometimes do work/readings at my desk) and I take two part-time courses through distance. I had a few busy weeks and will have a few more but I also find time to volunteer and see my partner and my friends.

I highly recommend distance education. This could be just my personal feelings but I hate, hate, hate sitting through classes and learn much better on my own. Having said that, seminars can be really useful and I do miss that component from time to time.

I would also recommend being open with your employer about your schooling - they may be more helpful and supportive than you think, especially if the classes could potentially relate to professional advancement.
posted by cranberrymonger at 7:36 PM on October 29, 2008