We all want the best for our children. But we also know that we have to do what?s right for us and our families overall. If this has been on your mind lately and you think you might be ready to return to school for your degree, you may be wondering if you can juggle so many responsibilities.

As Homeschool Copywriter has discussed previously, it is possible to work and homeschool your children. But is it possible to go to school yourself while also educating your children? The answer is a loud and resounding yes!

 

Why Go Back to School if You're Homeschooling?

 

If you?re not sure why you should go back to school, consider this: The average adult earns $14,000 more per year with a bachelor's degree than their high school diploma-holding friends and family.

Accounting for pay increases, you could feasibly pad your savings account by $150,000 or more over the course of just 10 years. This can go a long way toward your retirement or funding your children?s higher education.

 

Getting Started With a Degree While Homeschooling

 

Money is a definite perk, but how are you supposed to get started? It begins with deciding how, exactly, you plan to pursue your degree, and then making sure everyone understands that mom?s (or dad?s) schedule may look a bit different in the coming months.

 

Since you already homeschool, it makes sense to start or finish your degree from home, as well.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to go back to school online, even as a busy, homeschooling (and working) adult. Many of the most popular and lucrative degrees these days are in information technology.

You might work in data analytics or, depending on your area of interest, cybersecurity ? the latter of which comes with an average salary of more than $111,000.

Another degree option to consider is nursing. The pandemic shed light on the ever-present nursing shortage. Plus, nursing salaries have gone up, so, given the desperation of most medical institutes, you will likely have your pick of departments and hours.

 

A Schedule for All

 

So you have made the decision to go back to school and you know what degree you?re going to go after. That?s great! But there is still a bit of legwork to do before you get started. You likely already have a homeschool station set up for your children, but you?ll also need your own private workspace.

If possible, find a quiet room ? a back bedroom or unused study works perfectly. You?ll need to gather your electronics, such as computer, printer, and headphones. When you have your zone carved out, invest in a desk and comfortable chair.

 

Look at your current homeschooling schedule. If you have older children, plan to do your most pressing school assignments while they are reading or otherwise working independently.

When your kiddos are in elementary school, you may have to juggle a bit more delicately. This is especially true if you have classes scheduled when your children are at their least attentive.

Something that can help here is hiring a virtual tutor. According to Tutors.com, an online tutor costs between $25 and $50 per hour. You also have the option as a homeschool parent to push your children?s school day to a later starting time, which may actually improve their academic performance. This will free you up to work first thing in the morning while the coffee still flows freely.

 

At the end of the day, we all want what?s best for our families. Understandably, the prospect of teaching your own children, going back to school, and handling your other adult responsibilities is a daunting thought.

Fortunately, it is possible, and the availability of online colleges has given parents more options than ever. So don?t be afraid to homeschool yourself and be the example you want your children to see.