Hey mummies,
I'm a single mum with 2 daughters (ages 3 & 6). Father is not in the picture in any way.. I am currently studying but need to pick a pathway soon! I've always wanted to do medicine or science but after speaking with a subject co-ordinator she described the amount of hours that both disciplines would require from me which made me realize I probably wouldn't be able to go for either but wondered if there are any other single mums out there pursuing their dreams and how you might manage raising a family on your own at the same time? Chiropractic therapy and physiotherapy are also appealing to me, anything in the health profession I guess but nursing for instance I have heard of many are not treated very well, that the shifts are bad for family, and that they rarely get to know their patients and what their personal needs are.. Anyway rambling on now! Would love both positive and negative feedback! Possible challenges I might face and how they can be tackled etc..
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2 Replies
Yeah I would avoid medicine too. We have two doctors in the family and the hours required are insane, especially in the early years. Long hours, and shift work, high stress.
I would do my research on chiropractic, because they are not well thought of amongst mainstream medicine. Although there seems to be portion of good chiropractors coming through pushing for 'evidence based practice' there is a large portion of chiropractic that's based on airy fairy nonsense. And as you have said you have an interest in science chiropractic probably is something you would want to avoid.
Study wise (I'm not in the medical profession to comment work wise) I've just completed my bachelor of science - major in zoology/ecology (3year course completed in 5 years) I'm 22 with a 3 year old. My course was at times 30+hrs a week and it was a lot of work but was doable with my parents help (no father involvement either) and daycare help. I've know finished and my dream career is vetenarian however the post grad course is approx 40hrs a week for another 5 years. So I will pesue it one day but is on hold for the moment. Choose your pathway on what you really want to do and even if you start it and comeback to it when it's easier or go part time. If you finish the course get the qualifications but work hours don't suit family needs you can always do you dream job in the future as you'll have done the qualifications and you can always work in the field of your dream job until the time is right to do the bigger job is how I see it. I know at least till my daughter is at school study is on the hold for me again so I'm doing casual and volunteer work 15hrs max a week around her preschool hours to get the experience to help me when I'm back on track for my dream job. Always doable just may need to find help from friends family or daycare :)