It was 2018 and I had been assisting others with navigating the family court system for around 4 years, but I felt like such a fake. I had, of course grown to have a strong interest and commitment to supporting people through the family courts, as I was passionate about fighting for the rights of children to have a fair and meaningful relationship with both parents, but with very little to my name by way of legal qualifications, I decided that I should gain a meaningful certification. Determined to pursue my passion for law and advance my career to be able to fund a lifestyle where I could still support people for as close to free as possible, I embarked on a journey to obtain a Master of Laws degree while juggling the responsibilities of being a devoted parent and a committed professional.
Completing a rigorous academic program such as a Master of Laws degree is no small feat on its own, let alone when coupled with the demands of parenthood and professional obligations. I admit that the journey was undoubtedly challenging, but I also look back on it as being a testament to my unwavering dedication and resilience. Further assurance to myself and my clients that I am capable of delivering positive outcomes.
One of the most significant hurdles that I faced when I was studying for my masters degree was time management. With a toddler to care for and a demanding workload at my day job, every minute of my day became precious. Planning my studies meticulously became essential to ensure that I could allocate sufficient time for both my academic pursuits and my responsibilities at home and work. I completed my degree through the open university and as a result, I didn’t have to attend a physical location which fit in well with my busy schedule but on the other hand, I didn’t have the luxury of seeing a tutor in person, and I did find my tutor to be fairly absent. My assignments were usually returned late and requests for help would usually go unnoticed.
Adapting to life as a working parent meant embracing flexibility and being prepared for unexpected changes. When my workplace required me to take on additional hours due to a coworker’s departure, I didn’t falter. I could have said no and insisted that it wasn’t part of my contract, but instead, I adjusted my study schedule accordingly, maximizing every opportunity to delve into my coursework, whether it was during a lunch break, after my child had gone to bed, or during weekends. Here, getting my daughter into a good sleep routine was essential. She was usually in bed by 7pm and that gave me a couple of hours where I would sit and complete more of my work. When my dissertation was looming, I planned 2 months in advance how I would meet my word count and reference deadline. That was particularly challenging for me because at the weekends I was often having to put in around 6 hours at a time. It’s really hard for me to concentrate for that long without someone else encouraging me to keep going, so here’s where my echo dot came in really handy. Don’t laugh. I set her up to tell me the time every half hour and to tell me that I was doing a great job and to carry on. I set reminders for Alexa to tell me that it was lunch time and to go and eat something. I set reminders to let me know I was coming to the end of my study time for the day. I found this was really useful for staying on track.
Studying for a Master of Laws degree while being a working parent wasn’t just about academic achievement or even for North West McKenzie Friends for me; it was also about setting an example for my young daughter. Through my determination and perseverance, I believe I’ve instilled in my daughter the values of hard work, ambition, and the importance of never giving up on her dreams. Even now she is in primary school, she understands how hard I worked. She remembers days where I was working completing assignments. She celebrates my academic and career successes and she has a great sense of ambition, which I’d like to think she gets from me.
As I reflect on my journey, I recognize that the path I chose was demanding, but the rewards far outweigh the sacrifices. Not only have I emerged with a deeper understanding of family law and its intricacies, but I have also discovered a newfound sense of confidence in my ability to overcome obstacles and achieve my goals, no matter how daunting they may seem.
To those considering pursuing higher education while balancing the responsibilities of parenthood and work, I offers words of encouragement. The road may be challenging, but with determination, perseverance, and a solid support system, anything is possible. My academic studies only stand me in better stead to do what I love, to help separated parents to create a safe and loving environment for their children to thrive.
