Balancing My Master’s Degree, Parenting, and Business:

Balancing My Master’s Degree, Being a parent, and Business Owner: How I Manage It All

Pursuing a master’s degree is no small feat, and when you add being a mom of three and running a business into the mix, it can feel like an overwhelming juggling act. But here I am, navigating these roles as best as I can, and I’d love to share how I’m managing to keep it all together.

1. Setting Priorities and Creating a Schedule

With so much on my plate, I quickly realized that prioritizing was key. Every week, I sit down and plan out my time around my kids’ schedules, my business commitments, and my coursework. I always put my kids activities first. Work is a given. Then I focus on my masters/henna shop. I block out dedicated time during quiet moments for things like website management, marketing, product creation, etc., when the kids are sleeping or playing games. This helps me stay on track without sacrificing time with my family or falling behind on work. I strictly only work during work hours now. I used to work a lot outside of work hours at home. One of my very good teacher friends has a strict "No work outside of work" policy and I have taken a page out of her book. After work I usually sit at my desk and complete my masters degree assignments. Evenings and weekends I spend with my children and husband and doing henna at my shop. It is a serious juggling act.

2. Learning to Say “No”

As someone who juggles multiple responsibilities, I’ve learned the importance of setting boundaries. Whether it’s limiting the number of henna appointments I take on or saying no to additional festivals or activities, understanding my limits has allowed me to give my full attention to the things that matter most. My kids are my priority. While it may seem that I'm a work-a-holic, everything I am doing is for their future.

3. Leaning on My Support System

Being a mom means having a village, and I couldn’t do this without mine. Whether it’s asking family for help with the kids or leaning on friends for emotional support, I’ve realized it’s okay to ask for help. Luckily one of my co-workers is doing the same masters program as me and we are able to bounce ideas off one another. I also have followed a few social media pages for people doing the same masters degree to have even more support. Having a supportive spouse certainly helps as well! It's impossible to do everything alone, and my support system is what keeps me grounded and focused.

4. Self-Care and Rest

Finding time for self-care can be tricky, but I’ve come to realize it’s essential. Whether it’s watching my favorite show, enjoying a quiet cup of coffee, or simply breathing deeply for a few minutes, I make an effort to care for myself so I can continue showing up fully for my kids, my businesses, and my studies.

5. Remembering My “Why”

On the toughest days, when I feel stretched too thin, I remind myself why I’m pursuing my master’s degree: to grow as an educator, to provide more for my family, and to continue building a life around the things I love. Building something for my children to have once I am gone is also important to me. Keeping my “why” in focus helps me push through when it gets challenging.

6. Celebrating Small Wins

Progress can be slow, but every paper turned in, every henna design completed, and every small moment with my kids is a win in my book. Celebrating those small victories keeps me motivated and reminds me of how far I’ve come.

If you’re also balancing multiple responsibilities while working toward a big goal, know that it’s possible! It might be challenging, but with the right mindset, a solid support system, and a little patience, you can make it happen.

Here’s to achieving our goals and thriving in every role we take on!