☕ Finding Balance (Or Trying To): How I Juggle Mum Life, Work, and Study Without Losing My Mind

✨ Introduction

If you’ve ever tried to write an essay while your toddler empties every cupboard in sight — welcome, you’re in the right place!

I’m Rachel, a 24-year-old mum to two little girls, working part-time and studying for my MSc in Digital Marketing. Most days start with a nappy change, a can of Red Bull, and the hope that I’ll manage to get something — anything — done.

This post isn’t about having it all figured out. It’s about how I try (and usually fail) to find some kind of balance between motherhood, work, and study — and what actually helps me stay afloat.

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🧠 Step 1: Redefining “Balance”

Before kids, I thought “balance” meant doing everything perfectly.

Now, it means everyone’s been fed, I’ve sent one email, and nobody’s cried in the last ten minutes (including me).

Perfect balance doesn’t exist. Some days you’ll nail it — others, you’ll just survive. And that’s completely fine.

Let go of the guilt. If the house is messy but your essay’s submitted, that’s a win. If the baby’s watching CBeebies so you can get through work emails, that’s also a win. You’re doing your best — and that’s enough.

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🗂️ Step 2: Plan — But Keep It Real

I’m a sucker for planners and colour-coded lists, but motherhood taught me something big: plans only work if they’re realistic.

Here’s what’s actually worked for me:

✅ Time-blocking: Short 30–45 minute focus bursts.

✅ Nap-time magic: Use it for one high-priority task only.

✅ Weekly resets: Sunday evenings = planning the realistic stuff, not the Pinterest-perfect list.

Try this simple trick:

Must: Feed kids, attend meeting, submit coursework.

Should: Tidy up, reply to messages.

Could: Sort the toy box (probably won’t happen).

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🧃 Step 3: Ask for Help (and Actually Accept It)

This took me ages to learn — asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness.

If someone offers to watch the baby for an hour, say yes. If your partner can take over bedtime so you can study, say yes again.

You don’t get a medal for doing it all alone (but if you did, you’d definitely deserve one).

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🌿 Step 4: Find Small Moments for You

Self-care sounds like a luxury when you’re knee-deep in nappies, but it doesn’t need to be fancy.

Sometimes it’s sitting in silence for ten minutes.

Sometimes it’s watching an episode of something trashy without interruption.

Sometimes it’s enjoying a Red Bull while scrolling TikTok in peace.

You time isn’t selfish — it’s survival.

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💛 Step 5: Remember Why You’re Doing It

When I’m exhausted and wondering why I’m doing all this, I think about my girls.

I want them to see their mum chasing her goals — even when it’s hard, even when the house is a mess. That’s what keeps me going.

If you’re juggling work, study, and motherhood too — you’re doing brilliantly. Even if it doesn’t feel like it.

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☕ Final Thoughts

There’s no secret formula for balance — just what works for you. Some days will be chaos, others will be calm. Both count.

If this post resonated with you, come join the Study.Work.Mum community. We’re all just figuring it out, one caffeine-fuelled day at a time.

💬 Share your own “study, work, mum” tips in the comments — I’d love to hear what’s helping you right now!

Rachel x