Has anyone gone back to school to get an advanced degree after having kids? Do you recommend it or regret it?

You can try taking one class for now to see how you feel about going back to school, working, and being a mom - that way you won't feel too much pressure because you're not enrolled in a program. I'm currently working full time and have only a few courses left prior to completing my MBA. I just had my baby in Octobe, at which time I took some time off from school. If you decide that you want to pursue the degree, do it slowly and at a pace that's right for you and your family.

Yes I did. In fact, I did it while my husband was deployed to Iraq. I received my Master's in Education from the University of Phoenix online. It took me just under a year (I doubled up on classes a couple of times to move it along a bit faster). I was also working full-time in the non-profit sector. I had several advantages at this time:
1. It was online so I could dictate my schedule
2. I was passionate about what I was learning - this is key!
3. I was able to work my schedule so I could work from home a couple of days a week
4. I had an amazing support system.

The coolest thing is that my husband is now going back to school!!

I had my first daughter half-way through my MBA program. I was working full-time and going to school part-time. Because I was working, I was able at times to do schoolwork at work. I also got tuition reimbursement from my work. Because I finished my MBA, I was able to get a good-paying job at a great organization and that made everything easier in terms of work/life balance. I was even able to work part-time when I started my business, so that made that transition easier as well. If there is something you really want that you will acheive with that degree, it will be worth it. If you wait, it will be that much longer until you finish.

Good luck.

Amy
Working Mom to 3
www.sofiabean.com

Thanks, everyone for such great insight! It's been extremely helpful. I've been thinking about pursuing an MBA for some time now, but have been a bit nervous (and by a bit nervous I mean extremely freaked out) about 1) the costs and 2) the commitment (especially from a time standpoint) 3) giving up a really good job and an income and 4) did I say the costs? For those of you who worked full-time and did school, I bow at your feet. I have a co-worker who just finished her MBA, but her kids are much older than mine -- one of them is already in college. She's the one that inspired me to do it but I'm stressed enough as it is with just the full-time job and the kids, I just couldn't do school too. Fortunately, we can afford for me not to work or work part-time while I do school and clearly that would make the experience alot more enjoyable. But again, reducing my income and paying tuition is daunting.

If anyone else has any advice or would like to share their experience, please keep posting. I need all the moral support I can get! Thanks again!

I am back to college right now with a 2 1/2 year old and a 1 year old. I am working part time and attending college full time and I am a single mom. It gets a little crazy but its worth it. I will have my associates in the fall then I work up to my masters.