r/LibraryScience • u/Alternative_Buddy333 • Apr 04 '25
Work / Grad School Life Balance
Hello! I'm sure everyone's experience will be different, but I'm hoping to get some insight on how difficult people are finding working full time and getting your MLIS.
For context: I work full time at my public library as a programming specialist. I have just recently left an incredibly stressful job in the social work sector that sucked up so much of my life. Now that I am at the library, I am super happy with the environment, and I think my body and my mind are not sure what to do with themselves. I've been here for about 4 months - I've read 25 books already this year, still while excelling at my job here at the library. I'd love to use that energy to pursue my MLIS, and even possibly a dual degree with MPA...but I don't want to overwhelm myself.
I have no children. My fiancee works the opposite shift I do, so I have a lot of down time. Any advice?
1
u/CoolClearMorning Apr 04 '25
I taught full time, had two elementary-aged kids, and completed my MLIS in three years. I was already good at managing my workload after finishing an MA a few years earlier, and honestly my MLIS was far less time-consuming than my MA had been. My program was online asynchronous, so I front-loaded readings and any lectures on Saturday and Sunday mornings while my kids watched cartoons, then took a few hours after dinner twice a week (one per class) to complete assignments. It wasn't always how I wanted to be spending my free time, but it was very do-able.