Continuing education for working mothers is often one of the aspirations that are frequently related to interests and career development. Being a married woman in the workforce often correlates with many tasks and responsibilities that have the potential to drain a lot of energy. This condition is quite challenging to navigate, but it doesn't mean it can't be done. With the responsibility of managing household duties and taking care of children, working mothers are often challenged to fulfill their obligations and responsibilities amidst various obstacles and tests.

The development of scientific trends and demands in career development often challenges independent working women to pursue continuous education. This becomes a new responsibility that requires mental readiness and strategies to achieve the expected success and accomplishment. There are many things to prepare for when juggling multiple tasks and roles as a working woman with a family when deciding to continue one's education. Some important things to consider before deciding to pursue further education include:

1. Build Self-Confidence:

   Performing multiple tasks and functions naturally requires mental and physical preparedness. Before deciding to continue one's education, it's essential for a working mother to boost her self-confidence in the decision she's about to make. This decision should be well-thought-out and consider many risks. Decisions should not be made impulsively, especially for frivolous reasons.

2. Build a Support System:

   With many tasks and responsibilities, working mothers planning to pursue education need to build a strong support system. This starts with support from the family, especially one's spouse, as the decision to continue education will affect household duties and child-rearing. This is also related to religious advice, where, in any activity, it is obligatory for a wife to have her husband's permission.

   In addition to support from a spouse, other essential parts of the support system include close family members, if possible, the entire family or some close friends and acquaintances. With a good support system in place, it is expected that when carrying out multiple tasks simultaneously, close individuals will be willing to help and understand the current situation.

3. Support from Leadership and Colleagues:

   Before deciding to continue education, one needs to gain support and guidance from superiors or leaders at the workplace. Although continuing education is a right for civil servants to improve their competence, we still need to consider all regulations governing continuing education for civil servants. The same applies to private sector employees. It's essential to gather as much information as possible about the rules regarding continuing education at the workplace so that the decision made is in line with the rules and ultimately has a positive impact on personal development and the company.

4. Use Technology Wisely:

   In today's digital age, being "tech-savvy" is an absolute requirement for daily life, including supporting the learning process. Do not hesitate to ask questions and learn new things. Make wise use of technology in your learning activities.

5. Maintain Focus:

   With many roles to play, the ability to focus needs to be sharpened at all times because one of the paths to success is focusing on the field one is pursuing. Although women are naturally born multitaskers, when performing many tasks and roles, focus and concentration are required. Journals or schedules can be created to help determine which tasks need to be completed immediately. If necessary, set reminders on your smartphone to manage daily activities. Try to adhere to the schedule you create. This will be beneficial for time management to avoid exhaustion or burnout.

6. Maintain Physical and Mental Health:

   Instead of spending leisure time on activities that are less productive, it's better to use your free time for exercise, rest, and occasionally "me time." Don't force yourself to do activities when your body feels tired because the results will not be optimal. Meet your nutritional needs and balance them with adequate sleep. Lack of sleep can make the body unfit and trigger mental and physical health problems. Some references also mention that drinking coffee or taking vitamin supplements is an alternative solution when juggling multiple tasks simultaneously.

7. Be Realistic:

   If continuing education cannot be pursued within the desired timeframe, there's no need to lose hope and become discouraged. Enhancing knowledge and competence for career advancement and self-actualization can be achieved not only through formal education but also through non-formal education such as courses, seminars, professional training, and more.

So, for working mothers who have the desire to enhance their knowledge and competence, there's no need to hesitate to pursue it because with determination and belief in progress, anything can be achieved.

Author: Ns. Fairus Ali Abdad S.Kep , MARS 

References:

1.   UU nomer 5 tahun 2014 tentang Aparatur Sipil Negara

2.   Vanderbilt. T: Beginners; Panduan Bagi Kita Yang Ingin Belajar Banyak Hal Baru Tanpa Batasan Usia

3.   Utaminingsih. A, 2017, Buku Gender dan Wanita Karier

4.   Buku tentang pengembangan diri