Written by Clayton Cameron
When people hear that I’m studying a Bachelor of Viticulture while working full-time and raising a young family, the first question is usually ‘How do you find the time?’ The honest answer is that there never seems to be enough of it.
Like many mature-age students, I don’t have the luxury of treating university as my full-time job. My days revolve around work, family and making the most of the small windows of time in between.
Protecting family time is one of my biggest priorities, which means much of my study happens early in the morning or after everyone has gone to bed.
My alarm goes off early so I can fit in a gym session before work. Those quiet mornings are not only important for my health but also give me time to clear my mind and prepare for the day.
After work, my focus shifts to my partner and our two young boys. Whether it’s helping with dinner, playing together or getting them ready for bed, those are moments I don’t want to miss.
Once the house is quiet, the laptop comes back out. Many nights, I study after the kids are asleep. Other mornings, I’ll wake up early to read lecture notes or prepare for an assessment. It isn’t always easy, and there are certainly days when I’m tired, but those quiet hours allow me to keep progressing without sacrificing valuable family time.
Working in viticulture has taught me that planning and adaptability are essential, and the same applies to university and family life. Some weeks everything goes according to plan. Other weeks, a sick child, unexpected overtime or family commitments mean study has to take a back seat. I’ve learned to adjust, prioritise what matters most and keep moving forward.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that success isn’t achieved alone. The support of my family makes a huge difference, particularly during busy periods with assignments and exams. That support reminds me why I’m studying in the first place: to create more opportunities for my family’s future.
Studying while working full-time has also taught me to value my time. Instead of waiting for large blocks of free time that rarely appear, I’ve learned to make the most of short periods. Even thirty focused minutes can help me make meaningful progress.
For anyone considering university later in life, my advice is simple: don’t wait for the perfect time. It probably won’t come. Balancing family, work and study isn’t easy, but it is teaching me resilience, discipline and perseverance while helping me build a better future for my family.
Charlie blog is a SSAF initiative.
