Sebastian Wilkins had more or less given up on the idea of studying. For many years, he had neither the time nor the energy to combine education with work and family life. It was his partner who made him see that the opportunity was still there.
– She could see that I wasn't happy with where my career was heading. Once she helped me feel confident that education was something I really wanted, it became a question of when and how, says Sebastian.
The answer was online studies in Digital Assurance and Security Management at Noroff University College.
Found flexibility in online studies
Sebastian already had experience with cyber security and risk management, and he had fallen in love with the field. But it was difficult to get a job in cyber security in Norway without a formal education. Colleagues and contacts in the industry therefore recommended that he look into online studies.
He chose Noroff after a warm recommendation from a friend who had studied there himself.
– He had a lot of good things to say about both the teachers and the learning methods. We've known each other for a long time, and he had a feeling it would suit me perfectly. He was right, says Sebastian.
It takes planning
A normal week requires careful planning. Sebastian and his partner use a shared calendar to coordinate work, studies, family activities and any changes that come up along the way.
Good communication with his teachers and employer is also important, especially during periods with a lot of shift work or approaching deadlines.
– It's all about planning and making a lot of compromises when it comes to free time and downtime. You should see my calendar! Sebastian emphasises.
Studying alongside a full-time job and family life means he sometimes has to say no to spontaneous plans with friends. There are also fewer date nights with his partner and less time with the kids than he would like. The fact that the boys are now teenagers does make things at home a little less time-consuming.
– They think we adults are lame anyway, he says with a smile.
– I couldn't have done it without her
Sebastian is clear that his partner's support has been crucial, both practically and emotionally.
– I'm good at school, and I'm good at my job. But I couldn't have done both at this level without her. She sacrifices a lot of her free time so that I can get through my studies.
Although it can be demanding at times, it's not as bad as he expected.
– I was prepared for more stress and a feeling of not being able to manage it. I was ready for a fight when I started. So it's been great to discover that it's actually going fine, says Sebastian.
To others thinking about studying alongside work and family, he has one clear piece of advice:
– Be honest with yourself. If this is something you really want, a lot is possible. At the same time, good communication with your partner, children and employer is absolutely essential, he says.
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