University and family: Four parents talk about their university life with a small child

At University of Applied Sciences Burgenland, the compatibility of career, studies, family and parental leave has been more than just a nice-sounding headline for many years. It is a central pillar of the university culture. This can be proven by the reports of those who have made this decision. They are people with the same basic attitude: family is part of a good life and should not be seen as an obstacle.

The reports from Eva, Dominique, Michael P. and Michael R. convey a feeling of confidence, security and a new perspective on life.

Michael Prodinger, university lecturer and father of twins, was in complete agreement with his wife that they should share responsibility for childcare. Both work and earn a similar amount, so the responsibility for the children should be shared as equally as possible. "We really wanted to share childcare as partners and both be actively involved during this intensive initial period," he explains.

University of Applied Sciences Burgenland supported him from the outset, so the decision to go on maternity leave for six months was an obvious one. The parental leave was uncomplicated, his team took on his tasks during his absence and his return to work was warm and smooth. Today he says:

Michael Roither, Head of the degree programme and Vice-Rector for International Affairs at University of Applied Sciences Burgenland, also decided to take parental leave. He wanted to build a close relationship with his two daughters from the outset, share family responsibilities equally and share in as many special moments as possible. He says: "It should be normal for there to be equality in this area too." His experience shows that although a lot has changed, some prejudices remain. Some people reacted with genuine respect, while others dismissed it and commented that he now had "plenty of time". But he knew that these months were a unique experience that he wouldn't have missed for the world.

Dominique Hennekess' story shows that compatibility is crucial for students. Just one week after giving birth, she brought her daughter to her first lecture in her third semester. It was clear to her that she wanted to continue her studies with a child. Instead of taking a break, she spoke openly with her programme director, her lecturers and fellow students. Everyone was willing to help her. "I didn't want to disturb anyone, but I didn't want to take a break either," she says. Her daughter became a silent companion in many lectures and stood for open-minded co-operation. The lecturers were understanding, her colleagues offered their help during exam times and University of Applied Sciences Burgenland provided rooms where she could withdraw. Today Dominique says:

Eva Pusitz, who works in the Rectorate Directorate, understands both worlds: that of the employee and that of the student. During her full-time employment at the Burgenland University of Applied Sciences, she successfully completed her Bachelor's degree in International Business Relations. She then completed her Master's degree in Human Resource Management and Labour Law while on parental leave for her first child.

Her return to work also went smoothly: "I was welcomed back into the team in a very friendly manner, which made my return much easier. I found the opportunity to work from home particularly helpful. This made the transition between family and work much easier for me." During her studies, she realised that planning and openness are extremely important. "Despite the challenges, it was nice to experience that both family and studies can be compatible." The Master's programme with online courses was particularly easy and easy to organise. Today, she appreciates the university above all for its flexible working hours and the friendly team spirit.

These four personal experiences of our students and employees show how different paths can be, but still lead to the same conclusion: Compatibility is possible if structures are flexible and people are willing to approach each other. A family-friendly university not only means offering parent-child rooms and flexible working hours, but also adopting an open attitude that supports families.

Perhaps the most important realisation from these stories is that family and university never get in each other's way. Of course, there are challenges in life. Time and energy are limited, financial factors play a role and social expectations are not always the same. However, with understanding, openness and support, many obstacles can be overcome. When universities and companies create spaces in which mothers and fathers can take parental leave as a matter of course, students can bring their children with them and employees can work flexibly, they promote an environment in which family is seen as an enrichment and not a burden.

Sooner or later, we all take stock of our lives. And sometimes thoughts like: "I wish I had spent more time with my children." Or: "I wish I could have gone to university." Perhaps also: "I wish I hadn't cancelled my studies" or "I wish I'd had more support."

University of Applied Sciences Burgenland cannot save anyone from difficult decisions or missed opportunities, but it can help to ensure that in the end there is a little less "I wish I had...".