Meet Kristín, a marketing leader from Reykjavík, Iceland, who is learning how to balance a full-time job, parenting three daughters, and studying for her Master’s in Digital Management – all at the same time.
format_quoteSome weeks flow and others fall apart. I work full time, spend my evenings with the kids, then switch gears at night to do coursework and group projects. It’s intense and sometimes messy, but it’s also been surprisingly energising and enriching
For Kristín, the decision to join Hyper Island’s part-time, online program was driven by a desire for change. Having built a successful career leading the marketing team at EFLA, Iceland’s largest engineering firm, she was ready to challenge herself in new ways.
“I craved something more creative and complex. I wanted a program that could challenge how I think and open up new paths,” she explains. “Hyper Island stood out immediately because of its practical, human-centered approach and its flexibility. I could study without leaving home.”
Balancing work, parenting, studies – and even a side job she took on during the program – requires a daily commitment to flexibility and self-compassion.
“I try to take things one day at a time. Planning too far ahead can feel overwhelming,” she says. “And when I’ve fallen behind or hit a wall, my crew has always been there to lift things up. It’s remarkable how we have always managed to pull things off!”
format_quote“I’ve studied abroad before but couldn’t do it again with three kids at home.”
One of the most valuable parts of the Hyper Island experience for Kristín has been the global, collaborative format, with live online sessions that allow her to connect deeply with people from all over the world – all from the comfort of her own home.
And while she’s discovered that she can handle more than she thought possible, she’s also learned to ask for help and let go of perfection.
“None of this would be doable without support from those around me, especially my husband. He and my daughters have been incredibly understanding and supportive,” Kristín shares.
Juggling work, life, parenting, and studies isn’t a walk in the park – it demands hard work and adaptability. It’s a challenge that can be intense and sometimes messy, but it’s also enriching and surprisingly energising.
For other parents and working professionals considering taking on this kind of challenge, Kristín has some practical advice:
“Don’t wait for a perfect time. It won’t come. Choose a program that excites you, because that excitement will carry you through the exhausting moments. Be kind to yourself, ask for support, and remember that progress is still progress, even if it’s slower or messier than you imagined.”
Looking back and reflecting on her journey so far, Kristín says it’s one of the most rewarding choices she’s made.
“I’m proud of how much I’ve grown and how I have stuck with it and showed up for myself,” she says. “But I’m even more grateful for the people I’ve shared it with. My crew is made up of some of the funniest, sharpest, most capable people I’ve ever met. It’s rare to find that kind of energy, support, and brilliance in one place.”
The Digital Management part-time crew during Wrap-up Week.
Kristín’s journey in the Digital Management part-time Master’s program is a testament to resilience and adaptability. It shows that even in a fast-paced, demanding world, it’s possible to balance multiple roles – as a professional, a parent, a partner, and a learner – while still making space for personal growth.
If you’re curious about how you could balance life, work, and study, explore Hyper Island’s Digital Management part-time program or book a call with one of our team members to find out more.
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