By Alina Prylipko.
Alina holds an LLM in International Law and an MSc in Maritime Education and Training. She is currently enrolled in a PhD program at the World Maritime University (Malmö, Sweden). Her expertise lies in the areas of international maritime law, maritime labour and social governance, and sustainable maritime development. Alina’s current research is dedicated to the social pillar of sustainable development, stakeholders’ relationships, and the role of seafarers in transitioning towards a more sustainable shipping industry.
Alina is a working mother, and her husband is an ex-seafarer, which allows her to appreciate the wider social context of a maritime career and lifestyle, as well as the challenges faced by students in professional education. She teaches BSc and MSc in Sustainable Maritime Operations at MLA College.
When we think of action-packed movies, we often picture male protagonists saving the world from a disaster. But in real life, the real heroes are often women, especially those working in the maritime industry. Whether it’s shipping, logistics, or education, this field is intense, knowledge-driven, and rapidly evolving. Despite these challenges, women in maritime excel at balancing demanding careers, family responsibilities, and even further studies.
In my experience as someone who works with distance learning, I’ve been particularly inspired by the commitment of students who juggle degrees alongside their careers and personal lives. As a mother of two young children (aged 10 and 2), with a husband who until recently worked at sea, I can relate to the challenges they face. Adding to that, being an expat with no local support network, I naively embarked on a PhD. Reflecting on my journey, I’d like to share some lessons I’ve learned along the way.
Balancing It All: When the Impossible is Achievable
When life felt overwhelming a few years ago, I sought advice from experienced professors. Their honest response? “I don’t know”. But when I turned to a woman for advice, I got something entirely different: empathetic support and practical tips.
For example, when my husband was at sea and I had to attend a conference or event without childcare, I refused to give up. I found creative solutions: leaving my children with friends, hiring nannies locally or abroad, and even bringing nannies to conferences with me. I breastfed during two conferences and brought my infant to an event at just three months old. Though I felt guilty at times, I was overwhelmed by the support I received from colleagues who welcomed my little one at dinners and meetings. These strategies were inspired by my own Master’s thesis supervisor – a woman who showed me that success sometimes requires thinking outside the box and accepting help when it’s offered.
Lessons Learned: Practical Advice for Balancing Work, Family, and Studies
To those in a similar situation, here’s my honest advice:
Avoid putting too much on your plate. If possible, reduce your work commitments and perhaps even hours. Do not feel pressured to progress at a speed of someone else. Build a strong support network and make some agreements at home before taking on additional commitments. As Michele Obama once said, “You can have it all, but not at the same time”.
Things will get difficult – there’s no avoiding it. Whether it’s childcare arrangements, deadlines, or work emergencies, anticipate obstacles and plan to stay prepared.
Inspiration is important and can help a lot, but discipline will carry you through. Even when you don’t feel motivated, start working. Often, your focus and energy will increase after 10–15 minutes of effort.
Work and study in areas that you find rewarding and seek environments that offer support. It’s far easier to thrive when you’re aligned with your passions and surrounded by understanding people.
Recognise how you work best and leverage that to your advantage. For example, I struggled to switch between managerial tasks and the deep focus required for academic reading. Understanding these challenges helped me organise my time better.
Supporting Others: A Mission Worth Pursuing
In my role at MLA College, I am dedicated to ensuring our programmes provide the flexibility and support students need to thrive. My mission is to be an academic ally – someone who understands the challenges of balancing life’s many demands. To all the women striving to achieve the impossible in their personal and professional lives, remember this: with the right mindset and support, you’re capable of extraordinary things.
