How many part-time classes should I start with while still working full-time?

I have taken two graduate classes each semester while working full time for almost two years and have never found it to be a problem. One semester I was able to get both classes on the same night, (I believe they were from 5-7:30 and 7:30-10) and while it makes for one really long day, I felt like I had much more time to myself during the rest of the week.

When I worked full time, I went to grad school at the same time, taking night classes. I got by fine taking 2 classes a semester. But it really depends on what the course work is like. I didn't have to study for tests, but instead had to write papers, which I find to be easier. If you have classes in mind, give the profs a call and ask them what kind of course work and out of class time they expect you to dedicate to the class.

Congratulations on taking the decision to go back to study! I'm doing this right now, and had a similar choice, between "part time" and "full time" - "part time" being 2 nights a week (2 subjects plus a summer class), "full time" being 3-4 nights a week (4 subjects plus a summer class). I chose part time, mainly for financial reasons. It's only been 4 weeks, but I'm already feeling that I made the right decision for me. I've met a fair number of other students on my course, and the other part timers seem to be coping and keeping up and staying sane (and are the ones who are up for going for a coffee after class). Most of the full timers (but not all) are already struggling to find time to do the reading and the problem sets, aren't really keeping up, and seem quite stressed and tired. I'm finding it fairly easy to keep up, I'm not too tired, and I have enough time to do the required study in between classes, while still having time to see friends / go away for weekends (just not quite as much as before). I'm not sure what the difference is between one or two courses for you and how that translates into the time you're required to study outside class, but easing into it gradually sounds like a good approach. Finding a balance between working, studying, and living is always going to be difficult. If you're determined to go for it, can you sign up for two courses and drop one midway through without penalty? Also, are grades important to you? You may be able to cope with 2 courses, but you may get mediocre grades because you're stretching yourself too thin, whereas if you only did 1 course, you may get better grades. It's also worth thinking about the long term implications. When you're 80, will you look back and regret taking an extra year to get your degree? Will you look back and regret losing touch with friends because you didn't have time for a social life?

I work full-time and am currently doing night classes as well. I've found that 2 nights a week is perfect if you want to maintain an out-of-school life. I'm currently doing 3 nights, and it's ok, just make sure you space them out (Mon Wed Fri). I did 5 nights a week + work for a semester and I nearly had a nervous break-down; I don't recommend it.

I'm working and have stuck to 3 classes a week so far although it's been tough sometimes i.e. exam times. Totally depends on the course and the outside work required as stated above though. Some classes I've taken have been such a breeze that I could easily have taken another that semester, some classes have made me wish it was the only thing I had on my plate. I've gone for Monday Tuesday Wednesday classes which then gives me 4 days straight including the weekend to get the homework done. Works better for me as it gives me more time to get my head round it without being interrupted by another class.

Can you sign up for two classes for the first week and then see what your syllabi look like? You sometimes can drop one penalty-free within the first week (just note the dates!). I think the main thing is to make sure you don't burn yourself out. I had a lot of energy at the beginning, so you may be ok to take two at first. Just if you feel you are losing touch with friends, or getting sick more often, listen to yourself and take it slow next semester. (I didn't, and end up taking a semester off because I was tired, and now am slowly getting back into it.)

oh, and if you can manage it save a few personal days for exam week. I always took one or two and it really helped those weeks.

I was taking four classes a week when I started a job that was supposed to be 30ish hours a week and ended up being anywhere from 30 to 50. Like you, I can't take my work home (I'm actually not allowed), so while I had time to do my homework, I pulled a lot of late nights and lost a lot of sleep. In a later semester, I ended up with the class that was finally just too much for me to handle-- obnoxious prof, completely unlisted prereqs, 20 hours of work a week, no feedback, first assignment finally graded and returned halfway through the semester-- and I dropped it. Two or three classes a week turned out to be a lot easier on my sanity, but not appreciably easier on my sleep schedule, depending on the topic. (Film studies, easy. Art classes, not so much.) This semester, I'm working a pretty steady 45 hours per week and doing 15 hours of work every week on my statistics class. It's the only thing I'm taking, I'm doing well, and my productivity on the job isn't suffering. I'm a little stressed, but it's nothing like it was back in 2005 and 2006. If you do give two classes a try, don't be afraid to drop if one of them isn't working for you. You'll have more time to devote to the class that is working out nicely and less stress.

Is travel time driving time, or public transit time? That might make a big difference. That said, I've had no trouble working 40 hours and taking 4 intro courses, or 2 higher level classes (over 3 nights). I have to be very efficient, though: very little social life, studying through my lunch breaks, etc. I was very stressed and exhausted, but far more efficient than when I am not quite so busy. YMMV, especially depending on the exact courses you're taking -- higher level courses are harder to do concurrently, as are less related courses. As other people have suggested, start with two courses, and feel free to drop one. I'd suggest discussing with your employer how you'd like to leave early on days you have midterms and finals (if you do not take vacation days for those days). This will depend slightly on how far you have to go to get to class, but I liked to have one full hour plus standard travel time to the class.