I have and am currently going through what you are preparing for.
I work full time and my boys were home from 730am - 6pm. I ended up having to confine them in my kitchen due to behavioral problems. They are doing great now though and very well adjusted. It did take a little bit though. I highly recommend and indoor pen where Tobey cannot get at your walls while he is alone. My boys ate holes in my walls, and the bottom of my cabinets and my baseboards are chewed up.
Last January I made the decision to go back to school. I did online classes last semester but this semester I go to the school. I am gone mondays & wednesdays from 730am - 915pm. I hate it, its awful, but its temporary. Soon when its over I will again have all the time in the world for my boys.
I'd say just leave Tobey be the way he is and lavish him when you get home from school, don't forget that walk even if you are tired and a treat. I'm sure he'll be fine if it's only 4 months more! Good Luck girl, its hard but I heard its all worth it!
