Anyone else done an Nhs degree in their 30's? Did you find it hard?

[Toohotcats]

Had an interview earlier in the year for Occupational Therapy Bsc.. Didn't expect to get a place as my interview went terribly but I've been offered a place .... I just feel so nervous! I have a previous degree which I did in my early 20's, which I loved. But to be honest everything seemed so much easier then. I'm still young-ish (31) but I'm just so worried about not being able to handle the workload, (and placements) I'd feel guilty and stupid if I turned the offer down !! I suppose my main worry is that I feel "pressured" to make a decision about having children now, and if I spend the next 3 years on a degree, then I'll be 34 when I finish.. And if I want to spend a few years working after that....?
I'm quite "comfortable" in my admin job currently, but I don't "enjoy" it, and can't imagine spending the rest of my life doing it.. Actually feel like I'm having some sort of crisis... :-/

[FadedRed]

A friend of mine did OT degree in her forties, she had 4DC's at senior school at the time. No previous degree or even A levels prior to Access course. Very hard work but with support she succeeded.
You will regret not trying, IMO.
Best of luck.

[sphinxster]

I did a speech and language therapy degree and graduated at 33. I found that going back to uni at a more mature age gave me more focus and less distractions etc. I'be got a couple of years experience under my belt and am now pregnant with my first child.

Do it, accept the place. Good luck. ????

[KateSpade]

TooHot do you mind asking how your funding this degree?/if this is your second student finance loan, as I thought you couldn't get student finance for the same course type twice?

[Anniesaunt]

I've just finished a nursing degree. I'm 38, have 2 children and had to work throughout to pay my bills (against uni advice). It was hard going due to putting in 60- 80 hours a week between placement and work with study on top. My house work has suffered to the point I fear visitors (this week's big job) but I did do it. A few of my classmates were of a similar age.

With OT I doubt you'd fact the same shift work problem that nursing has so a bonus there. Your first assignment will probably feel the worst because you're out if the way of doing it but it comes back. Make use of your tutors, learning support and all other resources your uni offers.

Ask yourself this: if you don't do it will you always wonder what if?

[SmillasSenseOfSnow]

I'm studying a degree that would be partially funded by the NHS were I in the UK. I turned 27 shortly after starting and will turn 33 shortly after finishing. The idea of having a job that I will enjoy (at least as much as most other jobs) and that will be pretty secure and pay quite well is absolutely the biggest thing for me. No regrets about the plan. It's taken me a full semester to get back into the groove, but that might be mostly due to it being in another language, which has been quite a source of stress on top of studying again.

I don't currently plan to have children but know I could easily change my mind by the time I finish. My mum had kids at age 34 and 42 though, so I'm not overly worried about fertility issues should I choose to have kids later.