To ask if you still don't know what to be 'when you grow up'?

[MissPunnyMany]

I did the same job for several years before becoming a mum. I left school after the first year of A-levels through personal circumstances, got a job, and sort of climbed up in that job. But actually it's a poorly paid, overly stressful job that sounds good on paper but has no prospects unless you train up in the profession (which I didn't want to do).

I'm a SAHM right now and do not want to return to my previous work. But I have no degree. I'm 30. In 18 months my youngest starts school.

AIBU to feel fairly anxious about what to do at that point or have others left jobs with no intention to return to that field and then feel a bit lost?

I'm both academic and creative, I'd either want to study psychology with a view to who-knows-what or run a creative business farting about with fabric, wool, glass and all sorts all day

I feel a bit lost!

Anyone been there and got through it? If I work til I'm 65 that's another 35 years, a few of which I could study. Has anyone done that?

[yomellamoHelly]

Me.
Actually changed direction 5 years before eldest came along (and rather enjoyed that), but haven't got the energy to keep on doing it (v physical work) and look after the kids.
Just want something with no stress that I can pick up and put down for a job. Not terribly bothered about what it is. Just want to interact with some people outside of my usual circles. Walking cliche me!

[Snozwanger]

I don't have any answers but am in the same boat as you. I'm creative but after quitting my art degree (stupidly) I ended up in an office job for 15 years. I'm 35 and wondering what I'm going to do when my son starts school. He's 2.5 now.

[MissPunnyMany]

You sound like me snoz

[peoplepleaser70]

All I'll say is it's never too late to start again. My friend at work had 2 going kids, decided she wanted to pursue a career in midwifery. She bloody did it, studied so hard whilst working part time and being a mum to 2 and now has never looked back.

[Toddzoid]

Yeah, that's me. I'm going to do an access course in September with a view to uni but I don't actually know what I want to do at uni yet and need to decide pronto! I wanted to be a secondary school history teacher but with the way the Tories are treating the education system I'm really not sure about that, especially considering my former history teacher who is one of the most dedicated teachers I ever met is considering leaving the job!

People keep asking what my passions are. I like history a lot but can't think what else to do with that other than teach. My friend has a history degree which is pointless because he doesn't want to go back and do a teaching degree... Don't want to be stuck with a teaching degree!

I've just done jobs I hate since leaving school and I had young DC with exH working FT for a few years too. Absolutely clueless. I'm into philosophy, philosopher ? Ha.

I think it's fairly normal. I'm endlessly envious of people who just know what they want to be or do from a young age like my other friend that's a police officer. Sucks.

[Toddzoid]

*stuck with a pointless degree that should have read

[MrsSpecter]

Toddzoid i feel the same as you. I did an access course last year and did very well, got onto my first choice uni course and then had to leave as it was just too much for me. I know i want to study further and get a degree but i know (through experience) i cant commit to full time uni. I dont know what to do. I dont want to commit to another degree (distance learning) without actually knowing what i want to do and where i want to go. I feel lost. I thought if i just worked for a while the answers would just come to me but they havent and my access certificate has a 5 year expiry date. I've 4 years left.

[honeymom]

I'm currently at uni after having a complete change of career.

I absolutely love it. I am social sec of the mature students societ and their are plenty of other mature students. The only thing I will say is it's a big commitment and you really need to view it as a full time job. All the mums I know that have struggled look at their limited timetable and assume that's all the childcare they need. It really is way more than just attending lectures.

I have full time childcare and a cleaner. Some other mature student mums have got a au pair as they can afford and have the room.

I easily put in 50 hours a week. But I'm doing biomedicine. Which is pretty intensive.

I'm 35 so I'm bias in saying it's not too late. And I'm certainly far from the average age of mature students. It just so varied.

I would say be careful with what you pick. There are a lot of degrees that won't nessercarily get you in the direction that you want. But universities are really good at career stuff.

This website is also great for ideas of where a degree may take you www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/what-can-i-do-with-my-degree/history

[MissPunnyMany]

That's really helpful honeymoon

I did do an OU access course and the first year of a degree (with 4 or 5 to go) but then realised I didn't want to teach so took a break, and never went back to study.