To put off going to university for another year

[Specificbreeze]

I’m planning on doing an MSc (full time) which will greatly improve my employment prospects and earnings. I am single with one DD aged 15 Months. I had intended to wait until she started school, so September 2020 but I’m now wondering if I should start a year earlier, when she starts pre-school.

I currently work two days a week during which she goes to a childminder. The childminder is brilliant, DD loves going there and they do loads of activities. I don’t have any guilt about her going and actually think her life is better for it.

I earn a pittance and have less than £100 a week to spend on food, petrol, clothes, everything except mortgage and bills, so it’s a struggle.

The thought of being able to earn a lot more a year sooner is very tempting, as I sit here worrying about the electricity bill and shoes for DD, but that would mean leaving her for five days a week instead of the two I had intended for her to spend at preschool.

Not sure what to do, spend an extra year having more time with her, but being very poor, or starting the course (and therefore subsequent job and high earnings) a year sooner.

Has anyone else been through a similar situation?

[Specificbreeze]

Bump

[BackforGood]

I would start as soon as you can - have you not thought about a 2018 start?
I am a bit confused about what you mean for your finances though. You say you have £100 after bills ? That sounds a lot to me.
but then I couldn't work out where your finance would come from when you were studying if it is a full time course?

[Specificbreeze]

No, I feel like next year is too soon to spend do much time away from her. I still feel like 2019 is possibly too soon hence my dilemma.

As for finances - yes £100 a week for food, petrol and everything else. I manage mostly but it’s not enough to save anything or for big unexpected expenses like car problems etc. so I do worry.

I would get a student loan once at uni plus there are lots of grants etc for single parents and I’d get Child tax credit and some maintenance from ExDP. I’ve worked out that it would be enough to live on for a year.

So my worry isn’t particularly financial, more the impact on DD (and me!) of being separated from her so much.

[Specificbreeze]

I mean my worry isn’t so much financial once I am at uni, but it very much is until that point!

[notgivingin789]

I would get it over and done with. Do it as soon as you can. Yes, earning more money now is tempting. But think of the long term goal not the short one.

[Jakeyboy1]

Do it. Passed my masters today. Two kids and a job. Yes I have a husband and yes it is hard but you can do it!

[EmiliaAirheart]

Would you need to put her in childcare five days a week? My masters doesn't have anywhere near that level of contact hours, though I guess courses would vary.

[BackforGood]

Well I'd do it from the start of next year then - she'll be 2 and 1/4 when you start if I've read it right (?) - plenty old enough to enjoy days at Nursery or with CMer, safe in the knowledge she'll see you when you pick her up.

[SWtobe]

Get it over and done with whilst she’s young and won’t remember. You may aswell apply for 2018 and just go with the flow. You may be struggling to leave her now but a year is a long time so your mind may change. It’s easier whilst they are young and can be put into nursery