Hi,
At a bit of a crossroads and could really do with some help. I'm 29 and I had 1 DD who has just started primary school. I work part time in a crappy minimum wage job. I can't see me ever progressing in my career without a degree. No one would have me, as I only have GCSE's.
I am quite academic, really love studying/reading/learning. I have done quite a few courses "just for fun" but now I want to take my career seriously and see if I can better myself and find a decent paid job eventually.
I'm looking into doing an access to Humanities course next September, then going on to study English Language/Literature and possibly doing a PGCE after it.
Problem with this, is that DP would like to start trying for another child next Autumn (Last child for us, don't want to leave a bigger gap than this as DD is already 5) If it all works out, I would fall pregnant around next Sept/Oct and give birth around the following May/June. Would this work with the access course or should I wait a little longer? This would also mean that I would be taking a year out before I went to Uni, so probably wouldn't be starting Uni until Sept 2016.
My concern with the above is the current Government, i'm worried that they have something planned, more cuts, which will mean I won't be able to go to University as they will withdraw student loans etc.. Does anyone know if i'm worrying unnecessarily or if this is very possible? I'm worried i've missed the boat so to speak.
My other concern is student finance. My DP earns approx £20,000 per year (he is self employed so this actually fluctuates, but he has never earned more than £20,000 and isn't likely too) I earn about £5,200 a year as it stands. I have the option to work from home, self employed once I start my access course/go to Uni but will only earn around £4000/£5000 tops if I go down this road. DP and I have budgeted and I can afford to give up work when I study. We will struggle, but it's do-able. Does anyone know what my best bet is regarding work and also if i'd even be entitled to student loans/finance etc because of my partner's earnings?
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I want to apply for my access course ASAP, but don't know if it's practical?
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Thinking of going to Uni, can anyone who understands the work load/finance aspect of it help?
JingleMum · 15/10/2013 21:10
Hi Jinglemum! I did an access course with a 2 year old, applied to University, got a place, got pregnant again (had the baby between handing in my last assignment - no exams - and getting my result!), deferred for a year and then started my course at University with a 3 and a 1 year old. I got very cheap childcare as a student.
To be honest, although I had to work at night (and sometimes through the night!) when the children were asleep to do my assignments I didn't find it that hard. Most 18-21 year olds spend a lot of time socialising and sleeping! I also found the University environment a lot more family-friendly than work. Used to take my children in for meetings etc if I had to.
If you have worked and are used to meeting deadlines, getting things done and getting up in the morning I doubt you will find the workload too onerous - particularly for a Humanities degree where there will be a lot of reading and writing in your own time. You just need to work smart.
That was a while ago - my 3 and 1 year old are adults now and at University (as am I still!). Having left school at 16, it was the best thing I ever did, gave me a whole new career in a subject I love and worth every lonely night sat at a computer. 
Go for it.
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