Am I silly for considering this?

[HerRoyalCarbyLess]

This may not be for a while yet, maybe even a couple of years as my mental health is currently in a bad way but I'm considering doing a psychology degree.

I haven't done too much thinking about it, although it is something I've always dreamed of doing.

I'm 28, 3 kids, not currently working due to my significant mental health difficulties.

I'm thinking once I'm recovered I can go on to do a psychology degree, get a PhD.

But I'm worried I'm.too old now. That I've left it too late. Then I think no, because even if Im 45 when I qualify, I'll still have at least 20 years of work left in me. 20 years, doing something I find fascinating.
Surely that's worth it?

[LIZS]

Do you meet entry requirements? Might be worth doing an .access course if you have been out of education for a while. Also can you afford to ?

[HerRoyalCarbyLess]

Funding is something I'd have to look into in more detail, but I meet requirements for the initial BSc, then I would go onto my masters and PhD.

I know it would take a few years, and as I said, it isn't something I can do right away as my main focus has to be getting well and finding a job I can fit around childcare to do in the meantime.
Then I can consider further education.
I was just wondering if it's really silly and should I just give it up, or if people think I should go for it.

[SueEllenMishke]

It's not silly at all. My 48 year old husband has just completed his PhD. I completed mine at 38
However, I will say doing a PhD is one of the most stressful things I've ever done and I only had one child.
What are you hoping to use the PhD for? Are you planning on becoming an academic?

[Reginabambina]

Qualify as what?

[HerRoyalCarbyLess]

I think the PhD would be more for my own interests to be honest. I'd do it as psychology is fascinating to me, so a research project would be right up my street to be honest i also kind of want to call myself doctor although I'm aware that that is a silly reason

I know it will be stressful, and my children are still quite young (11, 6 and 4)
But I love to learn. I don't spend my spare time watching TV or anything. I don't have many hobbies (except buying books. And sometimes reading them. I have about a million books) so I sit at night and I can get so engrossed in something that I will spend hours.doing it, and I know I can remain focused.

[kevintheorangecarrot]

How are you going to fund it? You'd be better off finding work first.

[HerRoyalCarbyLess]

Kevin I literally said in my second post that I need to concentrate on getting well and finding work first.
I even said in my OP that it won't be for a while as I have got other priorities.

[kevintheorangecarrot]

Also you're not too old!

[FaFoutis]

Wait until you are underway with the degree until you decide on further study. A PhD is not for everyone.

[HerRoyalCarbyLess]

FaFoutis
Yeah, I realise that.
It's just an area that really interests me.
Especially the effects of neurodiversity on children.
I'm autistic and I often look at my youngest and wonder how much of his behaviour is learned from me and how much is genuine traits that he is displaying. It's fascinating.

[SueEllenMishke]

I would focus on the undergraduate degree first with a medium to long term goal completing a masters. Then you'll have a good understanding if a PhD is for you. I think it's hard to fully understand that unless you've studied at HE level.
With a PhD you are expected to contribute new knowledge so you need to have a clear understanding what that could be and be able to articulate it in written form but also verbally - my viva was more stressful than any job interview I've had.


When completing your degree and masters make sure you get a good grip of research methodology. I really hated that bit which made the 15,000 words I had write on it a real chore.

[burnoutbabe]

It will be hard. I am doing a second degree at 47 (no kids, just partner) and it takes up most of my time. I assumed i'd have a ton of spare time but nope. Not being on campus means 1 hour commutes each way, often for only 1 hour of tutorial. But i enjoy it as a break from my normal career.

See if you qualify with curent A levels for the courses first. You may need an access course first. Consider whether local Universities are decent or if you'd have to travel/move.

[HerRoyalCarbyLess]

Thank you.
Some good advice, and lots to consider.
At least I know I'm not completely stupid for thinking it's possible!

I'm thinking of volunteering in my local women's centre, working with women and their children after leaving abusive relationships too. (I've already discussed this with them as a possible volunteer position, and even possibly an actual paying job, starting September)
I'm recently out of an abusive relationship, and I feel I have lots to offer in the way of support and helping people to access services they may not be aware of, which is something I would have to work around.

[Careersytype]

Go for it
Perhaps go to a few open days, just to get a feel for unis and courses.
Good luck
😊

[FaFoutis]

Forgot to say - you are not too old at all.
Have a look at the open university, you can start there and see if it suits you.

[BlueLadybird]

You’re not too old and you’re not crazy to consider it.

You ought to look into funding to see how much you would need to save. And also find out if you need evidence of recent study - often you will if your qualifications were a while ago.