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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think about uni? Especially during covid times?

34 replies

Frazzledmum55 · 15/01/2021 08:40

I’m not particularly happy in my job but the hours work for me so I’m stuck.
I’m not 100% sure what I’d like to do but always go to social work when looking at unis online.
I only have a level 3 childcare qualification currently and I have 2 children. Youngest is 8 but has sen so any kind of full time work is hard because he would struggle with holiday club and they would probably send him home occasionally, they don’t have the same obligation as schools.

So would I be mad to quit work and study for a degree?? How hard is a social work degree? I don’t know if I could actually do it.
Does anybody know how universal credit works with studying?
I’m 33 so not very young but young enough to make a change. The thought of being stuck with no prospects in a job I don’t enjoy forever scares me and I’ll struggle to ever move into a different role or field with no qualifications.
If not a degree then what else can I do?

OP posts:
vanillandhoney · 16/01/2021 09:37

Can you not study part time and and work part time? Yes, it might take you longer to graduate but I'd be really reluctant to quit a job in this environment.

peak2021 · 16/01/2021 09:36

I would not advocate quitting your job. Look at part-time options or the Open University.

Original poster
Frazzledmum55 · 16/01/2021 09:31

The thing I’m most worried about, other than my ability do actually do it, is money.
I have looked into it before and I think it’s be really difficult.
I’d have to claim universal credit, but they count any student loans as income. It’s really hard to get exact figures but obviously I’d need to know that I could pay the rent and cover the bills. 3 years is a long time.

OP posts:
Concernedmother67 · 15/01/2021 22:27

My friend did a social work degree around your age. It was hard but she didn’t regret it. She didn’t work while doing it though.

MaudHatter · 15/01/2021 22:25

You need the answers to these questions before you do anything.

MaudHatter · 15/01/2021 22:23

How much will it cost you to complete a degree ? How much will you earn when you qualify? How long will it take you to pay back your student loans ? How will you pay your bills while you study ?

Pinkchocolate · 15/01/2021 22:19

Do it. I’m was a similar age to you when I did my degree and it was brilliant for me. It’s a great experience and realistically you have a lot more working years ahead of you. Universities tend to be flexible for parents and there were many times I’d have to work around my children.
I’m married so had my husbands income but lived off a student loan which most people are entitled to. Find out about universal credit but the loan is pretty generous in my opinion. You’ll always wonder what if so do it while you can. Also, universities are offering a lot of online learning so not massively Covid effected.

clareykb · 15/01/2021 22:19

Hi, in doing my social work masters with 2 young kids, Ks1 age and I'm mid-late 30s. It is doable, there are bursaries available so essentially I don't earn but my bursary covers my fees. I used to be a teacher so I'm doing tutoring etc alongside to earn a bit extra. I was really nervous to begin withbut am so glad I stated it. Mine is a post grad so I'm not sure about undergraduate but absolutely worth looking in to.

Original poster
Frazzledmum55 · 15/01/2021 22:14

Anyone...?

OP posts:
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