To quit my job and go back to uni in my thirties?

I was looking in this thread to ask the same question! Difference with my circumstances is that I am a single mother to a 16 year old and 4 year old. I currently work in cyber security which I don’t like very much. I’m really here because it’s what I was encouraged to do. But I have always wanted to work in the literary world! I have also published my first children’s book last year and the second one is almost on the way. I’m due to start my degree in October with the OU but I don’t want to do it part time which will take me 6 years! If I could, I would quit work, do it full time so I can get a head start with my dream career! I’m just concerned over the fact that I am the sole person bringing in income. My work is so stressful, I want all my energy in giving my all for uni! What do you guys think? Is there options that can help?

I always tell my 16 year old to follow her dreams but she asked me the other day why I don’t follow mine? Left me gobsmacked lol

Can I just issue a silent plea for the word 'university'? The poor thing has been so chopped off in the last 10 to 20 years.

My dad went to university when he was 50 to do his degree. He loved it and it gave him a new lease of life.
Go for it. You have a long working life and you might as well be doing something you enjoy

Better to do it in your 30s than in your 40s!

Fine. We all have different priorities. The OP didn't mention cats, but you mentioned pets.

For me, an animal is no substitute for a fulfilling education and career.

No, it is the poster who is asking this question suggested to go on holidays, get a pet.

Go for it 😊

'I don’t see where the OP mentioned having a cat?'

Maybe when op said she doesn't enjoy the field she works in, MasterBeth assumed she was working in the field picking up cat shit? 😉

I did this in my late 20s and now teach my subject at university as a senior lecturer. Yes money was tight for three years but the long term gain for an increased salary was definitely worth the three years of being skint.

Yes go for it OP, I'd do it soon though as there's often speculation that the funding of NHS courses in Wales might be ending (which is ridiculous in a recruitment crisis but there we go). You have many years of work left.

It's an absolutely brilliant plan.
I suspect you have a very bright future ahead.
NHS funding is the icing on the cake.
Go for it!
Good Luck.

I'm 39 and just finishing year two of a degree. Definitely say do it, even though mine has been hell at times (nursing...! 😂).

I'd go for it. Time for a new dream

Please see my response to PP.

I don’t see where the OP mentioned having a cat?

I have told the OP to go for it if it’s what she really wants and it isn’t too late.

I am also suggesting to the OP that work isn't the only way to find fulfilment, and forgive me for wondering whether a life working for the NHS and struggling financially (as the OP says they will if she takes this route) may not bring her unbridled joy.

She asked for honesty, and I am saying YES go for it, but also suggesting that she consider all other options too and asks herself some searching questions about what will bring her the fulfillment. There are many positives to a childfree life, besides working more / differently.

It’s very easy to just come on here and say “do it”, I am giving the OP a thoughtful and considered response.

Of course go for it. I did an access course and the age range was approx 20 to 50. The oldest one on the course went on to get a first class degree at the University of Bristol and a brilliant career as a social worker. My husband is retraining as a counsellor at the age of 40. Never too old!

I cannot understand how building a fulfilling, rewarding life for yourself through study and hard work would make you less happy than cleaning up cat shit from your lawn, but each to their own.

I did this at 40, now very happy iny new career earning more than I could have dreamed about in my last career. Do it 😁

I've never looked back.

Go for it. I am retraining at the age of 48 and wish I had done it ten years ago. It's great!

Also, good holidays are not fleeting - they bring memories and experiences that last a lifetime!

I don’t think I missed the point at all. And I told her she is not too old and to absolutely go for it!

I also shared my own, personal, perspective on what I would do. As somebody who went back to university myself for 4 years of postgraduate study and made a complete career change on the back of this, I have realised that while I do prefer my current job, it is far from perfect and there are different things that stress me out quite a lot. Plus I approached burnout from the all the studying and am now too broke to do many of the things I mentioned in my previous thread. In hindsight, dropping the mindset of ‘the right job will bring me happiness’ and instead pouring my energy into life outside of the workplace would have saved me rather a lot of time and money.

All personal anecdote of course, which is why I didn’t put all of this down in the first place. But just because I offer an alternative perspective doesn’t mean I miss the point!

Completely misses the point.
Holidays etc are fleeting, OPs looking for meaningful career and intellectual development.
I used to teach adults in FE, heading for uni. 30s is quite young for mature student. Go for it OP. Note you might not need to move...probably only in uni a few days a week.

Do it! You’ve had your original plans for the future taken out of your control, it sounds like the perfect time to reassess and take charge of what that new version of your future is. Good luck to you!

Go for it. I qualified at the age of 31.

You do you. You only live once, I'd go for it!