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AIBU?

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Original poster

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

36 replies

Lottie2267 · 07/06/2023 08:01

Im in my thirties and doing well in my job but I hate it and don’t enjoy the field I work in. DH and I have tried for a baby, multiple losses later we have decided that we won’t be trying any more. Therefore, I feel like now is the time for me to go after my dreams instead? I always thought I would grow up and have kids and I never really thought about my career. I would love to do a degree in dietetics but this would be a 4 year course as I would need to a foundation year first. I think financially we could just about manager although it would be a struggle. The uni is also an hours drive away, maybe we could move slightly closer if this is something I do decide to do. Am I being ridiculous or do you think I should go for it? Be brutally honest. Thank you xx

OP posts:
RoxyMuzak · 07/06/2023 08:51

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.

Original poster
Lottie2267 · 07/06/2023 08:50

Thank you all so much for your replies, sorry I can’t respond to all but very much appreciated!

@Toomuchmarking that’s great to know, thanks very much!

@drpet49 I have supported my husband for the last 5 years! He bought a house before we got together which has taken 7 years to renovate. In this time, he has moved into my house and I have paid the majority of bills so has been able to afford to renovate his house. We are now married so no longer his / hers. Also I’m not suggesting we move to the uni, just maybe 30 mins closer. He works from home and would actually be moving closer to some friends. His family would still only be a 20 min drive. I have obviously discussed this all with him.

@redskylight the degree is funded by the NHS. I would be a registered dietician once the degree is completed and would then need to commit to working as a registered NHS dietician for two years after. I live in Wales.

OP posts:
RoxyMuzak · 07/06/2023 08:35

I did an OU degree in modern languages from 45 to 52. Could be an alternative to quitting work. I did have to arrange a couple of week long field trips, and there were tutorials to go to, it's probably all done by Zoom these days. I love the letters they send addressed to Ms Roxy Muzak BA. Nobody IRL outside of me and DH know about the BA.

Lastqueenofscotland2 · 07/06/2023 08:31

I did it in my late twenties BUT it wasn’t a struggle and I didn’t have to move.

Elfandwellbeing · 07/06/2023 08:30

Do it ! I’m 40s and managed just fine. 30 ‘s is not too late. If your dh can support you financially then go for it. The hours drive away is more of a concern than the degree.

redskylight · 07/06/2023 08:29

I wouldn't give up my financial independence, so if I wanted to study it would be part time.

What's the long term career plan once you have your degree? Is there any other way to achieve it without getting a degree?

ISeeMisledPeople · 07/06/2023 08:27

You are likely to have thirty working years left.

You have to do what makes you happy.

Go for it!

drpet49 · 07/06/2023 08:27

“I think financially we could just about manager although it would be a struggle. The uni is also an hours drive away, maybe we could move slightly closer if this is something I do decide to do.”

^And what does your husband think of your plan? I wouldn’t be happy to struggle and move away if my husband decided to do a degree.

Blancmangemouse · 07/06/2023 08:24

Not too late, absolutely go for it!

Personally though I would consider spending your money (or at least some of it) on holidays, hobbies, pets or other things that make you happy. 4 years of study sounds like hard, expensive work!

Toomuchmarking · 07/06/2023 08:10

Happy to answer any questions you may have.

Toomuchmarking · 07/06/2023 08:07

As you may be able to tell from my name I work at a university 😀
Do it! I teach many people in their 30's and older. I find them to be more engaged, interested and committed than a lot of younger students who are more interested in the social side. People often sacrifice more to come and want to get the most out of it. I know someone who went back into education in their 30's and loved education so much they now have a PhD and head up a research department. It's not easy but can be so rewarding.