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Further education

You'll find discussions about A Levels and universities on our Further Education forum.

Original poster

To retrain as a mum with 2 kids?

40 replies

Sarah9024 · 27/03/2022 08:04

Hi.just that really? I currently earn £1000 pm part time and want a better career, I’m currently in facilities management but with becoming part time the prospects have diminished and since becoming a mum
I have decided I want something different..can anybody recommend any worthwhile degrees which can actually help you get a decent job, just some general advice would be lovely.

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shivbo2014 · 28/03/2022 12:11

@Sarah9024

I read that the OUdegrees aren’t as respected by employers? Is this true?
I don't think that's true. From what I've heard employers are usually impressed you have the motivation to study independently, especially with all of the other commitments you tend to have as an older student. I am using my degree to hopefully go on and do a postgraduate diploma which won't be with the OU. As long as I get the classification required to do the diploma, they don't care what uni I get it from.
Original poster
Sarah9024 · 27/03/2022 16:42

@Mytholmroyd what made you do it? And was it as hard as you thought to get there? How did you earn money and do your degree? Did your partner take control of finances and the kids? Is it a risk if your not married…sorry for all the questions haha

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Original poster
Sarah9024 · 27/03/2022 16:41

Can I ask what you did @Luzina

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Luzina · 27/03/2022 16:39

I retrained at 43. It’s isn’t too late.

Mytholmroyd · 27/03/2022 16:37

Sarah9024 not proud Smile - fortunate to have had a supportive partner, family and fellow students/colleagues and lucky maybe to have got a break. But I see this sort of story all the time.

And there's a big shortage of archaeologists in the UK currently - lots of jobs!

Original poster
Sarah9024 · 27/03/2022 14:01

@Mytholmroyd that is amazing! You must be so proud

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Original poster
Sarah9024 · 27/03/2022 13:33

Love hearing these positive stories!

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Mytholmroyd · 27/03/2022 13:21

I’m also worried that by the time I have finished my maths GCSE I will be 32! I’m worried I’m getting too old

No no no! I left school at 16 and went back to studying at 32 with two pre-schoolers - did an access course at my local college and then a degree, PhD and have been a Professor at a top University for the last 11 years doing something I love but would never have thought of studying when I was 16 (not that I had any choice about leaving school!).

Quite a few of my students at all levels are mature.

Why dont you investigate the prospectuses of various Universities or Further Ed colleges to see what's on offer as it might give you some ideas - as soon as I saw my UG degree in the prospectus I said 'What! You can study that? It's a thing?' I had no idea!

As others have said some careers like accounting can be studied for whilst working. Ditto some good careers in hospitality through day release etc.

Original poster
Sarah9024 · 27/03/2022 13:18

Thank you so much for your all your help! You have really boosted my confidence. Not been on mumsnet very long and I think it is wonderful!

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sweepeep · 27/03/2022 13:07

Do you have any pharmaceuticals companies near you @Sarah9024 they always facilities roles and they pay well with lots of progression. Lean and sigma training would be beneficial too you if you tried for a job in pharma too!!

Original poster
Sarah9024 · 27/03/2022 13:06

Love the idea of being a midwife but I’ve heard so many negatives! Long hours…ticking time bomb for things to wrong for you legally as you are so overworked? Not desirable to me at all

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Original poster
Sarah9024 · 27/03/2022 13:04

I will speak to my manager tomorrow to see what my options are within the company. I have a really good relationship with him so hopefully that will help!

It would be lovely if I could gain qualifications whilst working! So I can do my maths GCSE and by the time my youngest starts school next September I will be more available, so ideal timing really.

I am going to get my maths GCSE regardless

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Northernsoullover · 27/03/2022 13:03

I did an Environmental Health degree. Its opened so many doors.

newbiename · 27/03/2022 13:03

Do you have support with kids ?
If so midwifery could be a good fit but does include shift work.

newbiename · 27/03/2022 13:02

@Sarah9024

I’m also worried that by the time I have finished my maths GCSE I will be 32! I’m worried I’m getting too old
Absolutely not too old. Good luck OP
BluebellsGreenbells · 27/03/2022 13:01

My sister also works for the NHS and she’s now doing a degree via work. Maybe look into ones available through their professional developement scheme?

spotcheck · 27/03/2022 12:59

@FTEngineerM

Most degrees DO need GCSE's ( or at least an equivalent) in math. Entry criteria change all the time, and vary from place to place and degree to degree.

OP
What aspects of your job do you enjoy?
Management? Planning? Budgeting?

Having a pension with one company doesn't mean you have to stay forevermore.

Look at the GoConstruct website. It lists a range of job profiles in the industry, many office based, and with flexible training pathways ( IE apprenticeship, or on the job/ industry quals). You may be interested in project management, asset management, quantity surveying ( Def needs math GCSE though).

Have a search, and it is good that you are prepared to do your GCSE.

In the meantime though, the National Careers Service website links to free courses via the Skills Builder part of the site. You may want to get your level 2 Functional skills in math to start off. It will also open some doors.

wristwrangle · 27/03/2022 12:58

@Sarah9024

I love people and thrive off conversation. I like the planning aspect of it and, I also love training new staff members and giving them advice
Speech and language therapist?!
Original poster
Sarah9024 · 27/03/2022 12:54

I forgot to add I was pharmacy technician before this but the pay was pants!

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Original poster
Sarah9024 · 27/03/2022 12:52

I read that the OUdegrees aren’t as respected by employers? Is this true?

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shivbo2014 · 27/03/2022 12:48

You've got plenty of time to retrain! I'm 38 and have just started a degree with the Open University to change my career.

Original poster
Sarah9024 · 27/03/2022 12:45

I don’t know why but I have become crazily ambitious since becoming a mum. I think the drive to be successful for them is the most drive I have ever had

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Original poster
Sarah9024 · 27/03/2022 12:44

@FTEngineerM what are you planning to do at the end of it? X

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FTEngineerM · 27/03/2022 12:40

If you want to go into HE then the prospects one is good because it links directly to skilled jobs: www.prospects.ac.uk/job-match

As an example if you chose maths degree with the OU the first module (60 credits) is equivalent to a GCSE maths, then it ramps up from there. It depends what you’re going for though; choosing a Physics degree with a brick uni.. yeah probably a good idea to do the GCSE. Figure it out first before spending a year doing it, that’s all I’m saying because it may not be necessary.

Original poster
Sarah9024 · 27/03/2022 12:27

I think I just want somebody to tell
Me that I am not in a bad position at all 😊 feeling slightly deflated lately.

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