How to better yourself when your not academic.

[Donthugmeimscared]

Just that really. How do you do it. I got all c's and d's for my GCSE and was told I was unable to do A levels due to this. So I went on to do an administration course at college. I have since been stuck in very low paid jobs. I have 3 children and was working nights earning about 15k a year which is the highest wage I've had in my life.

I have since split from my ex and I'm now working as a teaching assistant for 11k which at the moment is great for the holidays as it means I can be there for my children but I do worry about the future. I'm sick of having no money left at the end of the month, I have no savings and just worry about later in life.

I have looked at the ou but don't think its for me as I worry I won't be good at that style of learning and I'm not to sure what I would study if I did. I barely even understand what the different qualifications are. So as I said is there anyway I can better our circumstances? I just don't know where to start.

Ok so why not look at vocational qualifications? I work with plenty of people who are studying for a trade in addition to working full time. In their case it’s for a second career after retirement ( since these are guys retiring at around 50 Years) - areas of study include plumbing and heating, electrical engineering, sports physio, massage therapy, photography. Not everything has to be academically orientated and I know that some trades ( like plumbing) are in high demand in some areas. I don’t know what subjects you might be interested in and I would make sure you research salaries etc but I would definitely explore part time vocational courses as a starting point.

Do you have an interest or skill? Hair dressing, cake decorating. painting and decorating, dress making, gardening. Kennels and dog grooming if you have space.