Is it worth me going back into education?

[HappyGoGoLucky]

Sorry I might be rambling on but I just had a long, hard think to myself all day today and I am thinking about how can I do better in my life and what I can do to move forward.

One thing I will say is I am an utter failure and I give up too easily. I have passed various qualifications, but I've failed important ones like my GCSEs 10 years ago, because I was too busy having fun and getting drunk

I went to college and got qualifications up to a level 2 and that's it. I did an access course and went to uni and did a degree that I had no desire to do. I just did it because I wanted to prove to myself I can... turns out I can't! Because it was not my passion and it wasn't what I wanted to do.

The only thing that I would love to do career-wise is work in computers/IT departments. I enjoy working with computers and I would love to build a computer one day and just working on them in general (I'm sure you get what I mean!)

Problem is, I have to spend almost £2000 for a HND to do a "top up" course as I have no relevant experience or qualifications, and then work towards a degree in Computing. I feel like I want to do this and getting a fire in my belly - but do you think I should risk it? Seeing as I am already a massive failure, in a job and cleaning for the minimum wage.

I am almost 30 and just thinking... is it really too late? Can a person who has failed twice before, do it all over again?

I forgot to mention, I failed my degree so I only came out with a DipHE for passing 2 years. I failed the last year as I just no longer had the motivation or desire to do it.

If at first you don't succeed try, try and try again?

What was your first degree in?

And is it not possible to try to gain some experience in the area you're interested in? Any academic applications would be more impressive if you can show you've made an effort to get involved in computing/IT already.

Computing is one of those fields where they care more about your skills than your qualifications. I wouldn’t spend money on another degree - it would cost thousands! And it sounds like half of the stuff you’d cover (programming and writing essays and building databases etc) isn’t relevant to the hands-on building and fixing work you enjoy. Get some basic skills and look for an apprenticeship or a job where you can learn as you go. You really don’t need much experience to get a job as an IT support technician.

Go for it. I started it's the OU a couple of years back and it really peaked my confidence (I already are a degree as was doing it as a hobby I suppose). I found doing something I was interested in really helped me a lot.

30 is definitely not too late.
I’m a decade older than you and have just started a 3 year degree to qualify in a subject I am passionate about.
It is going to cost me about £18k in total. I got a student loan and will only start to pay it back, at a manageable rate, once I am earning over a certain threshold.
I think it makes the world of difference if you are really interested in the subject and really want to do it. Plus, ime, there is a lot more support at uni now for students. They throw a lot of resources at student services which include support and help if you’re struggling because they don’t want people to fail - it looks bad for their results!
Best of luck with whatever you decide op.

Have you looked into funding? I got an advanced learner loan from my local authority to fund a course I needed to change career after having my children. It's not too late, I was 35 when I started the course and now working full time in a job I love. Go for it!

Thank you everyone so far for your replies! Really helpful.

@QuaterMiss my first degree is in social science... not something I ever wanted to do anyway! I stupidly regret wasting tuition and time doing it but that's all my life is about - regrets :( I would do an apprenticeship but it requires more qualifications, plus it is aimed at younger people who have just come out of school. I've already looked for them and researched their job description and requirements.

@MrJellyBean I have unfortunately used up advanced learner loan on a course :( plus I have used 2 years worth of student finance, so I highly doubt I am going to be eligible for that! Thank you though. Very much appreciated :)

Being nearly 30 means you have more than 30 years of working life ahead of you.

Apprenticeships don't "require" more training (though they may have entry criteria); they are the training. Apprenticeships are not just for young people either but employers do like to employ 16-18 year old because then the apprenticeship training is free. For apprentices aged 19+ the government pays 90% of the training and the employer pays 10%.

Also apprenticeships aren't only for new staff; existing staff can do them. So you could get a job then twist your employer's arm to start an apprenticeship.

Do have a look at the vacancies:
www.gov.uk/apply-apprenticeship

For advanced learner loans, it depends what you have had the loan for in the past. You might still be eligible. (Student finance for degrees doesn't count against ALL eligibility.)

Have you tried getting careers advice?
nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk