Do I have a chance at becoming successful?

[machupicchuperu]

I got pregnant with my DD in my first year of university. I went back to my second year and things got so difficult in my personal life that could only complete a few modules- even had to retake a few. I haven't managed to complete my degree.

I want to come off benefits and become financially independent, save for our futures and have a fulfilling career.

I have no idea where to start as I would be ineligible to do a college course (did GCSE and a levels). What are my chances of getting on to an apprenticeship? I'm not sure I can afford it financially with a child.

What options are there for someone with a half completed degree and only menial work experience?

Why can’t you do a college course? What sort of course or job would you be interested in?

If you would be interested in studying in a similar field to your previous study, you could use your previous modules as accreditation of prior learning. Most apprenticeships now are taken by adults in the workplace. Even if you got an entry level job, most organisations would be eligible for funding for an aporenticeship.

What are you interested in? What di you want to do?

I started my degree when my kids were 2 and 4 and now I have a professional job that is super challenging, and I enjoy. In my experience, I was more motivated to study as an adult when I was working towards improving life for my family. Even though it was tough managing small children and uni work, I was really focused on the end result

And yes! Of course you do

Something in finance or data analysis- one that requires quantifying something. A job that offers some kind of progression route, the opportunity to gain recognised qualifications and pays well.

I want to steer away from any stereotypical female jobs that are poorly paid like childcare or teaching. I don't really like being around children anyway.

I’d be more concerned with finding out your passion. Life is short and you need to do something you love.
I have no degree or qualification but have had a fantastic career.
There’s so much free stuff online to assist you in delving deeper into who you are.
Once you know - then it’s easy to figure out how to earn money doing what you love.

I was studying psychology, but would rather work towards something vocational. I love the degree at the start and only really the statistics side plus being able to use Excel to a higher level and play around with a bit of coding. The theoretical bit was a bore for the most part.

How old were you when you started?

What did you study and what do you do?

I started my degree when my kids were 2 and 4 and now I have a professional job that is super challenging, and I enjoy

Sorry forgot to paste.

How old were you when you did your degree? How long did it take you?

What do you do now?

There’s so much free stuff online to assist you in delving deeper into who you are

True. There are courses online bit I don't want to feel like I'm wasting my time doing them if employers don't recognise them in the same way as a college course.

Does anyone have any more personal success stories?

I really find them inspirational

@machupicchuperu it took me 4 years to complete my degree (public health science) and I now work as a senior manager in the NHS. 8 years after graduating I was on 50k+ (could earn more in the private sector). Moreover, there's good progression in my role and the work is really varied.

I would second the online course advice, not so much around gaining qualifications but to see what really floats your boat. Check out edx and Coursera. They offer free online learning programmes from world leading institutions (there is an upsell for a certificate, but you don't need this).

If you pick a couple of courses you are interested in it helps you to think widely around subjects that interest you , and will give you something to talk about with prospective employers or at college interviews. This is also a good way of testing your 'staying power' for studying and help you decide whether now is the right time.

@tobermoryisthebestwomble

Thanks

if you are interested in coding, take a Coursera in Python to get started. There are LOTS of coding / data science jobs at the moment, so if you enjoy coding, then it is a great way to build a career. plus it can all be done from home with flexible working.