Anyone returned to uni in their 40s?

[Boredbear]

For career change. what did you do before/did undergrad in, what did you retrain in and how did it go after?

I have a BSc (graduated at 21). I would love to do an MA but this time it would be purely for my own interest and not connected to a career. I can't justify the cost at the moment but have it in mind to do it in my 50's.

@Boredbear

Congrats *@CandyLeBonBon* What prompted you to undertake this big commitment?

I mucked it up the first time and it was on my bucket list! I figured I'll probably be dead before it needs paying off so I just went for it!

My (single and childless) DSil began a degree with the OU at 40. She took 7 years to complete then had to get her required Maths/English qualifications for teaching. She got into the PGDE at the 2nd try and recently qualified as a Primary Teacher at the age of 51.

She came from nowhere and climbed a long way. We're very proud of her.

I love this thread. The stories on here are absolutely brilliant.

I'm definitely interested in going back but I'd be 42 at a minimum.

Also really enjoying this. I’m looking at doing something in the next year or so. And I swing between HR type stuff (related to previous work -sort of) or psychology or public health! I know , all a bit varied and money is the main issue. I’d like something that could lead to work that’s home based due to caring commitments but don’t know if I’m kidding myself that I’ve got the time! I’m 41 and have a degree in something more education based but definitely don’t want to do teaching - well possibly adults but not children.

Did a BSc (Computing) in my early 20s, looking at an MA in an unrelated field (healthcare related) followed by PhD. Looking at doing the MA via the OU as will fit with my current lifestyle and disabilities.

My career skills, although I've been unable to work for coming up to 15 years, is in Senior IT/Web Tech and music production, so it's a big about switch in my early 40s, but when I look at the last 10 years and ask myself what I've done with my time the cupboard is bare. Mainly down to disabilities but still feel I could've done more. Part is I have an enhanced fear of failure and so tend to self-sabotage to avoid putting myself in such a situation.

But I'm looking forward to it, just need to dot the i's and cross the t's with the OU in the NY, so to speak :)

@Boredbear My Foundation Degree was in early years and my undergrad is Education Studies. I wanted a more pastoral involvement in education, PGCE horrified me tbh. There aren’t enough job opportunities/decent salaries in pastoral roles so social work it is. The team at uni seem fab, I’m really excited to get started.

I started a degree in Business this year, I will finish when I am 54 (it's a 6 year p/t degree via OU).

It's purely for my own interest and won't affect my job in any way.

I was mostly inspired by DC1 going to uni this year and seeing how easy it was to choose a course! I am very much enjoying it, the tutor is great and the feedback helps a lot.

I would say to anyone interested, go for it, I know that when I finish finally I will feel such a sense of achievement.

@Boredbear Yes!

So many achievements here. I always took my undergrad days for granted and am under no illusion it is harder but also different as a mature student. Thank you for sharing.

@whippersnappersteve I know what you mean by self sabotage... you've come a long way and done really well, also @daveminion look at what you have achieved, totally owning your ADHD. Is that in

@corhona your son will be so proud, you can exchange notes about uni!

@bralessandfree thanks.. that is a helpful way to think about it, what gets you fired up in conversations. I always think of passions as "anything I do outside work and looking after family" so feel I have none! I suppose I am quite academic, curious, I like to explore and solve problems, strategize solutions.

@mortigua I keep umming and arhing about HR type courses knowing that HR is more practical (as I want a career change) but after the interesting theoretical parts I'd have to find a job later (in a recession, as a 40something, no less). For you, have you thought about HR then L&D?

Sorry daveminion look who has ADHD here... I meant to ask is that operating theatres as in hospital surgeries?

Mature students are very welcome on our postgrad allied health programme. Life experience means they bring a rounded view to things and tend to be willing to share ideas and ask questions in class. If you find something you’re interested in, I’m sure your application would be welcomed and you’d be an asset to the programme and whatever profession you choose.

Yes that’s my concern with HR too, it would be a career change for me even though a logical one and I’m just not sure enough with how things are now. L and D is an interesting one and fits with previous stuff I’ve done too, thanks I will look more into that. I feel like I want something definite to move into but those things don’t seem to fit with what my interests if that makes sense! Also think confidence is a huge factor for me these days, the thought of being assessed etc in person in something new is scary so I’m sure that’s clouding my decision making!

Not quite going back to uni but I had 7 years at home with the DC having had a City career first. I got a p/t job in HR and after two years they sponsored me to do a PGDip in HRM. I did not have a first degree but was accepted on the basis of experience. I was 45 when I started and did an afternoon and evening at college with the 25 year olds (some were 30s but not many). I had to make up my hours and did it around two dc. It was pretty tough. I did a masters the year after building on my extended essay.

Now an HR Director in a quasi public sector organisation. Love it.

@rosesandhellebores that's very inspirational for me.. was it hard getting that first PT HR job or did your previous city role already entail some aspects of it?

I started at the very bottom again @Skylor - 18 hours a week for £7.5k! There were 11 applicants for the part-time role and 55 for the full-time role. I had got my foot in the door by doing some hourly paid exam invigilating. I think my "customer/client is king" approach got me through the interview and I knew there would be a test and reckoned it would involve a mail merge so practiced that beforehand.

Once in the job I think my previous experience was helpful in that I worked fast and logically and built good relationships. The other thing about HR is that today the metrics are as important as the often imagined fluffy people skills. Previous experience in a dog eat dog environment was invaluable.

I’m off to Uni this year (in my early 40s). Doing a BSC in Occupational Therapy and cannot wait. I’m leaving my career in HR.

I'm planning a FT undergraduate degree to start in 2022, which means an Access to HE course starting in September. I should graduate when I'm 55 . But, I messed around first time around (was too young, doing the wrong course) and then went straight into marriage and babies. But, it means this is now time for me, to do what I want, and I'm really excited.

Re work, I have a very flexible part-time job which I'll be carrying on with, plus I should get some maintenance loan, and I'll be living in a cheaper part of the country, so should be OK for money.

@BananaPop2020 hi!! PO here too!! Hope you managed to get a break from the craziness

@wizzywig Hello, great to hear from you 🙂🙂🙂

In terms of work, sadly not, I am still working like a machine from the kitchen table. Are you NPS or CRC?

@BananaPop2020 NPS. And yes, working like I'm the Terminator!!

@wizzywig I am NPS too! I find Mumsnet absolutely fascinating for the cross section of views, but God, some people are clueless about the Criminal Justice System!