I want a career, not just a job!

[IDontWantToAdultToday]

I'm currently working part time in a boring, low paid but safe and secure admin job. I've got a 3 year old son and I'm not planning any more children.

I've been thinking today about how boring my life is at the moment and dreaming about eventually buying a house. With my current wage, this will have to carry on being 'just a dream' as I would never be able to afford it on my wage.

When I left school my goal was to become a midwife. I went to college and dropped out after a year before taking up my current admin position. I've now lost all of my confidence and could never imagine myself being responsible for keeping women and unborn babies safe during labour and delivery...the idea really freaks me out! I've thought about nursing but would love a role in sexual health/family planning but I wouldnt be able to do that without working in hospitals and on wards while I complete uni and wait to find the right position.

I'm just stuck! My partner is happy for me to go back into education although we will have to sort out finances as it will be extremely tight If I'm not earning.

Any suggestions? I want to do this while I'm still young.

Most trusts have a nursing apprenticeship programme. Normally starting as a hca and working your way up. Associate practitioners (band 4) can do alot in hospitals. They have a foundation degree and will at times top that up to a full degree in nursing

Thank you for responding. I'll have a look at my local trust.

So you have: enthusiasm, a supportive partner and financial flexibility?

How, exactly, are you 'stuck'?

I'm just worried about starting uni and completely hating it. I've never really put myself out there. I went from school to college for a year to my current role. I've become too comfortable and lazy in terms of developing my skills. I'm also really shy and dont trust my own decision making which is why I'm questioning whether I'll be good enough to work in health.

You're in such an amazing position to be able to afford to give up work and study. And you have the support from your partner. I'm jealous ! I'd love to be a nurse but it will never happen now.

Maybe you could look for an NHS admin role as a stepping stone/to increase your confidence a bit first?

Thanks for your replies.

I think I'm going to spend some time looking into uni courses, funding, work hours etc... and then make a decision. The end goal is to work within sexual health/ family planning. I feel that sexual health is really important and I'm quite passionate about it as I feel it's so overlooked. It's the getting there which is going to take some serious work on my part. Time to get my big girl pants on I think.

I think I'm going to spend some time looking into uni courses, funding, work hours etc... and then make a decision.

Yes - this is how people usually go about it. None of these steps require 'passion' - just a clear head, organisation, careful administration, determination and optimism.

You will at least be able to get a reference from your work. It may be that you are too far removed from school for past teachers to provide an academic reference - you'll need to ask the places you're applying to.

Hi

Nurse tutor here. Pursue your aspirations. You will be supported at university and not expected to know everything at once. Your knowledge and confidence will develop over time. Good luck.

Look for health card support worker roles in sexual health. I missed out on a role but was offered paid training - I stupidly turned it down and now bitterly regret it. Pursue your dream. Good luck

I knew this was going to be about midwifery before I opened the thread. Don’t do it. I qualified 5 years ago and all the passion and love I had for the role has been destroyed by the working conditions of the NHS. It’s sad

Thanks for your responses!

I need to do an access course before I apply for uni so I'm hoping that can build my confidence with being back in education and go from there. I would love to do this and will be far more rewarding that spending my days doing what I do now.

Have you identified a specific access course / provider?

When would you start? What are the deadlines for applying? How long would the relevant course take? What form does the course take - text based study; practical experience; exams, or not? How soon into it would you need to apply for the subsequent university course? What marks would you need to proceed smoothly to that stage?

Etc ...

Also, are you able to say (for application purposes) why you think you would be suited for this course of study - without using the word 'passionate', even once?