Pursue PGCE/PG DIP whilst IVF

[Idk12345]

Hi all,
So I've been very conflicted recently. I worked as a HLTA in secondary school but took 2020/2021 out of work to focus on IVF. Ended up being a BFN. Now I do hope to go for treatment again (just saving for it) either this Nov or the Jan of 2022. However I've also been thinking I need to be productive again. Should I apply for my postgrad coming this September or will I be adding too much unnecessary pressure on myself on top of the TTC and IVF? Other option is to look for some part time work. Honestly open to any suggestions.

Also I am currently 30. And this is what predominantly puts me off. I feel as though I've started the IVF process, though it failed I feel as though now I'm in it to just keep going. The other hand it's as though I want to carry on with life.

Any advice or thought guys?

@Scarby9 thanks for that perspective and information. I guess I'm possible underestimating how intensive it will be :(

@MrsM2021 thanks for responding. And thanks for the advice. It's such a difficult journey

@Littleoakhorn thanks for replying. When I initially started this post this was the way I saw it going ahead. Now it's looking like maybe it was wishful thinking or a best case scenario situation.

@seven201 thanks so much for highlight the pros and cons. That was very helpful. I honestly didn't think of all the cover and lesson plans etc because I did work as an HLTA in a school where lessons and cover lessons were already prepared and ready. And I do also agree that I am still young, however, my fertility clinic was very confusing which is why I'm reluctant to put off any further cycles. I was 29 at the point of my cycle and was told by different consultants that one thing or the other was either because of my older age or because I'm too young. Really sent my round the bend tbh :/

@Livinthedream84 thanks for the honesty.

@Idk12345 it's such a balance. You need to factor in the pgce itself but also the nqt year so that is potentially putting ttc on hold by 2 years. You do have to put yourself first, which is something hard to do when teaching.

If you want more than one child I guess you don't want to wait much longer. In a way it would be easier to do the ivf during the pgce as you will be teaching someone else's lesson, so if you're off at an appt the original teacher will just take it. When you're an nqt it is all on you so much trickier. I think maybe you just go for it (pgce and ivf) and tell your mentor what's going on. When my mum was diagnosed with her terminal cancer I let my uni and placement school know but I didn't really accept any help (eg some days off etc) which was stupid! If you can time it to incorporate a half term or other holiday that does help.

I now think personally don't go for waiting until after pgce and nqt until you go for further ivf. Either do it first or alongside (but fully prepared that it will be hard). Just my tuppence worth.

It depends on how you deal with stress. I've had IVF and didn't give up anything stressful at all however everyone is different.
IVF is such a huge gamble with very low success rates overall that I chose not to put my life on hold as it were.