Advice on mumsnet frequently seems to be to ‘retrain’ when one is unhappy with their job. Great idea, I know exactly what I want to do but cannot fathom how it would be affordable.
I have an BSc and work in a profesional NHS role. I would like to do a Masters in Social Work. In order to do this, I need to undertake two years of full time study with placements. I don’t live in an area where the LA funds training places and can’t move (small children, DH’s job etc, social circle/family all here etc.). There is a small bursary available for some students but it barely covers tuition fees, let alone living costs. You can’t have both a student loan AND a bursary. The student loan is also meagre.
I’m stuck in a position where I’m doing a job that is making me unhappy, can’t face working extra hours (and with additional childcare costs it’s not really worth my while anyway), we just about make ends meet (bills and mortgage paid, food on the table, and a very small amount of disposable income), but don’t want to go for a promotion as it would mean more stress for approximately £1k PA (I’m at the top of band 6 currently).
So basically I have to stick it out at my current job, which I resent, because there is nothing I can do that pays as well, and hope that a distant relative leaves me a massive inheritance? I feel so trapped.