No qualifications but like the idea of sociology ? Have you studied this?

[doghouseparty]

A random ramble... I left school with no/ very bad qualifications and typically now, I regret this dearly. I feel so limited in my choices for work. I have since got married to a wonderful man and moved across the country where he lives and met and become friendly with his friendship groups. It's only now that I feel the burden of not having a proper career and not being able to access better opportunities because of my lack of qualifications ( why do we not listen to our parents) as all my lovely new friends have got very exciting and meaningful careers and in a way I really hate myself that I'm so far behind. It seems so overwhelming having to start from the very beginning to attain some GCSEs to even get anywhere...anyway I think I like the idea of sociology. Have any of you studied this or have any advice ?

I loved it way back in the 70s 😀
Do you have English and Maths?

I think it would be interesting but it’s not going to help you with a career. Do you know what you want to train in?

Do you mean a gcse in it?
if you’re in a position to study for studying’s sake just for enjoyment then go for it, but not if you’re hoping it will lead to a career.

I think just having a degree opens many more doors though

I’m not convinced a degree in sociology does,

do you meet the entry requirements or would you need a foundation year?

what about a vocational degree with foundation year such as Occupational Therapy. That would have some elements of sociology and psychology.

Don’t do it if you want a job 😆 (Bitter experience)

It is interesting though!

Just having a degree does open doors, but there are degrees that open a lot more doors.

I agree that sociology is fascinating. But do you know what kind of career you want? Better to work backwards from there.

I have literally rubbish GCSEs I think I got Es and Fs in every subjects

I studied A-Level Sociology. Tbh I wouldn't recommend this, it's really just a dry Humanities subject of yesteryear.

If I were in your position I'd be looking into something like health and social care or on the other end of the spectrum, computer programming.

I've never thought about that. So how does that work? Ps i appreciate your help x

I also assumed you meant a gcse as that what you mentioned

is it a degree you’re thinking of then? When. You’re older and already have work experience I don’t think a degree alone necessarily opens doors unless it relates specifically to a role ie nursing/ social work

Right…. So why are you leaping to thinking about a degree in sociology? Have you looked at the entry requirements?

Perhaps best to start with a job you’d like to do then work backwards from that

I think you’re going to need English and maths for foundation year to degree so you are probably best off starting with that.

then Google jobs or courses you like the sound of.

I know, it's all so far fetched but truth be known I actually don't know what is like to do. It's a case of there are so many jobs that I'm not even aware of so haven't even considered IYKWIM

What work do you do now? What do you do for fun?

I did an Access to Higher Education at 36 in Sociology, Psychology & Biology which is A-level equivalent and I loved it. I also resat my Maths GCSE the same year as I got a D 20 years ago. As I’ve now gone on to study a degree at uni as a mature student I don’t have to pay for the access course, and Maths & English GCSE are free for anyone to resit if you didn’t pass when you did it first time round I believe. It’s hard work studying/retraining but I’m so glad I made the choice to do it. Good luck.

I work in a school as a classroom assistant, ironically. I have done my course in this. I enjoy it but would like to have something else to fall back on. I love chatting to people and walking. Going for lunch, shopping

Good for you! What are you now studying and what is the goal?

Do you think about teaching?

No, I would t enjoy teaching. Plus it's very hard to get a permanent job

I’m studying for a Psychology degree with a view to a role in education. I got frustrated with lack of options without a degree and really wanted to change my path.

This is exactly how I feel. My job is great and I'm paid well enough for all I do but I can't explain it but I just wish I had something else to fall back on

Fair enough.

I do believe in doing a degree for passion, because you'll do better at it. You might need a masters to move into a career, or work alongside the degree. Would marketing interest you? Knowing how people tick and operate is important there.

@PermanentTemporary I agree so much with what you've said, that why I'm not interested in IT or computer courses as I know I'd hate it. I enjoy people and chatting. I'm not overly academic but I'm a people person. It's more difficult when you're 30 lol

I was told by a very good social worker that social workers mostly need to be nosy... just saying