To ask for inspiration (further education)

[Streakybutclean]

Hi, shamelessly posting this here to get as many replies as possible. I'm a SAHM and have started to give some thought to returning to education; trouble is I'm lacking in inspiration (generally!) and also about what might work given my circumstances (only evenings available to attend/study as have no childcare available during the day, at least for the next 4 years). I had a good career before DCs but for various reasons, want to do something different. I am quite interested in healthcare / teaching for example, but would be starting from scratch, so am thinking about doing something that very slowly sets me up to start training properly, once DCs are at school i.e. access type courses, should such things exist. I would at least like to feel like I am making progress, albeit slow progress, to a new career, while the DCs are little.

So, I would really love to hear what you are studying, working towards, and how you are managing to fit it in. Thanks so much in advance.

I did my pgce when my son was 2. Couldn't have afforded childcare with more than one dc bUt I bloody love my job! Can't recommend it enough!

I'm a SAHM and also studying with the Open Uni. I'll graduate this year with a degree. My children are still young and my plan is to continue with the studying. I don't have an end in mind, but teacher training is an option I've considered. But I'll just keep going with the work and I'm sure it'll lead me somewhere too. BTW I have also chosen a completely different route from my previous career and it feels great to try a new direction.

You could do an Access course, part time at your local college, so that you could then apply for a healthcare related course such as nursing, radiography or occupational therapy.

Or like Choco has suggested, start studying with the open university in a subject that interests you.

Hi Streakybutclean. I haven't done what you described myself but I was a careers adviser for 8 years until a year ago so I hope you don't mind me adding some thoughts.

It's a bit difficult to be very specific as a lot depends on your previous level of education/qualifications, where you live, your financial situation etc (which of course you aren't going to divulge on a public forum)!

It seems the main issue at the moment would be the restriction on the hours you are available but now might be a good time to start trying out some of your ideas to see if you actually do like them in practice. It may be frivolous to spend money on courses at the moment as it may turn out you don't like the actual work later and there are many courses advertised out there that are fine for those who just wish to dabble but are useless if you are actually wanting to become qualified in something. The most valuable experience at this stage might be experience itself.

For example, you say you are interested in teaching. Could you volunteer a few evenings at a local youth club or brownies/scouts (depending on the age you're interested in)? This may give you an idea whether you like working with particular age groups. Obviously, volunteering in a school would be better but difficult with your available hours.

Likewise with healthcare. Could you volunteer or work shadow somewhere like a hospice or related? Not sure what field exactly you'd prefer but, again, this may be something compatible with your hours.

This advice may seem a bit underwhelming to you at the moment but I do think that would be a good, practical first step. Once you've tried a few ideas out, you may get more focus and better prepared for looking at more specific/suitable study when your LO/LOs are at school.

Also, if you're still looking for other great ideas, talk to people who you meet who are doing a job that you think may suit you even a little bit in the future. People usually love talking about themselves and really appreciate a bit of interest shown in them! This helpsheet might be useful in generating more ideas www.careers.lon.ac.uk/files/pdf/CEP_GeneratingIdeas.pdf

Once you have a bit more focus it's much easier to start looking into courses and and thinking about the financial practicalities. I hope that helps!

Hi everyone thanks for your replies :) really appreciated. Will reply properly tomorrow when on laptop, just wanted to post a quick thanks whilst baby is feeding!