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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To try to complete my degree at 40?

27 replies

CheerMum · 05/08/2012 18:10

I started a degree in my early twenties but due to a nervous breakdown I had to abandon it.
I got credit for the work I had done and so only have to do the equivalent of one year's full time study to finish. I am thinking of doing an Open University Open BScHons degree as I can spread the work out over as long as I need to.
I'm nervous as my mental health isn't the greatest.
But I really want to get a degree. The degree itself won't help me get back into work but might help with confidence?
So, AIfooling myself? Having a mid life crisis? Or what?

P.S. Please be gentle (dons hard hat in case anyone is mean)

OP posts:

ParsleyTheLioness · 05/08/2012 18:13

YANBU. Do it.

AgentZigzag · 05/08/2012 18:13

Sounds like a brilliant idea, and it can really help with your confidence/self esteem.

But I'm not sure whether the credits would still stand after all this time, I think it's only about 8 years with the OU.

It's probably better to start with an introductory course to whatever subject you'd be studying anyway, get yourself back into the swing of things.

What subject were you looking at?

happyAvocado · 05/08/2012 18:14

Do it - it will make you happy for achieving what you are clearly interested in!

lovebunny · 05/08/2012 18:15

do it. why not? when i was at uni a lady on our course was 67. she was living in halls and having a great time.

Original poster

CheerMum · 05/08/2012 18:17

I'm thinking of the Open degree so I can pick and choose my subjects. My studies ended in 1999 so apparently they count (16 years I think is the limit), though I have only just sent off for credit transfer.

I've chosen my first module and it is my third favourite, but the first two had exams and there was NO WAY I could have coped with that.

OP posts:

Birdsgottafly · 05/08/2012 18:18

We have students at my workplace and voluntary job, that are on degrees, the avaerage age is in their 30's, but we have people in their 40's, as well.

lottiegb · 05/08/2012 18:23

Do it, you can start gently and might really enjoy it. Call the OU, their advisors can be very helpful.

I'm doing a second undergraduate degree with the OU, just for interest really and it's great. Much easier to focus on study than first time as there are fewer distractions. Does take some planning to free up regular study time though. You need to know that will be possible for the full length of the module before you commit. Dropping out or struggling to find time later could be stressful and frustrating. But, once you get into it, the habit makes it much easier to keep going.

Lushgreenfields · 05/08/2012 18:27

Do it! I've just finished my masters at the age of 36

mumsknots · 05/08/2012 18:37

You're ahead of me op! I'm 40 and starting an Access course this September. If I somehow manage to scrape through I'll be going on to do a degree.

Like you, I know it won't necessarily aid me in getting a well paid job but it's about so much more than that, mainly personal achievement and confidence.

What have you got to lose!

Mumsyblouse · 05/08/2012 18:39

Definitely go for it. Also, be honest with your tutors if you start to struggle or are lacking in confidence, there's lots they can do to help you, but they won't unless they know about it. We have lots of mature students, I find them really enthusiastic in the main, and they tend to do well.

PomBearWithAnOFRS · 05/08/2012 18:45

I was the second oldest student in my cohort (as the university called it - lots of courses doing the same modules "mix n match") I turned 30 midway through - the oldest student was 48 when we started with summer school to get back into the swing of it and a week off 52 when we graduated. He took top honours in everything, was far and away the most conscientious and dedicated of us all, and joined in with everything. Nobody thought anything of it at all!

Sallyingforth · 05/08/2012 18:46

OP you must do this for yourself. It will certainly benefit your confidence - just think of the glow you will get at that award ceremony. Good luck!

NotGeoffVader · 05/08/2012 19:01

There is no upper limit. I was the third oldest in my 'cohort' and have just graduated with a 2:1 BSc Hons. I took time out to have a baby during the course, and when I started it I had been out of education for 20 years.

The people I started studying with included a 16 year old and a 52 year old. :)

SardineQueen · 05/08/2012 19:06

Go for it!

i am studying with teh OU at the mo - just picking things that I fancy - It's suppose to be for fun and I am really enjoying it. You can start with shorter courses to get the hang of it. I am taking it very slowly and my idea is that I am not putting pressure on myself to do this or that by such a date, but just doing one module at a time and doing it for fun. I am 38 BTW. I have found the OU brilliant in terms of the materials, how the courses are constructed and so on. I am getting so much more out of it than I did when I was at uni the first time around.

Just go for it, one thing at a time, don't put pressure on yourself - I bet you will love it

PS you could give them a call to talk about whether your credits are still transferrable

Tortu · 05/08/2012 19:13

Ah well done you! Definitely do it. It will be SUCH a positive step in helping with your self-esteem.

My mum did an OU degree when I was a child. One of the women who went to collect her degree in the ceremony at the end was 80. She received a standing ovation and it was quite an inspirational moment in my life to see this.

SwedishEdith · 05/08/2012 19:22

Definitely do it. Pick something you're really intersted in. You will have such a sense of achievement when you start seeing your grades for your assignments. And, tbh, being a student when you're older is so much easier than when you were young as you have to be more discipplined (says me, dicking about on here with a deadline of tomorrow). You're just more mature. Plus, they have computers and everything nowadays. Cut and paste is a godsend compared to crispy tippexed essays

Selks · 05/08/2012 19:26

Go for it. Age has no bearing on whether someone should study or not - the desire to do it is the key.

I did my degree in my thirties and at 47 am about to embark on a Masters.

Believe in yourself, and follow what you want to achieve. Best wishes.

Original poster

CheerMum · 05/08/2012 19:44

Aw thanks guys (stiffles the urge to offer everyone a very un-MN hug)

One of the weird things is that, once my credit transfer is sorted and my course is confirmed, I can't wait to go and buy myself a new pencil case and some pens etc, even though I know most of my work will be done online hehe

I even have to apply for a student loan - I suddenly feel the need to drink beer out of a plastic glass at the mere mention of the word "student"!

OP posts:

Springforward · 05/08/2012 19:47

YANBU. At DH's graduation last year, the oldest graduand (sp?) was in his seventies, and was coming back for the MSc. He got a standing ovation when he took to the stage to collect his certificate .

TeaOneSugar · 05/08/2012 19:53

I'm in the midst of an masters, and I'm very nearly 40, it's hard juggling a job, dd and studying, but it's very satisfying.

My tutors have all been very understanding, I'm doing a distance learning course and have had to ask for several extensions to deadlines, and I've taken a study break and they've been great about it, they appreciate that life is more complicated for mature students.

MrsBeep · 05/08/2012 19:55

Do it do it do it!

bowerbird · 05/08/2012 20:04

Do it! There's absolutely no good reason not to. Even if you have breaks and take it part-time, you'll have your degree by the age of 45, which these days is young.

Whether or not this helps you gain employment, this definitely will help your confidence and mental health. Think of how the sense of accomplishment will make you feel! Imagine going to the graduation ceremony and holding the BA certificate in your hands.

You CAN do this. Best of luck to you.

MammaTJisanOlympicSumoWrestler · 05/08/2012 20:07

YANBU. Well I hope not anyway. I start my degree next year, at 46. Eeek!!

WinstonWolf · 05/08/2012 20:11

YANBU at all. Best of luck :)

MNHQ

OlympiaMumsnet · 05/08/2012 20:20

DO IT DO IT DO IT

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