Starting University to do a degree at nearly 42 - Unrealistic and a waste of time?

[WouldItBeAWasteOfTime]

DH thinks it would be! Am I too old? Would my age prevent me from getting the well paid job I want? I have 10 years (excluding looong stints as a SAHM) previous experience at a much lower level in the field I am thinking about doing a degree in. All that time I was frustrated and felt that I could do much more but did not have the qualifications or the resources to get any.

I feel I have nothing to lose now as I can't get ANY job anyway seemingly because of the time I have spent out of the workplace. I don't want to spend the next 20/30 years in a dead end job earning NMW! This is my chance to prove myself. It is doable financially. Littlest DC will be starting pre-school in Sept (when course starts) and we will get help with funding childcare for the extra hours he will need. He will start school in a year anyway (July birthday). University is very local and DC1 will be starting college next door at the same time!

I will be 44 and half by the time I finish the degree. I am hoping going to Uni will help me get out of the stagnant rut I've dug myself and I will lose 10 years off my face and hips!!

I have my reservations. I don't want to waste nearly 3 years and find that I am no better off in employment terms and with in excess of £20k student debt! If I can get a decent job, I will only have afterschool care for 1 DC to pay so at least I should be able to pay the student loan back.

AIBU to seriously think about this? Anyone done something similar?

45 and half way through an OU degree...

Radically changed occupation 4 years ago (NHS nurse consultant now a childminder) and never looked back.....the degree is in Childhood and Youth Studies (early years pathway).

change is great......it invigorated me!

My mum is just completing her PhD in mathematical engineering. This is after getting a 1st in Maths BSc a few years ago. She is 67. I think she's mad but am very proud of her. She retired and wanted to stretch her mind.

I appreciate the point about studying for the sake of it. But I think OP wants to get a career boost here above all, so this takes a bit more thought to what she will do for work once she has the degree.

You need to find out what current graduates from the course are doing. Does the course have a placement in business (sandwich course)? Is it a respected institution for that course. Bus Management is a generic course offered in many places - how will you differentiate yourself from the other graduates?

One person posted about the help she found at the univ careers service. If I were you, I'd go and have a careers interview at the best univ near you. They'll charge you (around £100 usually) if you're not enrolled there (yet!), but you can explore your talents and motivation and go in with your eyes open. They may suggest a direction that you've not considered or validate you in your own ambitions.

You only really regret the things you didn't do, but wished you had. Do your research, focus on a real goal and then , armed with facts, jump in. I went to uni aged 31, and the most fun thing was the 20 year old boys faces when they found out I was OLD and a MUM! ( I pride myself on being mutton dressed as lamb)..

Do you have experience required for the roles you want to apply for but keep getting knocked back because you don't have a degree? If so, go for it.

If you have neither the experience nor the degree, then think long and hard about whether the degree is the best way to get the roles you want. Could you take an entry level position now and make it clear you want to progress?

Personally, unless it's a vocational qualification that's necessary for a specific role, I'd advise considerable caution about pinning your hopes on a magical career revival simply from gaining a degree. The world is full of graduates who have been left disappointed in that respect.

However, it's never going to be a waste of time, and there is so much more to be gained than a mere qualification. If you really want to do it, can afford it and won't end up with massive debts, go for it.

Education is never a waste of time.

Well, I hear all the posts about education always being worthwhile and I agree, however you are talking about £27k of fees here, whilst it isn't a waste of time it could well end up being a waste of money if it doesn't get you the job you want. If you want to do a degree for learning sake them great go ahead. If yet primary motivation is to get the job you want you need to be sure that this degree will enable you to do that. Many grads go into
Admin level jobs or non grad jobs and you have already done all that. I am not convinced that having this qualification will get you the job you want, what is the job and have you done any work experience in the sector or discussed with people go the sector whether the degree would give you a route in.

Few years ago I was looking to get back to work - it was more than once suggested to me that I should hide my educational achievements - my degree and other qualifications. Admittedly at that time I wasn't looking for a high powered job but still.

I also think you need to think about your DH objections - is he going to get resentful or not be supportive three years down the line?

PT study with OU or with your nearby University could be a solution.

I was lucky when I did a few qualifications with OU that my DH was very supportive but I know others including a few friends whose DPs were studying who did get resentful of the time an money it took which caused arguments.

I'm not saying don't do it - I don't regret a penny or any time I've spent on my education and I'm in a similar position wanting to get back to a career rather than MW jobs till I retire - but do your research job wise, get your DH on side and go in with your eyes open.

Just do it. It will be fun and you will meet lots of interesting people.

DO IT- 44 is not old in the working world where retirement age is getting older and older.

I don't think it's as simple as go for it,Uni has financial costs,and impact on family
If op wants to elevate self out of nmw she degree that gives career plan
Study for study is great if you have adequate Monies,time and support

I agree with the enthusiasm but pragmatically op needs to do the sums
Op isn't particlar factor but the dh support is essential
If she accrues £20k debt it needs to be for career lift,not just joy of study

yanbu you will still have 20 plus years to work before retiring , my cousin started a nursing degree at 50 and is now a state registered nurse and loves it .

Nursing isexcellentdegree choice,good career path too

Scottishmummy considering student loans do not have to be paid back until the student is earning over a certain amount and then in proportion to their wage, the debt is really a small consideration.

And?Its still a debt.op clearly says she wants career lift,increase her earnings
if one wants degree that increases earning and employability then chose carefully
42 is young plenty time for career change,but I'm not convinced study for sake of it unless have surplus monies,support etc

I'm doing my degree with the OU too, will be 45 when I graduate. I do have the occasional wobble about getting a new job then, but I'm doing the degree for me, to prove that I can.