To do a college course because I want to/for fun

[freddiefrog]

When it won't lead to anything in the future?

I want to do a photography evening class at our local university. I just want to do it as its something I'm interested in, I want to improve and really learn how to use my camera properly, learn how to use Photoshop properly, etc. It's a couple of hours in the class once a week, then around 8-10 hours study a week, and lasts for a year

DH is being a right pain in the arse over it. Granted, it's not particularly cheap and I have no desire to be a professional photographer so he sees it as a giant waste of time and money and why not do something that will lead to a 'useful' qualification

I just want to do something for me

Sounds good to me, what are dh's objections?

Yanbu at all! A few years ago I did Japanese at college in the evenings! Definitely wasn't going to lead to anything, I just fancied it.

Come September I'm going to do dress-making. I can't wait!

He says I have no ambition (which is true, I don't) and if I want to go back to college, then I should do something useful which would lead to better job/prospects in the future.

He won't stop me, he's just being a PITA over it

If he's going to be funding it, he has a valid point.

While ever my earning don't make much of a dent in the household budget, I learn on the cheap. Google is your friend.

When I was a SAHM the work I did was valid, but money was tight and I didn't bring any in, now I work I have more 'frivolous spending power'.

If your motive was slightly different, ie, you suggested it could potentially bring in a wage, then would your DH object?

If you are bringing in a wage (regardless of whether it's less than he is) then go for it.

I do think you can learn Photography to the standard you're after (non professional) perfectly well for very little cost if you're prepared to do a LOT of Googling, join a lot of forums and you have the software (and hardware).

I'm doing a couple of workshops this year 'just because' but they ALSO have the potential to make money, or save money.

Much as I applaud learning just for learning's sake, sometimes a more sturdy justification is required if you're not rolling in cash.

Money is the relevant question really - if you're generally short of money, then spending lots on the course which is nothing but a hobby is probably a bit unreasonable. If you've enough money to get by, then spending it on the hobby is fine as long as no-one else in the family is unreasonably short...

You might not intend it to lead to anything but you never know where it may lead once you start it and meet like minded people.

Do it, enjoy yourself and tell DH to stop being a grump.

Ah FredFred that's pretty much what I wanted to say, thank you!

Learning something, even if it's just for the sake of it, is never a waste of time!

I'm doing a degree and getting into debt just because I fancied doing it - I have no idea what I'm going to do after it (prob shouldn't say that in AIBU) and my DH is completely supportive (think he likes the bragging rights about his 'genius' wife ).

You never know what might happen in the future - go for it.

Unless money is an issue then go for it. Not everything has to be about work slog.

If I could give any advice to young people starting their first jobs I'd say always have a night class on the go if you can. Try lots of things. There is so much to learn you can never regret it. You never know when it might be useful or where it might lead.

And I wish someone had said the same to me.

It won't affect our family finances at all. My mum and dad are splitting the fees with me as an early Christmas present and I'll pay the rest

HoHo. No, I agree you never know. I say I don't indent it to lead anywhere as I don't think I will be any better than a keen amateur, but who knows

I did a year long horticulture course, I'm a nurse. I absolutely loved it, a day every week doing something for me. I had no plans to do anything related for a career, it was brilliant and made me very happy.

If you can afford the fees then fgs go for it! How miserable to suggest that you should stop learning, growing, developing as a person- and doing something for you.
Sign up immediately! !!

If you can afford the fees then fgs go for it! How miserable to suggest that you should stop learning, growing, developing as a person- and doing something for you.
Sign up immediately! !!

If you can afford it then do it.

You could just see if there is a local camera club which you might get just as much out of for much less money if the cost is the issue. Our club also exhibits our work twice a year or so and I occasionally sell work but love it as a hobby not a career.

I am currently doing a degree in history, will hopefully be going on to post grad afterwards too, I do not actually want a job... If I get one at the end - great, if not, ill study something else or go back to writing. Its my hobby, (a very expensive one granted!) DH couldn't be more supportive, we all need something for ourselves surely. :)

Do it do it
You will love it xxx

Right, I'm signing up now.

I don't very often bugger off and do something for myself, so I'm doing this whether he likes it or not. He's got until September to get used to the idea

I've looked for camera clubs but can't find anything local, there used to be a bloke who did classes, but he's now moved away. Open University is cheaper, but it's distance learning and I'm not a great distance learner, and only 10 weeks so not so indepth

Thanks!

Go you!