To undertake an OU degree even though it is unlikely to benefit my career?

[Clash1001]

Morning all.

I want to do an OU degree - am looking at a BA in English Literature and Creative Writing. I think I would find the course interesting.

I work full time as an accountant and tax advisor and have professional qualifications - ACA and CTA - relevant to the industry. I love my job and am fairly successful and want to remain in the profession for the rest of my working life, so not doing a degree in order to enable a career change.

I never had the opportunity to go to a traditional uni due to family circumstances, despite getting good a level results (three A's in law, sociology and combined English language/literature) I really enjoyed the English literature side.

I do feel a bit bitter that I don't have a degree, although I don't think its hampered my career in any way. Dh is supportive however the idea has been met with raised eyebrows from other family members. It will cost 16k in all and take 5-6 years to complete. They say it's a huge waste of money, and I can see why they say that - but I do enjoy studying and think this is something I could be really proud of.

Dh has pointed out, however, that I have been studying for years for my professional exams and maybe it's time for a bit of a break. I think he's worried that it will take over all my spare time. I'm not so sure it will - certainly, studying for my ACA and CTA didn't apart from in the fortnight before exams, although I'm not sure how comparable the two are - I do know that I passed, and passed well, in less than half the recommended 'study at home hours'.

Has anyone here done an OU degree? Particularly for reasons other than career? Does it take over your life?

Go for it you can take your time or have a break as you go along. I did mine as 30points , 30points then 60 a year. Do you could ease yourself slowly 30points is about 8h a week. You will have weeks where there is less but you can structure it out do 30/45m here there you can complete tasks over the week rather than always doing in 2 or 3h slots.

It's your money snd you obviously can afford it so don't take any notice of people saying it's not worth it!

Go for it! I've just finished a degree with the OU, it's taken 8 years. Great fun and hugely rewarding. As you are doing it for personal achievement, I wouldn't get hung up on completing it within a certain period of time, better to get the most from each course.