Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. A phone that grows with your child.

Meet the Other Phone.
A phone that grows with your child.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Going back to college -huge mistake

37 replies

LEMtheoriginal · 31/08/2017 08:40

So I enrolled on a college course yesterday. An apprenticeship to be precise. Day release from work.

I'm FORTYFUCKINGSEVEN Hmm

I got the impression the tutor didn't like me (although colleagues tell me she is not popular with anyone) but she tried to tell me yesterday that my entry qualifications weren't standard - err yes I know this and she knew this as I discussed it at interview WITH HER! It was agreed that as Mr qualifications were in a similar field and 3 levels above this course I'd be ok Hmm
I think she has an issue with this??

Because of my qualifications (PhD) everyone makes the assumption that I'll sail through this course. So there is expectations that I will excel. I am worried that I'll battle to even pass and will be humiliated Blush

I've not studied for 15 years! I have the first piece of homework and I'm totally blindsided. Overthinking and paranoid.

There are so many other reasons why this was a mistake. Principally my delicate mental health. Am terrified. I'd found a safe job but now I'm going to fuck it up

OP posts:
Original poster
LEMtheoriginal · 31/08/2017 21:24

Its amazing what stationary can do!! I was very restrained and went to wilko to keep the cost down. I will however treat myself to a beautiful diary like the ridiculously expensive ones they sell in Waterstones but waiting to see if I need to fork out £££ on text books. Have completed my first bit of "homework" so feeling a little less overwhelmed.

Still anxious times 100 but sadly that is my default state these days.

Going back to college -huge mistake
OP posts:
FlaviaAlbia · 31/08/2017 21:32

Have you come across the bullet journal system? I heard about it on here first and I've found it fantastic for organising myself, it was like a second memory I could carry around with me as my memory is terrible.

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/housekeeping/2555430-Bullet-Journal

Just thought it might be something that would help, plus you'd need a new notepad for it which is always good Wink

Original poster
LEMtheoriginal · 31/08/2017 21:42

I have a bullet journal Grin it's a thing of beauty but I haven't really used it properly. I do sometimes stroke the pages though Blush

OP posts:
antimatter · 31/08/2017 21:42

this reminds me on when around 19 years ago after my dd was born I wanted to find out if working in IT would suit me, the only Saturday course I could do (DD was just 3 months old and EBF) was in a local college on Saturdays

the guy who run it was very efficient and we were all progressing well
I mentioned during one lesson that I want to do a postgraduate course in Computer Science, he looked at me bemused and said - oh, it will take you 5-6 years to get there.
He didn't bother to find out about my education level and assumed that one needs to take prescribed route. I already had masters from my home country My English wasn't too shabby because that same year in Autumn I was accepted for that FT course I mentioned to him and finished it the following year.

oldlaundbooth · 31/08/2017 21:44

Any chance James Herriot can mentor you?

pinkrocker · 31/08/2017 21:48

I went back to university aged 40, was the oldest -by far- but made some really good friends, and I graduated with a First.
Studying is great, it keeps you young, it keeps your brain cells working, I hope you enjoy every minute!

TheLuminaries · 31/08/2017 21:54

Mind maps. I took a professional qualification in my mid/late 40s while working & childrearing & I swear by mindmaps. On A3 paper, on the wall in my office/at home. Condense the issues, provide a prompt, can look at them on a break/on a phone call/listening to a dull colleague Grin Good luck!

crumpeteer · 31/08/2017 22:28

I did the same course as a mature student, it isn't easy but I'm sure you will get through it, because at this stage in life you know what you want and that's a big advantage! I assume you have a training practice? Try and find out as much as possible from former students (notes, mock exams and tips for the assignments). The problem with the course is that it changes constantly, but if you have an experienced training practice they should be able to keep you grounded. Best of luck!

BigGreenOlives · 31/08/2017 22:33

Well done LEM, I think you had a wobbly thread earlier this week (or at the weekend). You sound amazing for taking on something so out of your comfort zone, I hope you really enjoy the course and do brilliantly.

FlaviaAlbia · 31/08/2017 23:03

LEMtheoriginal Grin stroking the pages is comforting Grin

thecatfromjapan · 31/08/2017 23:21

LEM I was in the same boat as year two years ago.

Top tip: Take the pressure off yourself and don;t aim high: aim to get through and get things done fast.

Studying will come back really, really quickly, as will writing.

Remember: It's supposed to be fun and interesting, and it's great to be learning and being interested all the way through life.

PS: I was older than you!

Congratulations! Flowers

LondonNicki · 31/08/2017 23:56

ok here's what i know:

You have been accepted onto a course that you have an interest/passion for.

You have a PHD which is the top academic qualification level for any subject.

and you're concerned about a bitchy woman who you feel will somehow influence how you succeed in your studies?

No - you're focussing on the wrong things because you're anxious. You'll no doubt make a huge success of your studies and you've proven that you can apply yourself so stop over analysing about that woman (in the nicest possible way)

Focus on what you want to get out of the course and don't get derailed by what other people say or do..... this is something you want so grab it by the horns and fuck anyone else.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page