To ask if anyone else is awake?

[ImposterSyndrome101]

I’m working on stuff for uni right now because I can’t sleep and my anxiety has skyrocketed. My family situation at the moment is shit and I’ve no idea if I can pass this year let alone continue but I know I can’t go home either.

Hi OP

I understand the family thing, I didn't go to uni until I was in my 30s, my mum always thought it would be like school, that you went i every day and then did some homework.

As for you maybe having a job you hate etc etc, well no one has ever laid on their deathbed and said, "I wish I had fewer qualifications".

I'm doing a second degree via the OU, because I want to.

I think when you are from a working class background then uni is seen like an apprenticeship, something that leads to a job and that's the only reason to do a degree. It's not true there are many reasons to study.

And a degree in any subject is a degree, it has a value.

Do you have any sociolinguistics modules? I have a feeling you will enjoy that aspect.

@Alicewond, thank you.
@Tarrarra, (and some motivation)
@GnomeDePlume, yeah the tutors I’ve spoken too seem really lovely if always very stressed. I’m hoping I’ll find my feet with a bit more time management and support.
@Rafabella8, yeah my supervisor has given me links to pastoral support. My family love and support me in their own way but I know they’d rather I was at home and doing what I always do and what I’m good at which is fix their problems. Which is problematic because I’m good at that. It’s easy if frustrating and not worth my effort half the time. Me being there makes things easier for them and because they’re comfortable where they are they don’t understand my desire to do and be more.
@sashh, my main aim at the end of this is to get a job. I enjoy learning and studying but I’m here to do better. To improve myself and my employment prospects. I say job I hate because I don’t know anyone that likes there job. Certainly no one in my family does. We might have some sociologist modules in 2nd year. But I’m not sure if I can take them due to the combination of modules I’m taking with philosophy.

Ds has just rolled in so I am off for a couple of hours sleep now I know he's alive. . Glad you are feeling a bit brighter

Because you’ve pulled an all nighter, you’ll be feeling rotten today, impostor. Grab a big glass of water, down it, then go to bed for a few hours.
When you wake up, go for a 30 min walk in a park somewhere, eat something, get a big coffee and go back to studying. For every coffee you drink, have a glass of water. Dehydration fogs your brain.

How do you eat an elephant? Your degree is an elephant.
Don’t see the completion of a degree as the end to a mean. That’s not what it is about. Instead, see it as this giant magnet that is going to attract new opportunities, new experiences, shape and mould you. It’s a foundation on which to build. Again, one brick at a time.

I understand only too well the whole family dynamic. They’re not going anywhere. Wish them well, but ringfence your well being. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so look after yourself

You might also love your job OP I loved working in the NHS.

One tip I have been given is to allow yourself 10 mins to worry, whatever that is about. So everyday allocate 10 mins to thinking about your family and their problems then go on to something else.

I'm on holiday and I'm wide awake. Why?! Wish I could sleep.

I'm really into this kind of situations when anxiety and perfectionism are prevailing and making me absolutely useless at the axact point. I'd advise you not to overwork - please - it's very, very important as we often forget about our limits and unconsciously do harm to ourselves. Try to define what's the weakest point in your studies and do whatever to strenghten it - take courses, surf the web (and do not forget to take rest!), and what's less important - delegate it. To anyone who is concerned and ready to help you. If you're not having that person, it's not a big deal. I know one of the essay writing services site that will definitely do that work for you.
Stay strong and cheers.