To do a degree and work until I'm 75?

[Guardsman18]

I have worked since I was 16. Nothing great. I've never had the chance to go to uni or college but have 'dabbled' - Access course, a levels etc. When I was 40 ish I wanted to go but it just wasn't the right time. I wish I had then.

Having children made me put blockers on, their needs come first etc. having these 'menial' jobs all these years has meant that I have some money through pensions.

Would it be a ridiculous thing to do? Part of me feels that I should go for it just because I can/want to. (My children still need me to be here btw)

The other part of me feels - oh just have a good time! Take a holiday, make your house look nice ...

Any thoughts? thanks

Hi Guardsman.
Have I got it right that you're financially fine now, but if you invested in pursuing a degree, you'd then have to then work to 75 because of what it did to your finances?

Because outside of financial implications it's definitely not ridiculous to consider it at any age.
Plus going into education late in life will definitely give you a whole new life and make you keep up with many things you might well not otherwise.

Have you looked into how SFE (student finance) works and what's available and not for more mature students?

What subject/s interest you, and (if planning to work to 75 goes hand in hand with getting an education) what employment prospects could they lead to, and are you able to commute?
(I'm a mature student btw)

Do you mean cash in your pension to fund uni? Have you checked if you're elibigle for a student loan first? Another mature student here.

I think you cease to be eligible for fees loans at 60 (there might be exceptions) but if you're 59 on the first week of a course you'll get that years fee loan even if you turn 60 during that term)

But you can get a maintenance loan of £3,783 if your income's £25,000 or below, £2,785 at £30,000, £1,787 at 35,000 drops of steeply after that. (this is paid in three installments)

What career would your degree get you in to?

Many are difficult and require a lot of determination and dedication so might be worth sticking with stuff now if you're in the fence.

(Nursing for example)

What about the University of the Third Age?

Does the career you envisage demand working until 75 because of the pension? Some careers are just not doable at that age.

If you're self finding it and can afford to not work then go for it.

If you will need student loans it would depend on whether you would pay them back.

U3A is a social club, User873