Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Flip

1 2

Original poster

Re-train or get a permanent job

39 replies

user1464730439 · 18/07/2019 15:45

Hi!
I really need some sound advice please!

I already have a degree in an arts related subject. Unfortunately it hasn't benefited my career and I'm still stuck in an office job, only now i'm temping! When i was at university last time, i was a single parent and therefore qualified for all the funding etc.

Now, in my forties, i want to re-train in a healthcare related job. I will need to do my functional skills maths course as well as a health related access course and pass all of that before i can apply to uni next year. Then I'll study full time for 3 years and then obviously there is no guarantee of work at the end.

I want to do this. BUT, my sensible side is telling me otherwise. I won't be able to work whilst studying and will need to solely rely on my husband, which i hate the thought of. my daughter is in secondary school but still young. Do i give up everything and do this! OR do i get a permanent job doing anything that i'm qualified for and fill my time with interesting stuff so that my life isn't too boring?

I really can't decide. I want to make the change, but i feel guilty about the financial side and for not being able to spend so much time with my daughter.....

thoughts anyone, please? :-)

OP posts:

Starrynights86 · 20/07/2019 05:39

Tbh I would only do it if you really can afford to live on one wage. I earn well but my DP did a year long course to retrain after being made redundant and it was really really hard being single income!

NurseButtercup · 20/07/2019 06:10

I'm currently retraining as a nurse with one more year to go. It's been really really tough financially. I've basically put my life on hold because I'm as broke as I was when I was in my early 20's with triple the amount of debt & responsibilities. My hair is falling out, I've turned grey and I've put on weight. But it's worth it, I'm not bored and won't ever complain of being bored again at work. . I would say to you do it & live without regret and what if I'd only ....

You'll be a brilliant role model to your daughter, but it will test your marriage.

Try and save as much as you can so that you only have to work as a very last resort.

Good luck

thetimekeeper · 20/07/2019 06:22

Why do you think a conversion degree is a "cheat"?! Where on earth did you get that idea from?

Have you not heard how full on a PGCE is for instance?! Do you think all teachers who entered the profession via the PGCE route "cheated"?

I seriously hope not if you've ever known anybody who's done it!

(Using PGCE as trying to use an example of a conversion course that would be common enough for you to be more familiar with.)

justilou1 · 20/07/2019 06:23

If it helps, I’m 47 and have just started a nursing degree. (Largely because it’s recession-proof!)

myself2020 · 20/07/2019 06:33

You need to make your own decision - but don’t expect a new job to be a magic solution. it won’t be. it might not be boring anymore, but have other issues. perfect jobs don’t exist unfortunately

continuallychargingmyphone · 20/07/2019 06:37

A PGCE isn’t a conversion course.

TheBrockmans · 20/07/2019 06:41

The first year of a degree is generally a foundation year, ensuring that you have the required skills to complete the degree. It doesn't count towards your final degree grade. A conversation masters will assume that you have those skills, so it isn't cheating, just recognising that you already have those skills, and experience that a typical 18 year old school leaver does not. Make sure that it fully qualifies you and that is equally regarded as the undergraduate degree.

OldGrinch · 20/07/2019 06:45

OP it's the things in life that you don't do that you end up regretting the most. Go for it if you possibly can. You can have a fantastic varied career and improve the lives of many people.

notgivingin78910 · 20/07/2019 07:29

The MSC in OT isn't cheating. Why did you think it was ? It's exactly like the undergrad in OT but squished into two years. It's very intense and you may not have time to work.

The Undergrad In OT, I can assume, will be less intensive. You wouldn't need to go to lectures everyday- which may give you the option to work part time ?

OunceOfFlounce · 20/07/2019 08:12

An apprenticeship has just been approved for OT. Still in the development stages but if you wait a year or so you could get a small wage to train.

I'm currently working as a Therapy Assistant, gaining experience to decide if I want to retrain and help improve my applications if I decide to go for it. Have an interview on Weds for the same job in a different area of therapy (and at a more prestigious hospital!). It's only band 3 but with London weighting it's not too bad. I have an English degree and PGCE btw.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

hettie · 20/07/2019 08:32

Do the MSc it's quicker so you'll be out of work less

misslucienne · 20/07/2019 10:03

I am in the process of doing the exact same thing op. I've re sat my GCSE maths and just finished Access which I did at night to enable me to still work. I've got 3 years now at uni which will be hard but will be worth it I think in the long run. You still have such a long time to work before you retire and could you imagine yourself doing that in a job you hate?

If your dh is supportive of you and you could manage financially then I say go for it! I have 2 young children, one of which will be in full time childcare for the first year of my course but using the maintenance allowance we should just about be able to cover this and manage on one wage.

Have a look into any grants you may be entitled to which might help to take the pressure off financially.

IceCreamAndCandyfloss · 20/07/2019 10:09

No I wouldn’t, the whole family has to bear the burden of that choice for something you want.

You don’t even know if it will lead to work after, given you already had a degree that was paid for by others and never used. I can see why your DH isn’t in agreement.

daisypond · 20/07/2019 10:16

Yes , do it. I’m looking at retraining in my 50s- because I have to as I’m going to be made redundant. I’ve got an English degree too. You are fortunate in that you do have a DP with a wage coming in. I know lots in my position who don’t have a DP at all. It will only get harder if you put it off.

Flip

1 2