To go back to uni despite the (temporary) financial implications?

[floatinglily]

I have a degree already and worked in a field vaguely related to that degree. However I had to leave my old job due to very poor mental and physical health. I eventually found my current job and really enjoy it. I feel it's something I'm good at, it doesn't effect my health anywhere near as much and I find it interesting. I only work part time at the moment but feel confident my health would be okay if I went full time if a job came up / I went back to university. The only way I can progress is by going back to university. I've looked into other options for progressing but there just aren't any. My earning potential without university is very limited.

Going back to university would mean a drop in income by quite a bit throughout my time there but I know after graduating I'd then be earning a lot more than I currently do (plus hopefully I'd also be on a full time wage too). DP and I have discussed this extensively and we could financially manage but it would mean that chances are we won't be able to take 7 year old DSD on holiday until I graduate/ start earning again. We currently do 2, possibly 3 UK trips away with her at the moment but that would have to drop to none. We've thought about me going next year instead to save up the money but I have a place for this year and there's no guarantee I'd be allowed to defer or be accepted again next year if I reapplied.

AIBU to go anyway even though it means a pretty miserable childhood for DSD for the next 3 years?

It sounds like a great idea and one you have thought through seriously. If it will benefit you and help you fulfil a satisfying career I think that would definitely be worth three years of having less money - for you and the family.

Your step daughter hopefully won't be miserable without the holidays and it might be a great example for her in the future, in making decisions for herself, working hard and making sacrifices.

Speculation here, but maybe there would be opportunities for her to go away with grandparents or friends or long weekends with you and your partner.

Good luck, whatever you choose!

@floatinglily no that's just to go and with top of the range caravans. If you went with cheaper caravans, travelled cheaply and brought your own food etc it could be 401 all in though. And that was 2 holidays - if you just did 1 per year your DSD wont suffer! Even if you did none she wont suffer but you know what I mean.