to think going back to university was a HUGE mistake?

[user2981]

After much discussion with DH, I decided to go back to university to retrain. I was unable to do my previous role as I have a physical health condition and it was causing me so much pain. I switched to a completely different role and found it far more enjoyable plus I was able to manage my health condition better than I've ever been able to. The new role was part time and at a really low level so we decided it would be best for me to go back to university (I already have a degree) in order for me to progress. It's not possible to progress without further study so this felt like my only option.

However, I have a physical health condition and I am in SO much pain right now. I am having assessments at the moment and therefore spending most of my day at a computer studying. I'm on a placements based course and found being out on placement caused me a lot of pain too. Now I'm scared I was only able to manage my health condition previously as I was part time. I'm wondering if I've made a huge mistake going back to university. What if I can't complete the course due to pain, what if I manage to finish the course but then can't work due to too much pain or can't find a part time role?

I'm in my early thirties and DH mid thirties and we're already delaying having a family because of this degree. We wanted to start trying before I got on the course but felt it best to do the course first. What if it's all for nothing? I might just be having a bit of a pity party right now and overreacting because of the pain but honestly, AIBU to think this was a huge mistake?

I’m so sorry OP, that sounds very stressful.

Education is rarely a waste of time, but you’re right that it has to be achievable for you. Have you spoken to your university about reasonable adjustments (so could you have more time for assignments etc if that would help?) or could you do your uni course part time?

It might also be worth speaking to your health care providers about whether or not there is more they could be doing to help you manage your pain.

Speak to student support

Thanks @CluelessBaker. Yes, they're putting in reasonable adjustments although this is taking time due to covid-19 delaying things. I think I'm worried that I had loads of reasonable adjustments put in place by my prior job and it still didn't help with the pain. Well, I mean it did help but pain levels were still unbearable - I was taking 8 strong co-codamol tablets most day and still in high levels of pain, struggling to sleep etc.

I'm putting myself through all this pain and I'm worried I won't actually be able to do the job at the end of it and the fact that we're delaying ttc and for what?