To ask if any of you have change your lives later in life?

[Kk80]

I'm 34. 3 DC. Single parent but my 2 DS's father sees them 4 times a week (not overnight at the moment due to COVID and his living situation being impacted because of that). DD is 8 (dad not involved and never has been) and my 2 DSs are 5 and 2.

I'm sick of being skint. Was made redundant from a job last year and have been on benefits since topped up by very very casual work locally (was offered the job pre covid, then lockdown happened and the business hasn't really recovered since).

I want to go back to college and university. Make something of myself and actually have a income. I'm sick of living in rented houses and driving 15 year old cars that I'm replacing every 2 years because it is all I have saved up.

Am I being stupid? Has anyone else ever done this?

You probably weren't in the right place when you're doing your gcse's. Many people aren't ready. Now that you see the value and have a goal, studying will be a lot easier. It will also give you purpose on the tough days a light at the end of the tunnel. Just be careful to choose the right course. Look at jobs you'd like and the qualifications the require.

I'm currently studying and working full time and I'm 35. I have two kids too.

It's a challenge but very doable!

It's a professional qualification and the ages of people I've seen studying range hugely (like 18-60+)

Go for it, you won't regret it

I am 39 and went back to uni last year to retrain in an area very close to my existing degree. I am about to start another two year course soon to get my final qualification and then setting up my own private business.

Go for it, it may not feel like it right now but 34 is still young. You'll look back on this period in 10 years and wonder why it seemed like a big deal I promise, good luck xx

I went back to University last year to do my PGCE and I am going to be 40 this year. I am in my first year of teaching. There were a lot of people in their 30s on my course and tbh I really enjoyed being back at Uni at an older age and felt that having some life experience made the whole thing so much easier and interesting. Go for it!

Go for it OP, but just choose your degree wisely - a degree in itself is not a gateway to a better job. I would go for social work personally, There are always jobs and armchair pays very well. Just to point out though that there is nothing wrong with being a renter and driving an old car, lots of us with jobs are in that situation too. All the best