Going back to studying...

[Backtoschool101]

Hello,

I am currently thinking about studying and training to get a good job. I am 28. 4 children. Married. Rented accommodation. Eldest is 7. Youngest is nearly 2. We have a family business but now it's established I no longer really have a role to play. I am a sahm but help with work when needed. Not enough to be a full time job. I left home at 18. Got married at 21 and stopped work to have kids. I did my a levels but didn't do very well as was living in an abusive home with my 2nd step dad, mum and siblings and was a child carer. I got the first job possible left and rented a studio flat.

I have my 4 beautiful children and a good husband. I am now at the point in thinking that my youngest is nearly two so will be in school in a few years and I really want to be earning again.

Is the Open university possible if my A levels weren't very good? I have really good GCSEs.

I am thinking open university so I can study whilst at home with the kids/evenings/ weekends etc. But I really can't afford it or know about the finance available...? Is it possible to study without good a levels at my age? And I don't even know what I want to study or get into. It would have to be an office based role really as that's my background/ I enjoy /am good at.

Thanks in advance

Also I have discussed with DH, whilst he doesn't mind me doing it, he isn't sure I would be accepted into a course with my A levels and suggested I just look for a job that would be easier for me to get. But I would like the chance to do what I failed to do before.

The OU is definitely possible and you'd be a great student - I think you'd be really motivated to do your best.

I don't have any A Levels and I'm doing an OU course!

I did a law degree part-time evenings while working full time. I was before I had kids so I didn't have that to deal with thankfully. It was hard work and but it was definitely worth it. I was much more prepared for studying and I really wanted to do it at age 30 then I was at age 18.

Go for it OP

Depending on what you're studying don't underestimate how much time it takes. There is a lot of reading and a lot of learning and also assignments and things to hand in. And then of course exams to prepare for and sit.

My brother has just started an undergraduate degree as a mature student (he's 33). I think he got an E at A level and failed two others. He had to do a pre-course before he was accepted on to his degree but he said it was absolutely fine (the problem at 18 was not lack of intelligence at all).

I'd also consider something like accountancy or bookkeeping - they might be a good fit and can be fairly flexible as careers

Thank you all. Will look into it then. I was a bit worried it was a stupid question....