To feel disappointing in my upbringing and ask for some career advice?

[Raincoatdog]

This is my first post but I've been on Mumsnet for a while now and thought it was about time I asked for some advice.

Throughout lockdown, like many others I have had lots of time to reflect on life and consider what the future holds for me too. I was out of work for the majority of last year and am currently working a temporary role at a covid testing centre. Before the lockdown I worked an entry level admin role, although there wasn't much room for progression.

For a bit of background I am turning 27 this year and have come to the realisation that it isn't too late for me to start a real career and potentially even go to university. Growing up both my parents worked full time in low income jobs, nobody in our family has been to university or studied and I've realised that a lack of support and direction in my school years is the reason I am at this point now. I am by no means throwing myself a pity party because I understand that it's not really their fault as they lacked the education to guide me and they did their best, but I can't help but feel a little let down when comparing the support that DP says he had from parents and older siblings with making decisions in those crucial years.

I never remember anybody sitting down to talk through career options with me or help select GCSE subjects, had no help with course work or anybody to check in that I was even doing it and as soon as I turned 16 and left school (with no GCSE's) I was pressured to find a retail job and have pretty much hopped between these types of roles ever since.

I know that I still have plenty of time to study and work things out but I'm just unsure what changes it would make to my current lifestyle. DP would happily support me and his salary comfortably covers our outgoings, however I am aware that at some point we will want children and to buy our own home and I worry that choosing to study is a bit selfish and would push back those plans quite a bit, but on the other hand I want more for myself and if we eventually bring children into the world I want to be able to provide for them and be a great example for them.

So I guess I'm really asking for some advice on what to do next and if anybody has been in a similar position and gone on to study. What would the first step be for somebody without any GCSE's or A levels? What is the support like on a course as I have obviously not studied for quite some time?

Sorry for the long post and thank you for reading if you got this far, it feels good to have finally written this down.

Have a look at Access courses? You can usually study maths and English for free at college if you don;t have them at GCSE - most colleges have an adult education dept - you could try picking up some short courses and maths/English before jumping onto an Access course

do you know what you want to do?

Have you tried doing a career quiz online to see what kind of job roles you might be interested in? It might help narrow down what further education/training you want to do.

I'm in a similar position and am now changing career path due to having time to reflect thanks to covid and I'm 29 so you've definitely got time

Well done OP, it's never too late to invest in yourself. Echo the PP, have you got a goal in mind? What kind of thing are you good at? People, numbers, creative etc?

Look at Access courses. You will study everything you need to enter university the following academic year. Good luck!

Try this.. icould.com buzz quiz for some ideas

OP, do an apprenticeship! You’ll get paid to do it so will be earning, and you’ll actually train to do a job, so will earn qualifications along the way. You will also be an employee so will be entitled to maternity leave etc. What are you interested in? If you post your interests and location I would be more than happy to have a look for you.

You’re still very young with 40 years of work ahead of you, I think you’re very sensible to be reviewing your situation and looking to better it for the long run. You won’t regret it, I promise.

Go for it!!!
You will bring so much from your life experience to choosing a course of study, you’ll make a much better decision about what to study than most who make those decisions at 16 and 18.
Good luck!!!

I really enjoy working with people, particularly children and the elderly so have thought about Occupational Therapy. I'm very organised, patient and have a warm personality which I think would be a good fit for the role from what I have read online. But I am still unsure and picking just one thing feels like a big commitment.

I just googled and it immediately came up with an apprentice childcare assistant near me. You work, get paid & get a childcare qualification along the way. Not that you have to do that of course, but things like that are out there. It does feel like a big thing but at some point we all have to make a decision about our careers, and I think in the next few years jobs will dry up because of the recession. I’m sure you will end up on the right path

Echo previous posters - lots of colleges will put adults through English and Maths GCSEs now if you need to get these.
Then you could look at an Access course. This website has: info on specific courses and how to map your career ambitions or interest to a course: www.accesstohe.ac.uk/

You've got 40 years of working life left - you can do this! :)

Lots and lots of options- and you have 40 years to create a career.

First thiygh- your parents did the best they could. If they did better with you than their parents did for them, they probably feel they are winning.

1. you can get a free careers appointment from the National Careers Service
2. Many local colleges offer English and Math GCSE's in the evening ( free). Other colleges offer a " pre Access" study programme of English Math and Science GCSE
3. apprenticeships are way more flexible now. Many employers will hire mature learners who are keen to work. Look for general idea on the Institute for Apprenticeships. Vacancies on direct.gov, Get My First Job, Notgoungtouni. Indeed etc.
4. For many business operation areas, progression is very possible with specific industry qualifications. Ie marketing ( look at CIM), Accountancy ( you can start with an AAT course, and work your way up. Law has some more flexible training routes now ( still competitive, but have a look at CiLex). Others areas where you can gain industry quals include HR and project management. If you have admin experience, you have an excellent starting point.
5. Some industries have some good opportunities. Have you thought about the Building industry?

Just a few thoughts
Good luck op

Hi OP. I had a very similar upbringing to you. I went to uni at 34 and trained to be an OT. Before that I did an Access course and Maths GCSE. I ended up getting a First class honours. Not to brag, but just to say, you absolutely can do it. I was lucky though as I got a bursary when I trained. I don't think I could have afforded to do that without it. I don't earn amazing money, but I do earn more than my DH now, and I have progressed to a Highly Specialist role in my chosen area (paediatrics). I had my DD after I'd done my training. Go for it!

Definitely not too late!

When you say no GCSEs, do you mean absolutely nothing? This might be a starting point. There may be some vocational jobs which don’t require a basic English and Maths qualification to get you started, but anything like Occupational Therapy will require it. So even if OT turns out not to be for you, you wouldn’t be wasting your time seeing what options there are for brushing up on English and Maths skills.

I wouldn’t let the idea of babies stop you from trying to achieve work goals. Lots of people study/train whilst they have small children.

Good luck!

Absolutely start! I started my open university degree 5 years ago, I’m half way through. I have had two DC in that time (well one due any day), plus family issues, no childcare etc.

It definitely has put us back on buying a house - however I’m honestly not that arsed about buying anyway, the only reason we will make the leap is because private renting is so insecure. However I figured the salary that comes with the job I will do when I graduate, will help us save for a mortgage and get us on the ladder at some point in the future.

As PP have said, do an access course first and get your math and English if you can. Especially the math. There are elements of it in my course and I struggle enormously (failed gcse maths 4 times!)

Not too late at all!

Make an appointment with a careers advisor. I'm not sure where you are, but in my area, there is an organisation that will see you free of charge.

Apprenticeships are good but pay is not always realistic for adults - with an access course you could look at degree apprenticeships which pay a wage while you work towards your qualifications - the NHS do offer them

access to health would be a good option with maths and English either GCSE or functional Skills level 2

Do an OU degree part time or full time.
Keep working low paying jobs or volunteer in the sector you want.

3-6 years time you’ll be qualified in something.

Hi OP
It is never too late to make a change!
This is a good website to see what career you are suited to- although it is Scottish it has a good career quiz
www.myworldofwork.co.uk/
I was in my 20s with a 2 year old when I did my degree- my motivation was a better life for me and my child-never regretted it.
Good luck with whatever you decide to do.

I think NHS offer bursaries for people training to become nurses

Thank you for all your encouraging comments, I really am touched. I will definitely look at talking to a career advisor and have already looked at some access courses starting in September. Will also be looking into retaking those key GCSE's, I honestly only left with one pass I think so it's time to make a change!