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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Am I Too Old?

49 replies

IrregularChoiceFan · 03/04/2023 12:12

I am thinking about taking an access course and applying to university to become a Midwife. I am 33 currently but would be 34 by the time I actually started uni as I would need to take the access course first.

This would make me 37 by the time I qualify to work, am I too old? Feeling a bit now or never about it all. I wish I had just done it when I was 18 but life just got in the way.

OP posts:
IsolatedWilderness · 03/04/2023 12:14

Far from being too old, you're a great age for that kind of study. Go for it.

shivawn · 03/04/2023 12:15

Go for it if it's what you want OP. I was 27 when I went back to do nursing but there was plenty in their 30's and 40's in the my course. Most of them work in the same hospital as me now so I see them around a bit and I don't think they have any regrets.

HippeePrincess · 03/04/2023 12:16

You’d have 30 years left to work after you qualified, May as well be in something you love. You’ll be 37 in 4 years time regardless of whether you’d studied or not so you may as well.
i did an access course and degree in my 30’s, best thing I’ve ever done.

IcedPurple · 03/04/2023 12:18

Not too old at all.

I know it's not quite the same, but I was about that age when I went back to university as a post graduate. I bet many students will be your age or close to it. It seems a great opportunity.

Original poster
IrregularChoiceFan · 03/04/2023 12:21

Thank you everyone!

Putting it into the context of having 30 years left anyway makes me feel silly for even thinking its too late! I think I'm going to go for it!

OP posts:
Orangetapemeasure · 03/04/2023 12:21

You aren’t too old but I’d advise you against going into any job that ties you to the NHS. All maternity units are insanely understaffed atm with no obvious remedy in sight. There is no private option atm for midwives. If you were to go into physio or OT you could branch off. The NHS is dying and I’d steer well clear until an alternative healthcare system is up and running (I’ve worked in the nhs for 25 years).

AncientMinotaur · 03/04/2023 12:22

Never too old

L1ttledrummergirl · 03/04/2023 12:24

Absolutely do it. I have a friend in a similar position who would make an amazing midwife. I wish she would follow her dreams.

Go for it.

Aylestone · 03/04/2023 12:26

You’ve still got most of your working life left. If you start now, in 4 years you’ll be 37 and a qualified midwife. If you don’t do it, in 4 years you’ll still be 37, but with no qualification 🤷🏼‍♀️

Clarinet1 · 03/04/2023 12:29

I know plenty of people who have changed careers at a later age than yours. I can’t comment on midwifery specifically but I’d have thought a certain amount of greater maturity would be a definite plus.
The only other thing you don’t mention is other commitments (DC, aging parents etc) but if you think you can work around any of that, then don’t wait a moment longer!

Carrotpuffs · 03/04/2023 12:37

My friend did exactly this. She's a year younger than you and in her second year. She loves it! The time passes anyway. Good luck!

dietcokelime · 03/04/2023 12:37

Go for it!!

My friend of the same age has just done exactly this. She's absolutely made for this job and her life experiences so far will only make her a better midwife imo!

You'll as pp said have 30 years to work and enjoy the job 😊

glitterisntgendered · 03/04/2023 12:40

Orangetapemeasure · 03/04/2023 12:21

You aren’t too old but I’d advise you against going into any job that ties you to the NHS. All maternity units are insanely understaffed atm with no obvious remedy in sight. There is no private option atm for midwives. If you were to go into physio or OT you could branch off. The NHS is dying and I’d steer well clear until an alternative healthcare system is up and running (I’ve worked in the nhs for 25 years).

I don't think the NHS is dying but even if it was we still need healthcare. Midwives would just exist in a privatised system.

Absolutely go for it OP. 37 is nothing, you've got loads of working life ahead of you.

Bucketheadbucketbum · 03/04/2023 12:41

It's a gruelling job for minimal pay. You're too old for that.

Orangetapemeasure · 03/04/2023 12:45

@glitterisntgendered do you not read the news???? Of course the nhs is dying.

TortolaParadise · 03/04/2023 12:49

You a a youngster! You will be expected to work for thirty years (until sixty-eight). Go for it.

CrkdLttrCrkdLttr · 03/04/2023 12:50

Oh goodness, @IrregularChoiceFan - your question is exactly what the Mature Study and Retraining board was set up to consider!

You’ll find countless threads there beginning “Am I too old to …?” Do take a look.

Mature students: Distance learning, retraining and mentorship | Mumsnet | Mumsnet

Mumsnet makes parents' lives easier by pooling knowledge, advice and support on everything from conception to childbirth, from babies to teenagers.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/mature_students

mrstea301 · 03/04/2023 12:52

No way, you should go for it! You'll be 37 anyway, you may as well be 37 with a qualification!

I getting a mole removed a few years ago and one of the nurses treating me went back to qualifying when she was 48.

derbylass81 · 03/04/2023 13:05

IrregularChoiceFan · 03/04/2023 12:21

Thank you everyone!

Putting it into the context of having 30 years left anyway makes me feel silly for even thinking its too late! I think I'm going to go for it!

Good luck!!

CattySam · 03/04/2023 13:08

No way!

I teach on a midwifery course. You’ll be very average aged. Go for it!

Original poster
IrregularChoiceFan · 20/12/2023 16:10

Just wanted to update this thread and say thank you to everyone who gave encouragement! I have been offered a place at University to study midwifery for Sept 2024 and am so excited!

OP posts:
wellhellohowstheweather · 20/12/2023 16:13

That's so exciting! (I've named changed since initial post) congratulations!!

CatchHimDerry · 20/12/2023 16:16

Amazing!

im considering doing the same thing, at same age, if I can make it work financially

Best of luck, OP!

worrywilma · 20/12/2023 16:30

Amazing!! You're living my dream, enjoy it and good luck x

TheSkyWasMadeOfAmethyst · 20/12/2023 16:32

Brilliant, congratulations!