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Original poster

Please can you tell me about your achievements later in life?

123 replies

CuriousLadyBird · 28/07/2023 01:05

Hi all,

I'm having a weird crisis and I'm annoyed at myself when I should be overjoyed.

I've been accepted onto a registered mental health nursing course which is an amazing opportunity and I'm so grateful but I can't help thinking I'm too old which is ridiculous.

I'm 28 and a mum of 2. I feel behind my peers because I couldn't go to university when my friends did as my dad was elderly and my mum is autistic/learning difficulties so I've been working since I was 17. I've worked retail, call centre, admin etc all at NMW and there's nothing wrong with that but I've always wanted to work within the healthcare sector.

Once I was out of the house I did apply to university but then covid hit and I got pregnant, then my dad died, my mum needed a lot more care, I got MH issues and somehow another baby appeared so It had to take a bit of a backseat and it feels like years have passed me by and I'm in a similar position.

I just keep thinking oh I'll be 32 when I qualify, what's the point etc but I know that's like silly thoughts because I'm gonna be 32 anyway so I might as well be a 32 year old nurse but the thoughts just won't leave.

So please can people kindly share their achievements that were a little bit later on and how it feels, how it's going etc just for a bit of encouragement.

Thank you

OP posts:
BrightGoldenHazeintheMeadow · 28/07/2023 03:21

Hi Curious I did a PGCE when I was 26 and was then considered a mature student. The students on the course - with families and work commitments - always handed in their assignments before the rest of us.

Life has dealt you a very hard deal so far - losing your dad when you were young and your mum having MH issues. You have done amazingly well so far and I've no doubt you will do brilliantly on your course. Whoever employs you will be fortunate to have you.

Oh, and as others have said, try not to compare yourself with others.Its something we tell our kids all the time and I know is easier said than done. However, in my fifties I finally feel I've cracked it - well most of the time:) It feels so freeing and joyous not to compare or care what others think.

LameBorzoi · 28/07/2023 03:46

You are going to turn 32 anyway. You can do it with or without a qualification.

And 32 is young, by the way.

ZeldaWillTellYourFortune · 28/07/2023 04:13

28? Jfc.

Superhanz · 28/07/2023 05:10

28 isn't later in life!

I started nursing at 26 and most people on my course were older than me.

bellalou1234 · 28/07/2023 05:23

Well done youni qualified as a mental health nurse when i was 38. It's felt such an achievement as I left school with no qualification. X

crew2022 · 28/07/2023 06:38

I started a new career at 25, did my masters (which was needed for my career choice) with 3 kids in my 30s. My time management had to be spot on and I never left uni work until the last minute incase one of the kids was ill and I couldn't study in the evening. It was hard but I got there.
You've got lots of life experience that younger student nurses won't have which will make you a great nurse. I think it will be the perfect time to do this.

Motnight · 28/07/2023 07:04

One of the most amazing colleagues that I have worked with (I am late 50s) qualified as a nurse in his early 30s. He is fantastic at his job, changes lives for the better and is loved by everyone who knows him.

You can do this, Op. Sounds like you overcome a lot of horrible things over the last few years. Good luck 🎉

Mixedberrygenderfluidmuffin · 28/07/2023 07:12

I qualified as a doctor aged 49. I am now a GP and love my job.
32 is no age, I’ve met loads of nurses who trained as mature students, I doubt you’ll be the oldest on the course.

Smoky1107 · 28/07/2023 07:15

I'm 43 and just started the foundation year of my degree. I've done loads of courses recently and changed path in work plus secured a dream job. No way too late I'm ten years older and think I'm just starting!

squashi · 28/07/2023 07:47

I trained as a teacher and started my career at 31. It didn't feel too late at all - the right time, in fact. I've just got a Masters at 52. These thoughts of you being too old for your course must be banished! They are probably mainly due to you needing a confidence boost. Go for it, and good luck.

RampantIvy · 28/07/2023 08:00

You have just done things the other way round, that's all. With your life experience you will make a fantastic mental health nurse.

I changed career at 35, achieved professional qualifications at 40 and had a baby at 41.

Good luck with the course and make sure you have watertight contraception.

GenieGenealogy · 28/07/2023 08:02

I'm 51 and have just finished a Masters, with distinction. Thinking about starting a PhD. You are really very young at 28.

onlyoneoftheregimentinstep · 28/07/2023 08:07

I spent 10 years as a SAHP, and returned to work part time at an entry level grade when I was 43. By the age of 50 I had achieved a very senior position which I had never believed possible. It's never too late!

Bayleaf25 · 28/07/2023 08:08

Congratulations!! You are so young and this is a fabulous opportunity, lots of health care students are slightly older so you won’t be out of place at all. You should be proud of yourself for doing something you’re passionate about.

AuntieSoap · 28/07/2023 08:11

I graduated with my BA(Hons) two years ago and I'm now about to finish my MSc. Because of this, I've had two promotions and I'm earning £30k more than I was 3 years ago.

Im 49 and did this because my husband left me.

justanothermummma · 28/07/2023 08:15

I'm planning on studying when my DDs are a bit older in a field I've been interested in for years, I'm 28 now and I'm hoping I'll start studying by 35 (I need to save up for the course). I'll still have at least 30 years of working before my retirement when I qualify, so I'm not concerned about my age! Go for it lovely, best of luck OP x

doingitforyorkshire · 28/07/2023 08:16

I returned to my original career at 46, but due to the changes I now have to do a degree in which I'll be 49 when I finish, according to your view I shouldn't have bothered as if you're too old at 28 then I may as well start arranging my funeral!

Yes, I notice my age, when I started back I started with people ranging from 19-25, however, there were a few in their 30's, a couple a few years younger than be with one beginning in his early 50s. If we are going to combat ageism, it begins within, how can you criticise other people's ageist views if you feel like this yourself?

Heatherbell1978 · 28/07/2023 08:16

When I read the title I assumed you'd be my age (45) asking this question. You're so young! I'm banking on working for another 20 years so I'm only half way through my career and still learning and adapting.

HarveyDanger · 28/07/2023 08:18

What job do you do now?

Twinklewonderkins · 28/07/2023 08:19

Hi op, I did a healthcare professional degree at a similar age, just over 20 years ago now, I was a single mum at the time.

it was hard, but I’ve built a great career, worked in some very rewarding roles, did a masters through work and spent 5 years as a professor teaching students of my profession.
I now have an NHS clinical role and a private practice, I earn a good salary by normal standards, it’s sometimes hard but I get a lot of job satisfaction still and am very proud of what I have done.

I’m two years into a PhD if I ever complete it ha but yeh, go for it, as someone else said you will be 32 in three years time anyway either with or without a qualification and 32 is young.
You will have a lot of life skills to bring to mental health nursing and it can lead to all sorts of things post grad such as therapy qualifications.
good luck!

Buddrinker84 · 28/07/2023 08:21

I can't say I'm a complete success just yet, but, I am 37 and I've just completed my foundation year at uni with flying colours! It's a lot of work, bringing up a family and studying, yet all the stress is absolutely worth it. I don't have massive dreams, but I do believe the degree will get me further in life than not having it! Good luck and embrace the experience.

JaninaDuszejko · 28/07/2023 08:22

All you've done is do things in a different order to the standard order. You've had your kids in your 20s and can concentrate on your career in your 30s. Lots of people do it the other way round but at 40 you'll be equal. And your life experience will make you a better nurse from the start.

Newgirls · 28/07/2023 08:24

At 28 you know what you are doing and are making a wise choice. At 18 I bet some people regret their training/ degree choice.

2chocolateoranges · 28/07/2023 08:25

I worked in minimum wage jobs for years as the hours suited working around the children, then in 2019 I applied to go to college and got a qualification that allowed me to change my career path. I now work with 2-5 yr olds and I’m loving it.

I graduated at that age of 44. Never to young or old to learn.

Colleagues are trying to get as many of us to do our BA but at the moment I feel it’s not for me… but never say never.