AIBU to do a second degree as a single parent with two kids under 3

[Dsmama24]

Hi all,
Im a single mum with two dc under 3 (ds1 is 2 and ds2 newborn. I already have a degree in graphic design but barely any experience (worked as a designer for a few months before becoming cabin crew abroad due to a salary increase) so finding it very hard to find a job in that field. Cabin crew is not an option as all family work full time and couldn’t watch dc outside of nursery hours.
AIBU to do a second degree with 2 young kids as a single mum? I’m currently on UC and desperate to work but all part time jobs I am looking for are on rotational shifts or weekends so childcare would be an issue. Are they any specific courses which are funded as a second degree?
I wouldn’t mind any course as always willing to learn. Was thinking of doing a PGCE but have heard it’s very hard and time consuming and worried I won’t be able to juggle it with two young dc.
Any advice appreciated :)

If money is hard right now, why would you consider a degree over work? You're not unreasonable to pursue it, but oh my gosh what a lot of work on top of solo parenting two children under 3!

Do not do a PGCE whatever you do. Teaching is not the thing to go into as a single parent with 2 under 3s. The PGCE year is tough - but the couple of ECT years after that will be even tougher.

Alone, I genuinely don't think it's doable. The amount of work you will bring home for evenings and weekends is insane. There is a reason that there is a mass shortage of teachers. It's not family friendly in any way.

By second degree I hope you mean a postgraduate course - not a second first degree.

Are you aware of Government Posgraduate Loans?

https://www.gov.uk/masters-loan

Certainly not a PGCE.

Are there no jobs that are doable?

Thanks all, I was deciding whether to apply for full time work ideally 9-5 when ds2 is 9 months (when I will get the 15 free hours) or to retrain. Unfortunately haven’t been able to find part time work which has set days so would need to put both ds in nursery full time which wouldn’t be affordable on a part time salary :(

Wouldn't do it if the main aim is to increase your income. There aren't that many qualifications that lead directly to jobs in the UK, so unless your heart is set on teaching, I wouldn't do it.
Can you consider doing something (maybe graphic design again, or related) as a freelancer from home, or possibly look for a shorter, cheaper course than a full degree that could increase your earning potential and/or open up more job opportunities? Check the Skills Toolkit from the National Careers service for ideas.

Look at jobs with your local council. Any sort of admin work maybe. They're generally very flexible.

Is UC still payable during full time study? Tax credits certainly weren't.

I wouldn't be getting myself further into debt with a 2nd degree in your shoes OP and I'd be looking for a job.

I don’t think you get funding if you are doing another ‘first’ degree . May be different for a post grad degree? The only exception s may be some vocational degrees.

How are you going to sort childcare around lectures?

is open university an option?

What about your local NHS trust, alot of their job adverts are wrong though in that ypu filter for part time and advert says full (in which case i would ask for clarity)

Maybe pgce for primary? I have found it to be very family friendly. I think it depends on the school you end up in, but for me it's great to work full time but not have to use any childcare ever (kids attend the same school I work at so no need for wraparound) and to have all the holidays off with my kids!

Could you look for freelance/contract graphic design work? Simple stuff that wouldn't necessarily need lots of proven experience, you could put together a hypothetical portfolio to show potential clients. You could set up a basic website and then take on work which you could do in evenings/naptimes. Logo design, flyer designs etc for local businesses. You could also sign up to freelance agencies and see if you can get some graphic design work that way. Is there a niche you could pursue that builds on your qualifications and would make you stand out even with minimal experience? Do you have any contacts in the airline industry who could put you in touch with the right people for doing some graphic design work for them? Not necessarily glam or huge money but would help you build experience while earning within the time you have available. Makes use of the skills you already have and make you more suitable for jobs, or you may decide to pursue and expand your own business around limited childcare to save money.