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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To quit work and do an OU degree?

129 replies

Agix · 29/07/2025 08:55

I've posted about quitting work before, due to my health. I was advised by mumsnet that at the time it wasn't the best idea. Suggestion was to go part time instead, which I did.

Since then, my health has declined further. It's some life-long mental health, some physical health, and recently diagnosed neurodivergence which may explain a whole lot of it. I am in therapy on the NHS now.

My partner and I have gotten married since. His income has also increased slightly.

Hes very keen for me to quit work now and focus on taking time to get better, he says he doesn't want to see me so unwell and with no life anymore, and just carrying on like this. He says he thinks it'll just keep getting worse if nothing changes, and I can't say I think he's wrong. I went part time, and things are still getting worse. I feel I can't catch up, nothing is getting fixed.

He is extremely keen for me to get a degree when I told him I wanted to, I never got the chance when I was younger, and I'd love to do it too. He says I deserve the opportunity and believes I'd do well.

With his take home pay, we have around £300 a month left over after current expenses.. Perhaps more when we cut and reduce the unnecessary expenses (subscriptions, etc). We have around £10k savings. So it'll be tight... But doesnt everyone have to struggle to get anywhere? He says getting further raises is not out of the question for him either. No kids, just a cat. No kids on the horizon.

I'm scared with the drop in income, my take home is low but we live well and securely now due to it, but coming round to the idea for the sake of bettering myself . I don't think current work is sustainable anyway, I'm not performing well anymore with the impact of my health. Reasonable adjustments havnt worked. Losing this job isn't off the table...

I think quitting work, and doing an OU course (Law) would be great for me. I get some time off work before course starts, can manage my own time during, learn from home, attending therapy, and have a goal so I'm not rotting... And hopefully new, better footing to re-enter the work force when I am able. Re-calibrate for 3-4 years.

Is it entirely stupid to be on the verge of doing this?

YABU - don't do it.

YANBU - do it, it could work out for the best (obviously with effort from me).

OP posts:
Dozer · 11/08/2025 10:05

The degree likely won’t be the main problem, bigger problems seem likely to be the financial cost of the degree and lost earnings, associated debt, financial dependency on her H and finding paid work that the OP feels able to do and be well. Given her health and work challenges and that she’s not rich, a degree seems unlikely to be a good decision.

Magnahot · 11/08/2025 15:39

TheBlueRobin · 11/08/2025 08:41

Yes they've always been very understanding and helped to signpost, more than a brick university.

Signpost to… what?

So they haven’t actually provided extensive support. They have pointed you to where you might able to get help from other bodies? @TheBlueRobin

Magnahot · 11/08/2025 15:42

LawType · 29/07/2025 14:41

Goodness me, OP, you have read a lot into what absolutely wasn’t there. I feel you have done the same regarding some others’ posts too. And none of what I said (obviously I can’t speak for others) was based on your autism diagnosis, but rather the specific difficulties you described about your current work and your needs and what the actual law degree covers and entails.

If it makes you feel better to assume I am being snooty, feel free. No skin off my nose. But the number of “likes” I have received on my responses suggests others can see I was genuinely trying to help. And I really was. In between trying to take care of a toddler too! I’m off. Again, best of luck.

@LawType

Agreed

The OP’s reaction to this very thread would indicate the rigours of a degree, whilst also labouring under very significant health issues, would be… unwise to say the least

FluentPeachBeaker · 12/08/2025 09:22

Do the degree and enjoy it. You can start with a single level 1 course and take it from there.

You've then got a ton of flexibility with the OU to stick with Law or put your courses towards a more general degree

If you don't get on with it, you can still leave with an interim qualification and a bunch of knowledge.

Life is short, go for it!

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