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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To start a Podiatry degree at nearly 40?

4 replies

Ceartaa · 06/08/2025 20:32

Is anyone a podiatrist, particularly in the NHS?

I'm late 30s with two older teenagers and due a baby in October!

My current job is in Administration / Reception in Health and Social Care, but I'm concerned about AI possibly soon taking over parts of my job, and I need to work full time until 68!. It won't take over the interaction with service users who often need someone to chat to and I help run groups as well, but I've already seen hours being cut on some of the admin and finance side. I don't really want to go into a support worker role, and my current salary is only £21,000.

I really like the sound of Podiatry - the practical side, helping people, the hours, and the salary better than my current.
I am slightly concerned about heavy lifting though, I have an injury and that's why I moved from Care work to Admin years ago. I like being active, just can't lift really heavy loads or do heavy work like care or cleaning type stuff.

I'd have to do an access course for 1 year which I'd start when baby is 10 months old, and then a degree. Luckily I can get childcare around 9-5 type hours and DP is willing to support and I should get some student loan.

Should I go for it? Would appreciate any replies from anyone with experience of or works with Podiatrists. It really would be a last chance at uni for me so want to pick correctly.

OP posts:
SpanThatWorld · 06/08/2025 20:35

I have a friend who retrained as a Podiatrist after several years as a teacher. Aside from all of the usual NHS stuff, she speaks very positively about her job.

Medstudent12 · 06/08/2025 20:37

I’m a doctor. I would. Podiatrists can sit down to do procedures. And they don’t do night shifts etc. and some progress to more advanced roles. And you can work in hospital or community. Less stress than nursing, have more autonomy than a lot of AHPs. It’s got longevity and podiatrists I meet seem happy.

Ohwhatfuckeryitistoride · 06/08/2025 21:20

I know someone who did similar, he was scaling back in preparation for early retirement and now does it as his only job. Loves it. Has regular clients and does ok, though his wife says he's clapping on the weight because he gets tea, biscuits and cake every stop.

Anonentity · 06/08/2025 21:21

Medstudent12 · 06/08/2025 20:37

I’m a doctor. I would. Podiatrists can sit down to do procedures. And they don’t do night shifts etc. and some progress to more advanced roles. And you can work in hospital or community. Less stress than nursing, have more autonomy than a lot of AHPs. It’s got longevity and podiatrists I meet seem happy.

This. Go for it.

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