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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Feel stuck

6 replies

Chickencuddle · 02/03/2026 16:28

I feel stuck in my job and some days I am bored to tears. I love learning always have done but didnt finish A levels or go to uni due to life circumstances. I love being busy too. I am a classroom assistant to a child with autism and moderate learning difficulties.
I am very thankful for my job and the child I work with is such a sunshine ray I feel privileged to work with them. Its rewarding. But also can be very boring and samey and let's face it low wage.
The hours are good.
I feel stuck. I cant do much else as no childcare for my kids and no qualifications. Apart from good GCSE results. I applied for an access course a few years back and got accepted however the part time option was taken away due to funding so now only full time. I cant afford to give up my job to learn but I am bored to tears. I hate being sat still in one place for 90% of the day. I am not challenged and im really bored at times.
Anyone any experience or help? Ive been in this role coming on 5 years now.
I also run a drama club at weekend and tuesdays and have recently been approached to start another in different area. But cant afford to quit job to have extra time to do so. I would love to build up and have enough clubs so I could stop as need money. If that makes sense.

OP posts:
Catza · 02/03/2026 18:03

You may not need access course. I went to uni at 32, nobody asked me about my GCSC, never mind A-levels. They were more interested in my experience in the workforce. It was really hard to get back to academic work after a long break but I managed. So it is worth considering your options if you have a specific degree in mind which you could do part time.

KnickerlessParsons · 02/03/2026 18:05

Can you get to night classes?

Pureclass · 02/03/2026 18:19

I recently learned that UC will support you for a year while trying to become self employed.

I don't know if you are already entitled to any, but a lot of the caps/minimum wage floors are changed for a year to allow you more chance to succeed.

There are usually government backed business grants etc that could help make your drama classes into a business.

Search for the Natwest Accelerator Hub and see if there is one in your area. This is free and they provide loads of information, support and can walk you through step by step of how to start and grow a business. They have regular workshops and speakers. There is also free workspace there.

There is a girl near me who runs drama groups, she also runs special intensive classes for kids over half terms and in the summer. My son went when he was younger and enjoyed them. She does birthday parties too, from what I gather- she brings dressing up outfits, wigs, a basic script/storyline. The kids dress up, rehearse then perform.for the parents at pickup.

Open university does an access course. I did the humanities one about 14 years ago and it was so interesting. We covered lots of different topics, from Stalin to history of art. Then you can use that to pursue a degree. At the time it was cheaper than tech or a "real" uni and I had no childcare and a young baby so it made sense for me.

Wishing you all the luck whatever you do next.

Pearlstillsinging · 02/03/2026 18:24

Have you any qualifications related to your job? If not ask your employer to send you on training courses - that is good practice on their part and could give you more ideas of things to do with the child you support. Those qualifications could be a jumping off point to further qualifications.You might be able to do on the job training to teach, while still getting paid.

AllBranEater · 02/03/2026 18:42

There's always the Open University too.

MildlyAnnoyed · 02/03/2026 18:46

What about doing a degree? If it’s time then maybe Open University so you can fit it around your life.

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