To get a degree or not?

[misskellyb]

I'm thinking of studying English literature with creative writing at the OU. I would just like to hear from others what their experiences of studying online as a mature student, particularly in English or creative arts have been?

When I was a child I used to write my own stories and illustrate them and present them as books for my family to read. I idolised JK Rowling and used to interview myself and my family as if I was a journalist 😂 although journalism isn't something that would interest me anymore but writing in itself, is.

A couple of years back I started an online degree with the open college of arts to study graphic design. I am really interested in creative roles. I was studying this part time but unfortunately had to defer due to caring responsibilities and eventually had to drop out. I found this course particularly hard because on top of the whole degree itself, I was a complete novice to the software required and was having to also teach myself the software, alongside studying, which really slowed my potential down.

After thinking long and hard I would love to try uni again but I'm a bit worried about anything that requires softwares and have disregarded anything within the creative fields I.e. graphic design, interior design, photography etc. I've been debating English literature and creative writing because I genuinely believe I'd enjoy the subject and have already explored potential career prospects and feel they'd suit my circumstances in the long run.

I can only study remotely and I am still a full time carer and will most likely be for the rest of my working life. I'm really worried that if I try uni again and my circumstances get in the way that I'll end up not completing it. I am doing the degree in the hopes to open up career prospects in the future and would idealise a job that allows freelance work or flexibility around caring for my son. It does appeal to me that English lit can perhaps open the door in to teaching and freelance editing/writing. I'd be particularly interested in looking at tutoring support for parents that home educate additional needs children too or possible SLT. And I also like how once I have an undergraduate I can look at conversion courses if I find in the future my fancy takes me somewhere else. But I don't know how realistic my expectations are. I've heard negative things about an English degree saying that 'it doesn't pay well' or 'it's good for nothing'. However I can guarantee any job with a degree will pay better than what I am used to 😂

I am 31 and somehow feel it's just too late and should leave it. My life is very demanding, my mental health is up and down due to my caring role. I am currently on a long term career break in my admin role but I will be handing my notice in soon and taking some time out of work and would like to utilise the time to maybe in the future be able to work in roles other than admin and retail, which I have done my whole life.

Am I crazy to think I can study again? And am I crazy to think I'll ever be able to work again? I've got a 4 year old with additional needs and a 2 year old. No family support. No social life. I can only study on evenings, which is my only downtime (unless I have caring responsibilities which are unpredictable). I just feel the time is now to get something under my belt to be able to enhance my kids futures and to feel a sense of worth and achievement.

Any experiences or advice will be appreciated.

Thank you

If you would like to open up opportunities for the future I highly recommend the OU. When my DC went off to primary school/nursery, I studied through the OU, ending up with biochemistry degree. I eventually added an MBA to that and have an enjoyable and well paid career.

Having studied through the OU and at a Russell Group university, I’d rate the OU higher for its literature and course materials. They’re very well put together and hugely interesting. To give you access to other students and tutors, find out if there’s a study centre near you and join online groups.

As I’m sure you know, with the OU, it’s possible to take as long as you need to complete the degree. I studied in the evenings and whenever possible during the day. There will be pinch points over the study year and it needs some resilience to keep going but there are huge rewards.

@Honeysuckle16

Thank you for your input. It sounds like you have had a good experience with the OU and I'm happy to hear it has resulted in an enjoyable career at the end of it.

If your end goal is to work freelance (special needs home ed? Other freelance?) I would look to better understand how others have built books of business. I am freelance in a completely different field, but rely heavily on prior corporate experience and contacts. I don’t know anyone who has gone directly into freelance from a degree, but other sectors might be different.

In general, don’t expect a degree to translate into a job. Degrees can be hugely beneficial in terms of personal growth as well as opening new doors, but it still takes a fair amount of graft to cultivate a career. And yes, English degrees are not the most economically in demand, so it will take an extra bit of inspiration and drive to make it translate into something lucrative. It if this is your passion and you have a vision, though, it could be brilliant.

@Labraradabrador

What field are you in if you don't mind me asking?

Hmm, that is interesting and food for thought. So it might be worth looking at business studies too perhaps? Or something along them lines anyway...