Going back to studying at 30 years old while working

[PoppyCornCob]

I'm a full time working mum of a 3.5 year old. I'm currently working nights 5 evenings per week (no weekend) and work two days shifts which will end in September.

Long story short, I want to study a course which will allow me to get a job during the day and can work around childcare because at the moment, where i live, all jobs that I've looked at are seasonal, require weekends, and are not family friendly. Weekday jobs require experience and some require degrees and certificates which i don't have.

I've spoken to DH (chef) about perhaps trying to get one of his working weekends off so that I can get better opportunities trying to find a better paying day job but he is unable to and in his own words "he isn't ready to give up his career that he has worked hard for". Fair enough. So here I am.

There is only one college/school in the area offering foundation courses/level 3 courses. Any further and it will be more difficult to manage. There isn't a lot of options other than Early Years, Health and Social Care, Animal Conservation/Animal Care, Children and Young People, Business Management, or theatre and event technology.

The college offers some Art and Design courses which I specialise in but due to the fact that the business industry for this subject is competitive and really, I'd have to move to a big city to get a job under that category, its not really ideal.

I plan to study part time but full time is also an option. Out of all the courses I've mentioned previously, Early Years and Health and Social Care is the most ideal. Im not great with Business Management but those Mon-Fri corporate jobs seems ideal. I just don't have the knack for it.

Is anyone else working and studying at the same time?

P.S. there are online universities yes but I've done that before and I really struggled with it and that was before I had a kid and a full time job. I know myself and I'd do better studying face to face with other students and lecturers rather than online.

I did my degree part time whilst working full time in a related profession when I was 19. It took 5 years. I'm now 38 and now have 2 kids (10 and 8) doing a part time MSc whilst working full time (NHS - supposedly 37.5 hours/week, but in reality, 60 hours). It's bloody hard and I couldn't do it without massive support from my husband. I waited so long to do the MSc because I had experience of full time work and part time study and knew I couldn't do it whilst the kids were younger.

In summary - it's not easy and takes huge commitment from you and support from those around you.

There are pros and cons to full time vs part time study - if you have flexibility to take leave when you have an exam or deadline looming, that flexibility is great. If that's unlikely to be benefit, I'd probably do it full time so you have a single focus and less things to juggle.

have you considered Montessori teacher training - both training and work fit with having a family to look after too

If you do Health and social care level 3, you will have quote a few options for a degree if you want to move onto that. You'll never be out of work, and you might find the work rewarding, but you'll work hard.
You can't do an Access course, level 3 study or higher education while working full time, 16 hours a week absolute max.
Speak to your local college, they will help.
I taught Access / level 3 for many years in colleges. Only a tiny minority of people don't thrive once they start. For most people it radically improves their lives.
Your partner needs to get on board though. Why is his career a right, but you have no equal rights? I've encountered this A LOT. It's not acceptable. If he's got a brain and any decency, he should understand that this will benefit the whole family and be positive for all in the long run. He should want to support you,not hold you back.