Degree in something I love or something I need?

[Comps83]

So at 34 Ive signed up to do a degree in history which is and always has been the only thing that interests me. I know there are no jobs in it , I'm doing it because I love it and I want to prove I can do it.
But now I'm jittery, starting to think I should be spending my time and money on qualifications in something I'm not interested but will be good for employment.
I've worked at the same place since 19 so have lots of experience working in different departments, work in finance now and I'm doing a short course off my own back to make me feel less stupid around all these highly qualified people . I haven't told them I'm doing it.
My job isn't under threat at the moment but I feel like if I lost it I'd be stuffed . I get paid very well for what is effectively admin work.
So , should I do something I love or something I might need in the future but bores me shitless?

Always do what you love; you only get one life!

That's a difficult choice. Could you do the history degree but also get lower level qualifications in something that would help you get a job in the area with which you're already familiar?

I was thinking that too dudsville. But once I start this part time degree I won't have any time for anything else unless work let me do it on a day release type thing but they've already said they won't put me through any qualifications (even though they're doing it for others, I'm obviously not worth investing in)

I got a history degree for similar reasons and have never once regretted my choice.

I now have a decently paid job for the level I am at and in a position where I can move up in my company. I am young(ish) so wouldn't expect anymore. My job also has nothing to do with history nor will my career path ever lead me to a job dealing with history.

I believe you should study what you love as otherwise what's the point?

I work in financial services and tons of people with history degrees here.

If there is an opportunity as part of your course to do something a bit more traditionally useful, like taking an accountancy module or doing economic history (I did economics but some economic history modules too and they were THE best) then might that be a compromise? Employers are not just interested in the degree, I think, but also the actual subjects you study and it is something to pull out on your CV and cover letter when relevant to the role you're applying for.

But really, do something you love (I was lucky that I happened to love something that is considered marketable) because those people I know who didn't ended up burning out/losing motivation v early on.

I think if I started one in accountancy for example I'd just give up anyway .

If you are already earning a higher salary I think it's hard to start in a new field because of the pay cut. I would like to try something new but everything I consider means a 2/3rd cut in pay. It's easier to choose study for fun when you're either young or not needing the cash.

Do you mean the module or the degree? I will admit that accountancy for 3 years would bore me to tears (and as an aside, my sister who is partner at a large accountancy firm says they never take people who did the degree in it as they want to see people who are a bit more original/well-rounded. I actually think it's not necessarily the best idea to instantly get rid of applicants who may have a passion for the specific subject/have experience but am sure she is not the only recruiter who thinks that way)

Thing is you can never be sure what recruiters will want. I just had a quick look at jobs similar to what I'm doing now and have done before and I'd have to have about 15 different qualifications as they all stated something different in the requirements.
I'm just going to do the History degree and hope I don't get made redundant , maybe take up any NVQs etc if and when they're offered.

Also have a look at future learn or online courses- groupon do dome good it based ones or google digital garage? It's about transferable skills which you will learn on your history degree.

History is solid degree, teaches you good analytical transferrable skills.

Do what you love. History graduates are very employable. For their skills not their specific knowledge. As a graduate you would qualify for various jobs or for a more vocational masters. There's literally no downside.