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Further education

You'll find discussions about A Levels and universities on our Further Education forum.

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Original poster

38 years old. Giving job up and going to Uni. Am I crazy?

46 replies

toomanyjobsin1day · 17/08/2018 05:45

So, I applied to my local University (didn't think I would get in). I've been offered a place on a BA Criminology Degree with Foundation Year. I've never been to University before. I've worked in administration all my working life. I'm only part time and my hubby works (earns around 17,000). I can get slightly more money a year through student loans than my current wages so I will not be putting us out of pocket. I want a better life for my children ( aged 6 and 13) and I want a career. Is it too late for all this and am I mad? Any views appreciated

OP posts:

LooksBetterWithAFilter · 17/08/2018 09:13

I’m 39 and just going in to third year of my degree. I won’t lie it is hard work at times with children but you get there. You will love it and it’s so worth it in the long run. You don’t want to look back in 4 years when you could have been graduating and realise you would be finished if you’d just started it now.
Jump right in and enjoy every minute of it.

ItsLikeRainOnYourWeddingDay · 17/08/2018 09:17

I don't think it's a good idea. A course like that doesn't have an ultimate job straight from uni, like a course such as teaching, dentistry, nursing etc. I have known 2 people who have graduated with a degree in criminology. One works as a home help and one is a postman. Both are intelligent but the jobs don't exist, you nee so much more further training. . You would be better going into the police.

Madeline18 · 17/08/2018 09:17

Do it! University is an amazing experience. My DP is currently back doing his masters and while it is a drop in income for a year, it will be amazing once he has finished.

Mummybearpeanut · 17/08/2018 09:23

Xxxxxxgive yourself a pat on back ladies .I know how you feel I'm a sm of 2 I have a partner but were in a ldr.my family bring me down or are just meh bout me and friends are younger than me and bitch bout everyone .it's hard to ignore the critics and believe in yourself when people don't support you .

Original poster

toomanyjobsin1day · 17/08/2018 09:24

@ItsLikeRainOnYourWeddingDay Thank you 😀 However, I work part time in admin, it's not like I'm giving up a fabulous career for it. Plus the experience and self development is what I'm really after. I can always go back to admin if I can't get a job. I wouldn't want to do a degree I'm not interested in, just on the promise of a job at the end of it.

OP posts:

donajimena · 17/08/2018 10:06

Whilst opendoors is correct in that it isnt a degree with a defined career path it will still open doors for you. My degree is career specific but before I chose that particular path I couldn't apply for many jobs even higher level administrator ones because they specified that applicants must be educated to degree level.
If you do well you may be lucky enough to get funding for a masters!
Good luck. Its so exciting.

Waltzingmatilda65 · 18/08/2018 06:34

If the OP joined the police instead assuming she would get straight in, it would be a nightmare with shifts childcare. Whereas, studying a course she is really interested might bring her enjoyment fulfilment and she can fit this around her family and hopefully get a job in this field later or similar field.

Original poster

toomanyjobsin1day · 18/08/2018 09:10

Thanks everyone I just keep doubting myself. I've put off handing my notice in until Monday 🙄

OP posts:

donajimena · 18/08/2018 10:03

Don't doubt it for one minute. Foundation is brilliant for getting you into the swing of things. By the time year one comes you'll be chomping at the bit just like I am now

Original poster

toomanyjobsin1day · 18/08/2018 15:33

Thank you! I think I'll feel like this til I start but I'm going for it!

OP posts:

DuskyMoth · 18/08/2018 16:06

Go for it! Don't doubt yourself!

I'm currently at Uni. I did a foundation year, which was brilliant in terms of learning academic skills and it got me into the routine of studying without being too taxing. I've just finished my 2nd year (3rd year including the foundation year) of an integrated Masters program - so two more years to go and then I'll have a Masters!

I'm almost 35 and when I stared I was a single parent. There were quite a few mature students like me, so I've never felt isolated. I also made friends with quite a few of the younger students too.

It's tough going at times, but I'm so glad I decided to do it. It's worth it.

You'll always be thinking 'what if?' if you don't.

Original poster

toomanyjobsin1day · 12/10/2018 13:06

Update- so I started Uni three weeks ago and I am loving every minute. I know it's early days but I have made loads of new lovely friends and I have discovered I love learning! 😁

OP posts:

gingergenius · 18/10/2018 07:32

Well done OP! It's great isn't it? I'm in year 2 now and still love every minute!

Original poster

toomanyjobsin1day · 18/10/2018 07:43

Thanks gingergenius! I just wish I had done it earlier in my life but so glad I found the courage to do it at all x

OP posts:

Randomusername01 · 18/10/2018 08:45

Do it. I did it age 36. Now I'm doing my masters. Best thing I ever did.

notdancingbutplodding · 18/10/2018 08:57

Wow, wish I had your courage. Well done!

jeanne16 · 20/10/2018 07:22

Sorry to throw cold water here but I don’t think this is a good idea. A degree in Criminology really won’t lead to well paid jobs. It is better to be told this now rather than finding out in 3 years time.

Noboozeforme · 20/10/2018 07:34

The OP is aware that this course doesn't automatically mean a well paid job at the end of it !

Glad you are enjoying the course OP ! I had a wonderful experience of uni aged 38 ! Loved it and the sense of achievement at the end is incredible.

My mum went to uni later on on life and it showed me it could be done. Great role modelling for your children.

Galvantula · 20/10/2018 08:50

RTFT Jeanne.

OP has already started!

She had also stated she isn't too fixed on career prospects but is enjoying it.

I'd love to go back to studying, but as the sole breadwinner in our family it's not an option for me at the moment.

Good luck toomanyjobs!

Chimchar · 20/10/2018 08:55

Well done on going. I'm glad you're enjoying!

It's something I keep coming back to...not brave enough to do it yet. I'm the wrong side of 40, but seeing how many here have done it has given me confidence to look at it again.

radioband · 20/10/2018 11:19

I completed a Criminology degree about 10years ago now. I was 24 at the time with a young child. Whilst it is difficult to go straight into a related job field it's not impossible. I work with Care Leavers now but was offered a job with Probation 2 years ago, I didn't take it but only because I found out I was pregnant. I will probably apply again when the time is right. Good luck.

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