Can anyone help me decide what is realistic to retrain for?

[MyLoafersFormerGophers]

I am 33 this year and have a DS who is 3. I am already a landlord and so have an income, but would really like to go back to work when he goes to school in 2015.

I've had jobs in offices before and got no higher than a PA/EA which I don't really feel I would want to do again. I would much rather do a job where I felt I made a difference - nursing or teaching or something helpful (if that makes sense - PAing is obvs helpful too - not trying to upset anyone here!).

I got 3 A'levels at CCD (English Lit/Art/Media) and did a Btec (Art and design media) after that. I was offered a place at 2 universities to study journalism but decided not to go as I was convinced by my then partner to stay and get married instead . I never really wanted to be a journo though and have always been drawn more to biology as a subject (I got a B at GCSE but could have done better - was lazy and had a lot of family issues at the time - another reason I chose 'easy' A'levels). I feel as if I didn't really make the most of my education and chose subjects that meant I didn't have to revise (which I didn't!).

I suppose I just want to know what people think is realistic at my age (should also mention I am a lone parent, so evening classes or jobs involving night shifts at night won't be easy).

Thank you for any ideas!

Social work might be a good choice if you want to feel rewarded by working with people. You do need GCSE grade C or above in maths and English plus you might be asked to gain some work experience/or attend access course with w/e opportunities.

Counselling, although that can be a long haul in terms of training. Maybe try volunteering in drugs/alcohol services to take advantage of initial training.

Phlebotomist/Vampire, not much in the way of training but certificated courses and you more than meet the entry requirements.

Can't think of anything else

ooh, what about art therapy, seem to recall a long lost cousin did this. She was creative and loved working with people.

Oh thanks Mini! Phlebotomist sounds good - and I live very near the hospital here. I thought it was more complex! Do I literally just google courses?
Not sure about art therapy just yet, as my old neighbour was a music therapist and was a bit nutty...not sure I'm ready for that just yet, but maybe in a few years time!

Had a google. NHS website says you should find a job before doing a course - sadly my local vampire stations appear to be full...

Occupational therapy is a possibility. Maybe teaching but your A levels are not stellar. I think courses can be quite choosy now. You could look at being a Learning Support Assistant in a school and social work is a good idea. I have a friend who was a nursery nurse and she is now a senior advisor in a family centre helping families who are struggling. As you don't have an A level in biology you possibly need to avoid careers that need this but I know being an OT does not require biology. I would also avoid journalism. I would also see if you can volunteer for a charity in an area that interests you and see if you can find your niche. My sister did this and met people who encouraged her to train in a completely different field to the career she had thought about. In some careers ability will count more than A levels.