Is it the right choice?

[FlabbyPirate]

I don't want to miss anything out so for context.
I live with my wonderful DP and two DC. We both work full time and have a somewhat decent income between us (I a good chunk more than DP).
I never went to university, and as I've got older it's always been a regret of mine, it's something I feel I should have done and I know I'll kick myself if I don't take the leap.

I am at a bit of a crossroads career-wise, I don't wish to stay doing the same job which I don't enjoy in the slightest (It just pays the bills), it doesn't help that my boss is 'difficult' to say the least. Instead, I wish to find something I love to do.

So I looked into university, and whilst perusing found the degree I would really enjoy, it's something I genuinely have an interest in. Job prospects are decent, and it would give my career not to mention my CV a boost. It seems like a win-win situation really.

However, the adult and parent side of me is holding me back somewhat, reminding me that I'd be giving up a full-time job, which I would feel guilty for and also I feel slightly selfish.
With this in mind, I'm also concerned that we'd potentially be stretched pretty thin financially and I am not sure that the monetary worries would be worth the stress mentally and emotionally.

DP fully supports me in applying and even attending uni, they're super like that and says we will manage, which is potentially plausible but; I'd hate for the entire experience and opportunity to be a financial burden to them and us as a family.

Does anyone have any experience of going to Uni in later life, with young children and a partner who works?

Hi OP

Normal times...maybe

Covid times... risky

Especially as you are the higher earner, there will be a big impact with no guarantee that the university education is going to pay back immediately.

Given your current circumstances with a stable job in the current climate is it possible to watch the landscape for a bit more clarity?

Open university? That is what it’s there for. Several friends and colleagues have done it. Or a professional course. Do you need a degree?

This is difficult. Is there anyway you can get sponsorship or a degree apprenticeship? Will you earn back your outlay? Will you work whilst studying? How old are your DC?
I self-funded a distance learning BSc whilst working full time but before kids and it wasn’t difficult at all. And absolutely well worth it on so many levels. I later did a post grad, that my employer funded but working full time and with kids aged 2 & 4. It was a nightmare. Exhausting. It depends how much free time you have, how old your kids are, if you really can lock yourself away to study/write essays etc, without being interrupted or feeling guilty, can truly afford it, and will make a difference?

Yes I did it but was only working P/T prior. It was still a big difference in household income. We didn’t have much back in the day mind you. I had 3 DC when I started and 4 by the time I’d finished 🤣 do not recommend that as it was hard. I also agree with what PP said about lack of stable jobs at the moment . Is there any way you can put it off/ defer until next year when things are a bit more stable economy wise?

I agree it is exceptionally risky, especially with the covid and recession. As I am the main earner, I am concerned that this will hit us very hard. We spoke about putting some money away each month so that we have something to fall back on, but realistically it might not last as long as we want it to. Financially we are sound, no debts, etc.

I imagine in 3-4 years, the market may be more settled, and we will slowly be recovering, but is there really any way of knowing? The degree might not pay off initially; I'd hopefully go on to teaching.

I've considered OU as an option. The main concern with that is I would work full time. I have a very full-on child under 4, and the other is older and entertains themselves for the most part. I work Monday - Friday, and I'm out from 7:30am till 6:00pm (Includes the commuting), DP works nights mainly on the weekend. I'd get on average 2-3 hours per night during the week to study, which means that most of my studying would need to be done on the weekend. I don't wish to neglect the youngest by plonking them in front of a tv for most of the weekend. I really enjoy getting out and about with walks, along with doing other family type things. I would need to study 5 hours a day during the weekend. I admit I could try and break it up into smaller chunks over the weekend.

Sadly work, won't let me drop any time, which I understand. The job I am in is quite pressured/stressful, and there is a large, varied workload. Taking time off affects the business as there is no one to cover my absence. So with OU, there would be no relaxation at all. My days would be work, study, work, and study, which I don't consider particularly healthy. Whilst OU isn't the preferred option; it is an option. Albeit a stressful option.

At least by attending a Uni full time, I will have maybe a day off or even 2 days during the week, which will allow me to study whilst kids are at school/nursery. It would be more family-friendly in that way.

Work won't sponsor me or put me through for an apprenticeship, and to be honest, it wouldn't be in a subject/degree I would enjoy. To top it off, I'm currently seeking employment elsewhere due to how difficult the director (who is also my line manager) is. No previous employee that did my role lasted longer than 6 months. They were searching continually on and off for 2+ years before I applied. He's been the reason all the others have left. Sadly he will also be the reason I'm leaving too. However, if I were to go to university, I would stick it out at where I am currently.

I think I'm going to apply. I may not even be accepted or offered a place, but if I am offered a place, I can cross that bridge of accepting or rejecting if and when we get to it.

Do you have any post 18 qualifications? If so, the OU can top up to a degree without starting from scratch. OU is a slog but nearly everyone I’ve known that’s done it, has worked full time. If you could get help with your family, this is a much safer option financially.

You need to factor in relaxation time. I'm doing a part-time master's and it is absolutely exhausting alongside full time work. In theory there are two hours each night that I could fit it in, but in reality, I'm exhausted from the day and a lot of the time I don't get anything done in the evenings after work.

It's much harder to fit in than you imagine before you start. Those two hours here and two hours there will melt away sometimes, because of everyday life.

At least full time you wouldn't have as much to juggle.