Open University - should I study there?

[SoTiredNeedHoliday]

Hi,

I am looking to do something for myself, something for my own personal development and sense of achievement. I'm a bit over 40 and have already a traditional university Business & Finance degree that has been invaluable for my early career.

However, now I'd like to do something for myself and I think learning about an area that interests me is a good way to do that.

I am not considering it to specifically help my career, though I hope that it will let me eventually evolve into a new career at some point. Is mid 40's too late to change career? Not that that would stop me studying.

I think that the open university might be the way to go as it can fit into my life (part-time work and full time looking after the teenagers).

Has anyone had experience of the open university? What are the thoughts on it? Is it looked down upon by others?

I'd love to hear!
thank you

I have studied a couple of units with the OU for my own interest. Lots depends on the tutor. For one, I had an excellent tutor who really engaged with the material and explained things very well. For another I had a guy who was nice, but was far more interested in helping the people who were returning to learning and I received no guidance at all.

Far from being looked down on, most people look at those who have done OU courses with the utmost respect. It is a challenge balancing study with work and although I worked fewer hours when enrolled with them, I found it wasn't always easy to complete the study.

I too had teenagers and it was quite good for them to see me studying alongside them. We could plan breaks together and work productively. So I would say that I needed an hour to complete X and they would go and put in an hour on their work at the same time then we would have a drink together afterwards.