Opportunity for funded degree, too good to pass up?

[Yebbie]

I work in research and development within the NHS and have been offered an opportunity to do a fully funded degree in order for me to progress to a higher band. I am not exactly sure what degree I would do, I'm hoping to move into senior management (eventually) so something to do with research, innovation or management. I need to start looking into it as applications go in early next year.

I'm unsure whether it's a good idea, it's a great opportunity career wise but I have two very young kids, one only months old and a recently discovered cheating twat of a husband I am just starting the divorce process with. This was first broached with my employer when I was happily married and thought I'd have a stress free mat leave to crack on - not the case anymore, unfortunately. Would it just be daft? I want to do it for me, but I'm not sure if 'me' is the priority right now.

You are important too and a degree will mean a higher income for your children at some point - so it is for them too.

Is it likely this opportunity will come up again ? Will the ex be having the kids over weekends ?

It's tough going (I did it) but 9 years on, totally worth it.

@YuleHaveAWonderfulChristmas

You are important too and a degree will mean a higher income for your children at some point - so it is for them too.

Is it likely this opportunity will come up again ? Will the ex be having the kids over weekends ?

It's tough going (I did it) but 9 years on, totally worth it.

Thank you! It doesn't appear he wants much to do with his kids at the moment and has gone AWOL on them, so I would very much be juggling single parenting, work and a degree. Though I would get paid study leave as I'm doing it through work.

Omg a fully funded degree? Go for it. You'll make it work some way, somehow. This is an opportunity you can't pass up on. Get your degree, do amazing in your career and the cheating ex will be irrelevant to you.

I would definitely do it. Lots of mature students juggle family and study. I'm doing a degree atm and tbf I have about 10 intense weeks of the year. Will you also be working ft? That would make a difference.

But newly single is a perfect time, you will be able to study in the evening without distraction of a tv in the background or being responsible for another adults entertainment. And if the ex does reappear and want to see the dcs, it will keep you occupied while they are with him.

The degree will take several years won’t it? So while it might be difficult at first while the divorce is going through/ you’re getting used to the new situation, by the time you get to the end of the degree you’ll be in a different place altogether.

6 years, if I can manage 15 hours per week. Longer if I can't!

Go for it. You won't regret it. You may regret not doing it.

I qualified as a solicitor when mine was 2.

Do it. If you are going to be single, you need the earning power. It is going to be hard anyway.

And play hardball with ex so he takes the kids for contact.

Do it! And yes as PP said you might find studying actually easier as a single person as you won’t feel guilty just hitting the books in the evenings instead of talking to your partner etc! It’s an amazing opportunity. Congratulations x