I don’t know what to do.

[mum2b300]

Hi all,

I’m really hoping for some good advice, it’s a long one so please bare with me.

I decided on a career change when I was made redundant almost 8 years ago, and decided I wanted to work in medical science. At the time I really liked the idea of training to become a biomedical scientist, before embarking on higher education, I worked in a lab for a couple of years to see whether it was for me, however decided it wasn’t really a career I would enjoy.
At this point I ended giving up my job because child care was working out far too expensive, and I decided perhaps I should use this time to get my degree, I still really enjoyed the biomedical science as a topic, so decided to do an access course and then go to uni, with the prospect of doing something more clinical perhaps after.
However, during my 3rd year, I fell pregnant (last academic year) with the effect of COVID on our finances and other personal problems in addition to developing depression. I decided to take a break from my studies and come back this year.
What a mistake.
At the time, my husband was working on becoming a police officer and he was working a very flexible job that allowed me to a degree, do a bit of studying, but he joined the police last month and now I have literally no childcare for my 8 month old son. In addition to this, around February I came down really Ill to which it last transpired I have b12 deficiency, to which I’m still recovering. To cut a long story short, it has been a disaster, everything that could go wrong has gone wrong and Im in no position to complete the degree.
I feel so disappointed. I don’t even know what to do. I don’t even know where this degree is taking me other than, having a degree. I feel utterly lost. I worked so hard for so long and it feels like is was all for nothing. :(

First thought is that childcare is a joint responsibility. Why would your husband’s salary not cover any necessary paid childcare? He must see that completing your third year is a priority??

Hopefully you’ll be fully recovered soon. (You will almost certainly recover your enthusiasm for study once your health has improved.)

What conversations have you had with your university?

We looked into two days a week, it would cost upwards of £600 a month, we just can’t afford that.

He sees it as a priority, just that he can’t help. He is working I’m not. Family aren’t willing to help and I’ve run out of options.
Haven’t had a conversation to be honest. I feel I’ve run out of options.

So, the first thing to do is contact your university. Your tutor? Student Services? Whoever is in charge of student welfare.

They don’t want you to leave without a degree. Speak to them and find out what your options are for completion.

Speak to the Uni. They will want you to complete it. You have come so far into your course, it would be such a shame to stop here. How much of your course is online? Are lectures recorded so you could do them in the evening when baby is sleeping? Have you looked into childcare grants etc. is your husband working shifts? If so can he not work out a way of being on days off for your Uni days? I agree with another poster, childcare isn't just your responsibility. Your DH also needs to find a way to facility things as well. Don't underestimate what options just having a degree can give you in the future, even if you decide not to use it straight away.

Students can get childcare grants - talk to your uni asap.