Coming to the end of my OU course - it's been a struggle; should I do another or have a break?

[KatyMac]

This course has been a nightmare; whether it was my stressed state or the course content I don't know

But now I need to decide what to do next; I feel the need to study still but am wondering which direction to go in

I could do a 30 pt level 2 which would complete my level 2 courses
I could do a 30 or 60 pt level 3
I could step away from OU & do something more practical (dress-making/dancing)
If I stay with OU I could do something childcare-y or something business-y or do the level 3 systems course; but would I find that as hard (harder tbh) than I found this one

What course are you doing? Im just coming to the end of the B120 (ends october) and im going to do another 30 pointer to get my certificate in buisness studys. I have found this quite a struggle (first time studying since school) although i have had good marks.

IIm going to wait untill May to do my next one i think tho.

You could take a little break and look into all your options, then decide?

Understanding systems:making sense of complexity

I did Managing in the workplace last time which I found tonnes easier but today at the tutorial they were saying this has been their hardest course ever - even compared to level 3s

Think mine is level 2 (cant remember) and the other more wise and experienced OU students have said this is one of the hardest and is the same as level 3, but i have nothing to compare it to.

I just find it hard to get motivated as cant concentrate with kids about so its done when they are in bed, (im currently 3 weeks behind this book as not got motivation to pick it up but i must do it tomos or i will b soooooo behind).

I think it just depends on whether you can be bothered to jump back into another course or wait and see what really jumps out at you iyswim?

I am only doing the next course to get my certificate, then i will re-asses and see what other avenue i can go down, as i dont really no what i want to do.

If the first number is a 1 then it is a level 1 course

Motivation is hard - do catch up (cracks whip)

You see i dot even know the lingo (sobs's in a corner).

Yes much whip crackin is in order thank you! Think a cramming sesh is in order tomos.

My last course is a companion to your course so if you need help shout

Anyone around?

Thanks KatyMac i will do!

You will be pleased to know i have caught up on all TGF acivitys (i WILL get my 10 marks!) and have started some of the book (altho at work tonight and all day tomos so will recomence tomos evening).

I have actually been toying with doing my next course as 3 10 pointers to get my certificate instead of the one 30 pointer but will look more into it.

Hope you are able to decide on your next course of action soon.

Good - glad you are getting it done

Bump for help/suggestions

Hi Katy, not sure my advice will be hugely helpful but I struggled with the last course I did (just found it boring and really regretted having chosen it). I decided to have a break and pick up again on the next cycle... that was 5 years ago :( First I knew I would have a house move and job change, so pushed back a year. None of that went ahead as planned, so pushed back another year. Hated new job so spent all my energy trying to find new job, then found a job that I love so decided to concentrate on that for a year, now I'm pg so goodness knows when I'll find the time to pick my studies up again :(

My course is strictly for fun, and I still update my course wish list every year but I don't seem to be able to get the motivation/confidence to find the time needed to jump back in.

So to sum up this long-winded and rambling post, I would say dive back in but try to choose (if you still have the choice in your plan) a course that is either a lower level/ lower points course or that has a subject that really grabs you. Or even a 10-pointer 'just for fun' if you can afford it so you don't get out of the habit of studying and have a chance to re-energise yourself.

Good luck with the rest of your studies.

That makes lots of sense

I'll have a think and see if there is anything that appeals

Katy what are you actually aiming to achieve? I'm not being flippant here, have you actually mapped out a goal, or is it just for fun, learning for the sake of it? If the latter I'd say have a break! If the former, well, come back and say what it is!!

I'm in the same boat but I'm going to leave mine for a year, I've got one final TMA to get in by Wednesday and then the final exam to be completed in September. It started off so well but I'm so busy these days that I'm not giving it the time. I have enjoyed studying and hopefully will get around to doing the next course, but it is very, very expensive. I would definitely need financial aid.

I need a degree by 2015 or I can't carry on in my job

I have 120 pts at level 1 from previous study
I have 30 pts at level 2 from previous study
I have 30 pts at level 2 from an OU course - B121 Managing in the workplace
I am studying T214 Understanding systems: making sense of complexity (60 pts level 2)

Sorry I only just saw this as I am on holiday atm

Another issue is the money as I have been paying by Tesco vouchers......not any more

No you are missing nothing - it's me my brain is on holiday

I have 90 pts at level 1 from previous study
I have 30 pts at level 1 from an OU course - B121 Managing in the workplace

I have 30 pts at level 2 from previous study

I am studying T214 Understanding systems: making sense of complexity (60 pts level 2)

Yep I have just found out T306 is finishing after the next course so if I want it I must do it next.....I was hoping for a break before I started it as I have found this last one so hard.

But I may have only struggled with it because of the mess my life was in

Holiday is......wet