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Original poster

Thinking about doing a degree but really scared!!!

63 replies

schneebly · 14/06/2006 21:50

Hi
I am currently a SAHM and have have 2 DSs aged 2.10 and 17 months. DS1 will be going to nursery 12.5 hours PW as of August and I have a friend who will take DS2 a couple or mornings per week while DS2 is at nursery. Would I be mad to try and study for a degree - it is mostly online learning so I could also do some work in the evenings when DSs are in bed and I am usually Mnetting! It is a course I really want to do and by the time I completed it would be around the time I would be looking to re-join the workforce. I am just really worried that I will not cope - I feel like I need more mental stimulation and want good prospects for the future but not sure how I would manage. What do you guys think?

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Original poster

schneebly · 14/06/2006 21:57

anybody? please?

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006 · 14/06/2006 21:58

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

FillyjonktheFluffy · 14/06/2006 21:59

go for it,

i'm doing chemistry with the ou. my kids arent in nursery

what the degree in?

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emmawill · 14/06/2006 22:00

Deferinly go for it I've been a stay at home mum for 17 months and my brain is going to mush, I think I'm going to have to try and see if my grey matter still wants aswell!

Good luck

Original poster

schneebly · 14/06/2006 22:01

I hope so 006 - I really want to do this. I know what you mean about education and the young. I went to college when I was younger and did a HND (in a useless subject!) but only just passed the thing, despite being more than capable, because I was so lazy and too busy enjoying myself!

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mazzystar · 14/06/2006 22:02

hi schneebly

if you really want to do it, and can make a commitment to doing it, then you will manage. will your dh/dp be supportive? also is there any chance of going to somewhere to study/meeting up with other students etc, because i know from bitter experience that its easy to get distracted from "working at home" by ironing etc....

what's the course by the way?

Original poster

schneebly · 14/06/2006 22:02

Oh Fillyjonk - how are you managing? Any tips? It is a BA in Child and Youth Studies so I would at least have a couple of subject to study!

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Original poster

schneebly · 14/06/2006 22:03

Mazzy - DH is all for it and would have no probs with me going out to the local learning centre a couple of times a week which I would probably do.

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emmawill · 14/06/2006 22:05

Thanks a good point mazzystar I did my masters distance learning luckily before children but it is so diffcuilt to knuckle down to the work, my house used to be spotless but there wouldn't be a single word on my computer!

FillyjonktheFluffy · 14/06/2006 22:06

um...well first, if you are interested it will be incredibly easier. Don't get all bogged down in assigments if you can avoid it-try to enjoy the course!

Get the kids used to "mummy study time". Maybe give them a toy box or something for that time. Mine are allowed to jump on a spare mattress when I am studying!

Actually if you have nursery care I think you'll be fine. I've got a degree, I don't think I did hugely more work for it than this one.

emmawill · 14/06/2006 22:06

I mean that's not thanks see grey matter, mush!

FillyjonktheFluffy · 14/06/2006 22:07

oh and your house will be a dump, sorry, just breathe in...breathe out...the mess will still be there in a few years but you'll have a degree!

Original poster

schneebly · 14/06/2006 22:10

That's okay - house already a dump anyway - I would have a better excuse then though!

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Original poster

schneebly · 14/06/2006 22:21

I think I will call the college tomorrow!

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moondog · 14/06/2006 22:23

It's hard to study alone though.
You need an incredible amount of self discipline.
Have you considered a taught course? (You'll meet new friends too)

Original poster

schneebly · 14/06/2006 22:25

I can't do a taught course - live in the sticks I would prefer to do it that way but no choice here.

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sallystrawberry · 14/06/2006 22:26

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Original poster

schneebly · 14/06/2006 22:29

Thanks SS - will also have to check out if I can get any funding towards tuition fees as I might not be able to otherwise!

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Original poster

schneebly · 14/06/2006 22:42

Thanks to everyone who has posted - am going to bed now and will let you know what happens!

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spacedonkey · 15/06/2006 09:33

I'm doing a degree with the OU and haven't found it to be a lonely experience at all: you will have the choice to go to tutorials (at level 1 these are usually fortnightly), which gives you a chance to meet others in your tutor group, plus you get access to the OU's FirstClass online conferencing system which is a great way to make friends. You'll also have the option to go to social events organised by your local OUSA branch if you want to.

FillyjonktheFluffy · 15/06/2006 09:37

agree with sd

I actualy can't get to tutorials due to constantly crying baby but

it is fairly normal to bring kids to tutorials. If they can occupy themselves ok, the tutor shouldn't give you problems-this is what I've heard, and also my tutor was desperate for me to bring dd with me-but she does cry a lot in the evenings...

My group has made a real effort to get to know me although I don't get to tutorials...I do genuinely feel like I've made friends.

Do you know, the only thing i miss about the ou compared to edinburgh, where i did my first degree, is the library facilities? I can't borrow 400 books from the library on some obscure topic then go and chat to others about it. But I am a saddo, its true

what are you doing degree wise, SD?

Original poster

schneebly · 15/06/2006 09:56

Well I have got an application form and called the local learning centre. The course is led through Perth college on a University of the Highlands and Islands consortium thing although I am miles from Perth they are linked with a college locally. However, people seem a bit unsure as to whether I will be entitled to any kind of funding or loan because of the nature of the course - am waiting for a call from someone who hopefully knows!

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peachyClair · 15/06/2006 10:00

Seriously, if Ic an do it (woprlds least organised person) you can. I have three ds's, 6 5 and almost 3, one with Sn and find the degree keeps me sane half the time!

Go for it, you'll love it.

Original poster

schneebly · 15/06/2006 10:04

Thanks peachy - I jist hope I can get some kind of funding or I will not be able to do it

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spacedonkey · 15/06/2006 10:05

Agree PC, rather than being another thing to worry about, studying is my escape, it's the thing I do for me.

Schneebly, I don't know what the funding situation is in Scotland - in England and Wales if a course is part-time then you get up to £1200 a year to cover course fees plus a £250 non-repayable grant to cover books/materials. There are other sources of financial help too - for instance a grant to pay for a computer if it is needed.

Fillyjonk, I'm doing Social Sciences with Sociology :)

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