Is there a specific Mature Study & Retraining board?

[Edmontine]

I know there have been mature student threads. But I feel I’ve read countless, tentative Am I too old to - threads, with each OP believing they’re the first person ever to consider a degree or postgrad at 30 / 40 / 50 onwards - and almost talking themselves out of the idea before they’ve even posted.

It would be helpful to have a dedicated space - with a note at the top assuring people that they’re not freaks and would be welcomed by places of learning.

(If such a board already exists and I’ve failed to find it, consider me suitably embarrassed.)

Just don't let HQ lock us in the stationery cupboard

Having accepted the masters they sent me a ton of paperwork and much stuff I need to print out and highlight and put in a nice diary system and into a nice new silver folder with nice new dividers.

Happy days!

Great idea for MN to have a dedicated space for this

I'm 40, have kids and just finished my MA in research and starting phd in sept. I'm on a course with lots of career changers- teachers, social workers, etc, so it can be done. It's been a really tough but massively fulfilling year so far. Love studying in a way I didn't when I was younger

Also just bought a rocket book after delving into a stationery wormhole- digital notebook, can write or draw, scan/auto file the notes and reuse

Very interested too

I'm very interested in a return to study board. Great suggestion, OP!

Oh wow, I hadn't even thought about stationary until I saw it mentioned! I was so excited ordering stationary at the start of lockdown last year for DD to use for homeschooling, now I get to do it for me!!

I know one of the first things I'm getting is a specific pencil case that has so many little compartments and things. I remember showing DD how fab it was and suggesting she get one for going back to school and her rolling her eyes and buying herself a cheap clear one the next time she went shopping (I was so disappointed).

Registering my interest too. Mid 30's and thinking i need to study but have no idea where to start.

See MN, there's loads of interest in a board!

I've just ordered these bad boys for my notes 👌

@Glitterazzi

Registering my interest too. Mid 30's and thinking i need to study but have no idea where to start.

What do you enjoy?

@TammyTwoSwanson

Very nice

@Glitterazzi

Registering my interest too. Mid 30's and thinking i need to study but have no idea where to start.

Start with the qualification you already have - what would be the next possible stage? Would you want to advance something you’ve studied before, or try a different route?

Do you want a traditional Art / Science subject? Or something vocational? Do you have talents in any of the creative arts? What would you need the qualification to do for you?

How mobile are you? Would you have to stick to the closest town, or could you move to the other end of the country? What support would you have, if any? Is there anyone who might act as a mentor - anyone whose career you admire and would like to emulate?

There used to be a seminal careers handbook called What Colour is Your Parachute. Very American, probably dated now. But we all swore by it in the 80s. Maybe find some psychometric testing? It may not be 100% accurate but asking oneself questions is useful.

Or ask here!

I have to break it to you @Edmontine that the Parachute book is still going strong - they update it every year or two. I should know, I bought it a while ago
It was actually pretty useful - but I still haven’t made that final step of deciding on what to do next. Aargh! Forum would be v useful in my opinion. Can’t believe MNHQ hasn’t replied to this thread with anything more than a noncommittal comment tbh.

Glad to hear it’s still around!

This was in the Guardian yesterday:

www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2021/aug/26/a-stunning-second-act-meet-the-people-who-changed-course-in-mid-life-and-loved-it?CMP=Share_iOSApp_Other

Superficial but pleasant reading.

I'd love something like the board suggested. I did a foundation year last year and start (my first) degree proper next month at the age of 43. Also keep googling post grad courses etc so real life advice would be useful.

Oh yes! I’d like that board too.

I don’t know if I’m classed as ‘mature’ at 29 or retraining though since I’ve just finished submitted my last assignment for my first ever qualification 😂 Engineering degree. 0-100 but it was worth it.

Now the hunt for a masters.

I remember the parachute book and just looked it up. There’s a retirement version so I’ve just bought it for DH who retired a month ago and wants something to do.

Would be interested to know how he gets on @BestIsWest !

You will all be pleased to hear that my new stationery has arrived. I particularly like my ice cream cone decorated document folder.

I'm really looking forward to my course starting on October!

Is anyone else studying with the Open University?

Your folder sounds lovely 😍

My course manual arrived ahead of me starting on Friday. I started reading it and feel a bit sick. There are closed book exams. Why didn't someone remind me I hate exams 😫😫

@Pucarbuile

Buy some new stationery, everyone knows that will help you pass exams.

And good luck!

Do you promise? 😂 I am waiting for my very exciting smart pen to arrive. I'm positive its the key to my passing first.

Got my Msc offer letter through on Friday, along with more information on each of the modules! It doesn't start until October but can't wait to get started

Fantastic @CarpeDiem83!

What's your MSc in?