What do you do, when you know what you want to do, but it's too late to do it?

[outdressedlikethis]

I have been volunteering in a support role for two years (with people with learning disabilities). Through doing this and research/talking to people who do it, I've realised that Occupational Therapy could have been a really good match for me. Problem is, we can't afford for me to take the course (I know it's funded, but the funding isn't enough - I've checked), and I'm getting on a bit (over 40). What with life and family, etc, it took me a long time to work out what my strengths are (or, indeed, that I had any). So for the time being, I remain in my paid (office-based) job, with nice colleagues, and an increasing sense of being a round peg in a square hole.

Does anyone have any ideas of 'sort of OT jobs' that don't require the qual?

Or has anyone had to make this sort of decision themselves, and has any tips on how to 'not mind' about it?

I know there are worse things at sea but I am unfeasibly sad about this.

Can you set yourself a life plan, say save hard for 3 years in order to do the course?

I am a nurse who works with adults with learning disabilities. In the hospital we have a few OT's but we have loads more "technical instructors". They are essentially OT assistants but they do pretty much the same job (minus the endless paperwork!!). They are paid at band 3 &4 depending on position and experience, and have a lovely job I think. Put technical instructor into NHS jobs and see what comes upon your area.

HTH?

RandomMess (I bet you're not, to suggest such a sensible idea), this is a good one and one we've considered, but our outgoings are too big for it to be feasible.
Rudolph - I hadn't thought of this. Thank you. Do you think I'd need 'tech' expereince to get anywhere? I have lots of exp of working with this client group, just not in the tech side.