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When is a good time (if any) to retrain with 2 children?

5 replies

user1489672008 · 16/03/2017 19:51

This is my first ever post. I just wondered if anyone (probably people with older kids) has any advice on what would be a good time to go back to studying something new, in terms of childrens ages.

My son starts school this September and my daughter is only 18months. I work part time and partner works full time and even though we're lucky to have grandparents help out once a week the childcare costs are still crippling us.

I found a love for something that I would love to study properly, so I suppose the question is do I get a loan and do it now (like when son starts at school so that at least there's a bit less childcare) as we're already broke so may as well be a bit more broke.. or is there a time where people have found that financially (and time wise!) things get a bit better, like when both children are at school maybe?

Some people have advised me to bite the bullet and just do it now but I'm a bit nervous- I suppose I also have in my head that things just seem tough/unpredictable in general in the economy etc and this is a bit of a pipe dream so maybe I should just hold on a bit and see how things go (but then would I ever do it etc etc)

Anyway, any advice or thoughts much appreciated

OP posts:
bunnylove99 · 20/03/2017 15:41

Hi OP. I studied for a work qualification when mine were 10 and 5. I worked 3 days a week and went to uni one day a week, Masters level course. I found this worked well. I used my 'free day' to study a bit and keep on top of housework. I generally wrote my essays on Saturday evenings. I know this wouldn't suit everyone, but I was self funding, enjoyed the course and was desperate to do well. You children are younger so I guess you have to think about how big a commitment your chosen course will be, whether you can make finances and childcare fit for it. Is it full time study? Or part time in addition to your work?

squirreling · 22/03/2017 13:14

I'm also thinking of retraining. Have you looked into student funding? There's a handy calculator which told us we could get up to £200 a week on childcare costs of o did go back just to uni.... i am just scared of 3 years of studying as it seems lke such a long time so I've applied for some entry level jobs and hopefully work my way up. If i have no luck with them I might reconsider uni....

squirreling · 22/03/2017 13:15

I dod also think that being at uni will give school holidays off which would be super handy 😂

user1489672008 · 27/03/2017 22:07

Thank you for your replies (would have got back sooner but week of children being ill :-()

I was thinking it would be a part time course on top of work as I just can't imagine being able to go back to uni full time- bunnylove that balance sounds really good to me, thinking that I might have to wait until DD is at least in pre-school or maybe even school to get that same deal (with the 'free' day for studying/housework) as at the moment it's still just running around and tidying in the 1.5-2 hr afternoon nap!

Don't think I'd mind studying on a weekend night, I haven't exactly got the most thriving social life atm!!

OP posts:
user1489672008 · 27/03/2017 22:17

Thanks squirreling, yes I'm looking in to it at the moment Smile
Good luck with the job hunt xx

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