Going back to university at 33? Not sure what's best

[NatureWalk]

I'm 33 and I've thought about applying to go back to university to study Physiotherapy. I used to work as a healthcare assistant but had to give it up when I divorced my husband and juggling 3 kids by myself was too difficult.

I now live with my partner who is self employed. We have 4 kids ages 6, 4 , 2.5 (my 3) and 2.5 (my stepdaughter). I really enjoy being a stay at home mum, being there to drop the kids off and pick them up and being free to attend all school activities etc. I also like having the time in the day to catch up with housework etc. But I also find that sometimes when I'm at home on my own in lack focus and motivation and i think I'd like something to focus on that's mine.

I've started looking at courses etc but theres something holding me back. It's a combination of worrying about missing out on time with my children but also my partner and I have both mentioned we would like a child together at some point. If I go back to university then having another child would be out on hold until after I've finished and then I wouldn't want to get t pregnant as soon as I graduate. So I feel like we would end up not having a child if I went back to university.

I feel really torn at the moment and I think I need some outside opinions!

You may not welcome this question but - what sort of salary would you need to support the three children you already have, (plus one more) if you and your partner split up?

You've outlined two stark choices in that event:

1. Apply for and keep your (by then) four children on a health care assistant salary.

2. Apply for and keep your three children on a physiotherapist salary.

I have no idea about relative levels of pay in this area - but you'd be wise to consider what would put you in the best position independent of your partner.

At 33 you can delay studying a couple of years but fertility is more pressing. You will absolutely have less time with your children if you are studying.

It's very hard studying for a degree full time you will need about 30 to 35 hours and part time 10 to 16 hours per week. Will you have that with 3 children nevermind 4? Its doable but very hard.

My opinion is that you will regret not doing this and will think you gave your life and ambition up to have children. I'm not saying there is anything wrong with dedicating all of your time and effort on your children but some people need more than that. Children thrive in either situation.

Hi, I went back to university and studied physio at 33, no children though and no plans for children.
It is a very demanding degree, full days plus placements where you may have a long commute and have to do assignments once you get home. I do know people who had children and complete the degree, but they had alot of support around them for childcare etc.
If having another child is that important I'd say put the degree on hold, otherwise you're looking at waiting til your late 30s.
Physio is a career in which alot of people go into abit later in life so do not worry about being 'too old' to go back to uni. Plus there may be new routes into becoming a physio over the next few years, such as apprenticeships. I think the NHS funding of the degree stopped a couple of years ago.
Great career choice though, best decision I ever mind and once you get qualified it can be a very flexible job to work around children.

You can study with children. If your partner does his bit then I don't see what problems you could run into. I used to wake up at 4am and study until 7am, when DD would wake up. It's totally worth it.