Hello, I am 32 with two kids (aged 10 and 5) and considering a bit of a career change, but don’t know if I’m being silly?
I currently work as a Teaching Assistant in a SEN school, I have done for three years and whilst I absolutely love my job lately I’ve been feeling like I need a change. I’ve also started to question the long term career progression in this role (no disrespect to anyone else in a similar role.)
Prior to working in a school I was a support worker for adults with learning disabilities and other needs.
Recently I was looking at jobs and on the nhs website I saw a vacancy for a degree apprenticeship (via local uni and health authority) for a learning disability nurse.
When I saw this I was very intrigued and the more I read about it I felt it was very suited to my skill set and experience; an added bonus is that the vacancy is fully funded, so I wouldn’t need to pay uni fees etc. Therefore I have applied for the role.
My only reservation is that in my current role I get half terms off etc, so would I be crazy for giving that up? I do enjoy being off with my kids, but at the same time I do feel pressure trying to keep them entertained and busy.
I am the type of person who likes continued professional development, I think it’s really important. However, little doubts have started to niggle at me; I think this is normal though?
Am I nuts for considering this? (I have done my research and I know some people don’t consider LD nursing “real nursing”, so please no negative comments like that)