Am I kidding myself by retraining as midwife after being SAHM for 5 years - advice needed please?

[LittleManktiesMum]

I've been a SAHM for 5 years. DS is in reception year at school and DD is 2. The dream/plan is to re-train as a midwife. With this in mind, I've spent the last 2 years doing my GCSE English & Maths respectively one eve per week at college. The plan is to start an Access course next September with a view to starting Midwifery degree at uni 10/11 (when kids will be 7 & 5).

My dilemma - DH works long hours, not very flexible. I need to be the one in the 'supporting' role. Have family local but they're not a great deal of help when it comes to the kids. Should I embark on this change of career when realistically looking after the kids comes down to me, or should I accept that I'll simply have to settle for a job at Tesco that fits round dropping off/picking up from school/school holidays. Feeling trapped

happymumathome - thank you for your positive post. An au pair may indeed be an option for us as DH is currently a good earner and with bursary for midwifery training, this could be affordable. It's good to hear that it can be flexible career (once qualified).

me23 - thanks too for your helpful post, esp the information concerning shift patterns. Good luck with the degree and well done for getting in .

okay so lots of info for you.Put into perspective many mums are students and work too so it is achievable this requires bitty planning it is not an insurmountable challenge. other's manage so can you.

takes planning, effort, and cooperation

short term juggling at uni for long term career path
when you pass your wages will rise
you will have enormous sense of achievement

oh hell plenty of other mums work and study
be realistic, but don't dither too much
and good luck

Thank you all so much for your messages, it has helped no end with clarifying matters in my own mind. I am determined to continue to pursue this, but realistic about the challenges that lie ahead.

Don't want to put a downer on this, but the non means tested bursary for midwifery is only available if you do the diploma rather than the degree. If you do the degree then you have to apply for the means-tested bursary and if your husband is a good earner it's very unlikely you will get anything. Unfortunately the diploma is being phased out by most universities so it is likely to be degree-only before very long

daisy is right in fact this year is the last year of diplomas so from next year it will be a means tested bursary which will be dependent on income. you can apply for a student loan though that will help.
midwifery is a vocation so if you really want it you will work it out! many mums are student midwifes. keep us up to date with it all and please visit the student midwife site it is fantastic!

Thanks girls. Hope to meet you on the SMS site soon