Mature student: Retraining for a career?

[Towton]

I'm middle-aged and lost my job a few months ago (due to lack of work) and although I don't have a trade, I do have academic qualifications. With the economy being as it is, I am looking into retraining for a new start.

 

I have made an appointment to speak to Guidance at Sheffield College, but am undecided what I want to retrain for?

 

As it was so long ago since I was last a student (the 80's) I'm unsure how the financial scene is now, and I'm also worried about studying over 16hrs weekly and having to fund everything with a night-time job? If there are any, etc?

 

I am willing to study and retrain to get a career. But is it too much of an uphill struggle for a 'mature student'?

 

Has anyone any helpful and non-abusive advice, please?

 

Thanks

[samsmum]

im a nurse, and about 12 years ago i decided at the age of 33 to retrain for a career in law. i didnt complete the course due to having twins half way through the 2nd year, i tried to struggle on but just couldnt manage - i did defer but by the time the boys were old enough i wouldnt have had time to get a qualifying law degree.

anyway, what im trying to say is, i found it relatively straight forward - my learning ethic was much different from when i was younger and my life skills made studying much easier to cope with. if you are thinking of going back to uni, you will get lots of help and support in your first year - they go through learning skills, academic writing skills etc, and for financial advice you will find the student union very helpful and supportive. i would imagine they still have a mature student support section - they did at hallam back in 2004 who helped me enormously.

i think the funding bit from 2012 is pretty straight forward - you pay the fees when you graduate and are earning over a certain amount, and if you have kids im sure you will be able to apply for various grants as well as the full student loan.

your life skills and work knowledge will stand you in good stead - good luck!

[Towton]

Thanks, samsmum!

 

I'll go to the meeting with a more optimistic viewpoint.

[max]

I was made redundant at 50 and was subsequently accepted on to a PGCE course for secondary teaching with IT as my subject. Ultimately, I was offered another job in IT so declined the offer; the point is that it's always worth trying everything.

[levisage]

I'm 30 and got a place into Sheffield Hallam for September just gone to do a computing degree, which I thought would (hopefully) pave the way for a new career. However, after thinking long and hard about it, I made the decision that I didn't really fancy being £27,000 in debt by the end of it! (and bear in mind this is BEFORE the tuition fee increase!).

 

I scrapped that idea and have chosen OU instead. The funding is much better and no debt at the end. I've worked out that I can gain the full degree in 3 years, with a lot of hard work.

 

Might be worth looking into what they have to offer? Just a suggestion.

[BHRemovals]

study insolvancy law

[SMK79]

I went back to uni at the age of 27 and graduated as a secondary school teacher at the age of 30!! It was the best thing I ever did. Although it was hard, I think I was at a slight advantage as I just got my head down and worked hard. Where as some of my younger classmates were out partying every night enjoying the student life! I achieved a first class hons degree and went on to get a great job at one of Sheffield's top secondary schools. I am now in my 3rd year of being a teacher and it is the most rewarding job I have ever had! I would say go for it!! It will be hard but if you are prepared for that you will always manage. Good luck!!

[Towton]

Thanks, I need to get my head around finances/rent etc (or student digs?) and what course I might do? Graphics? Social Work? Still thinking...

 

Thanks for your advice though everyone!

[djelibeybi]

Five and a half years ago I fell ill which caused damage to my vestibular system. Long story short - I attempted a phased return to my job as a bespoke computer software support technician and couldn't cope with more than 8 hours per week due to the chronic fatigue element. I became suicidal due to depression over how much my life had changed due to my disabilities as well as coping with lack of understanding and compassion as it's an invisible condition.

 

On the advice of a Community Mental Health Occupational Therapist I returned to study in 2008. She was hinting at a photography course, but I decided to follow a dream whilst the opportunity presented itself. I discovered funding was available and this September I started year 4 of a 6 year part-time Degree at the University of Sheffield in archaeology.

 

Saturday was my 42nd birthday, and I can honestly say that despite coping daily with the exhaustion and hard work required, doing this Degree is the best thing I've ever done. I hope with all my heart that one day my condition will improve to a level where I'll be able to return to employment, but in the meantime I'm doing something productive with my life, I'm no longer a recluse, I'm meeting wonderful people, learning so much interesting stuff, and have the opportunity to constantly test my own limitations so I will know the moment I'm well enough to return to work.

 

I hope your intention to return to study is as rewarding for you as it is for me.

 

The University of Sheffield has a scheme especially aimed at assisting mature students and even has The Institute for Lifelong Learning which runs evening lectures in a variety of subjects. I took Level 1 of my Degree through TILL then transferred in to the University's Department of Archaeology for Level 2 onwards.

 

Good luck! xxx

[Towton]

Mmm, thanks, I'll bear that in mind.

 

I'd love to do a couple of things that I enjoy, but should really aim for training for a career?