Mature student: Retraining for a career?

[Becky B]

You could look at studying part-time. I started a vocational degree at the age of 24 - believe it or not, that classes as a mature student! I was lucky that my employers allowed me to change my hours to go part time, and I worked all the way through: 3 days a week at work and 2 at uni during term time, full time work in vacations. Tough, but you don't need to worry as much about debt at the end of it.

[loveelf]

I agree with the other posters, retraining is always worth the money, whatever your opinion is on tuition fees!

 

If you are only in your forties, like me you may have another 30 years of work in front of you before retirement.... sigh

 

I recently went to Sheffield futures in town for career guidance and found it really useful. There are lots of resources about all of the colleges and universities, as well as folders on different jobs and careers. As it is government funded, your money is being used to pay for it, so maybe make the use of it.

 

Could you use your skills and experience in your old job to do something similar part time to fund any studies?

 

I think what puts a lot of potential mature students off is the expectation of doing part time work that they may feel they have out grown (noisy bar work etc. without meaning to generalise! others may relish the chance to have the chance!!

 

Only if your previous job was cut due to lack of work - maybe there is the chance you could do it part time while studying?

 

Anyway, I wish you luck and a change can do you good, it may lead to great things.