[Closed] Mid-life Crisis...back to University. Whos done it?

I don't know, I'm not sure I can see any appeal at all in wanting to learn massage techniques in a big room full of eighteen year old girls desperate to lose their virginity.

In seriousness, if you want to go for it, go for it. There's a cliché that looking back when old you only really regret things that you haven't done. If you do it and it doesn't work out, at least you'll know, rather than wondering forever "what if...?" or "if only I'd..."

But, dude, Freshers' Week.

Did my degree at 29 and my masters (self funded) at 35. was out of work for a while but then the industry I chose has been decimated through the recession (town planning).

I wouldn't have done it if I hadn't already had a career. Having said that, the studying was easy and I got a job straight away from it, it was my choice to resign at a stupid time. Now back in the industry on a part time basis and th impression I get is that my age is a plus point in my chosen discipline (planning enforcement).

If you've been out of education for a while it may take a little to get back in the swing of things but even with a family time management shouldn't be too bad as the actual amount of time spent in lectures really isn't much. You'll probably find yourself in the university library after midnight quite a bit though.

I trained as a physio at 27 and there were quite a lot of older students than me on the course (king's college) and it was amazing! I think a bit of life experience actually makes people a better physio, and i think a lot of HE institutions have noticed this and are taking on older students. I teach at King's and St George's and have noticed the ages creeping up of the mature students.

So in terms of life exerience, suitability to the job and having a much better understanding of the clinical environment would put you in great stead for clinical placements and on those points i'd say go for it.

However, on the pessimistic side, do you want to start at band 5 again? There are a lot cuts (as you will well know) in the healthcare system and physio depts are being squeezed left right and centre. Because of this there isn't a huge amount of movement and progression isn't as quick as it once was, most people are band 5's for 2-3 years now (well certainly in london anyway).

I'm not sure if thats helpful or not.....

marp

finished my degree at 31. The seed of thought is there for you and so I think you HAVE to do it. I'm fairly sure you'll find you're not the only mature student.

I went back to studying full time to get my masters as I realised that with just an honours degree I would never be able to access the decent job opportunities in my chosen field. I did it in my late 20's and had to self finance. It was tough going back to being a student even after several years doing unfulfilling jobs.

The money situation was stressful,as was having to put up with the antics and attitudes of younger students who didn't have the same work ethic I did (being a mature student does mean you have a different take on things). On the plus side because I made the choice to go back and had to make a lot of sacrifices to do so I made sure I got the most out of the course and really enjoyed the studying.

I think it was worthwhile as even though not all of the jobs I have had since going have been great I certainly wouldn't have had the chance to do them without getting my MSc. I pretty much walked into my first job after the course finished.

You only live once and you may regret not doing but are there any distance learning options for the qualification you want to get? It may be a better route to take if you already have commitments and can work out cheaper in some cases, especially as you will still be in work as you learn.

Mrs Cat starts in Sept, and she's maturing nicely. (she may read this forum!)
Go for it, the economy is on is arse so if you can afford to take a break and upskill it may be in better shape when you are ready to become useful once more 😉

I did it. Same age then as you are now. Same commitments. Bl**dy hard work as not from a medical background at all, and not computer literate either. Stuck it out, got the degree. Much happier as Im doing something I wanted to do, not just fallen in to.

Do it, or spend forever wondering 'what if?'.

Surprised no-one has mentioned the risk to relationships... Your OH deserves a degree too by the end of it. Fark.

Can you part-time it while you're working?

Oh I'd love it. 8)

You'll tick that kinky 'lets shag the older fella' box...

Konabunny..she has a degree already! She is a nurse (Paediatrics and Health Visitor) as well..i very much helped support her when she went back to Uni for 18 months to topup to her Community Healthcare degree..though admittedly the NHS was paying her at the same time.

Captain carbon, did you train as a physio?

If you did do it you would be wise to keep up your RCN subs. That way if you can't find a physio job at the end of it you can always do some nursing until you do. Essentially if you can afford it it's kind of a no lose situation.

Put your missus to work and crack on.

Original idea was either to train as a Physio or a Podiatrist. Chose Podiatry as it was more specialised from a Lower limb Biomech point of view, it also included wound care, which is now becoming a specialty of mine. There was more chance of finding NHS employment to start with, and (at the time) greater chance of speedy career progression. Plus working privately is relatively easy and hassle free alongside a full time NHS job.

Mature students have a huge advantage over school/college leavers because they have a work ethic, and getting to 9 o'clock lectures isn't a hardship. Treat it like a 9-5 job and you'll be fine.