29 and starting college with a 2 yr old to take care of

dmg24

jules2244 wrote: »

I have researched my potential career path extensively and this is definately the course to go for me.....when the ilex course is completed there is always scope for improvement and further learning and possibly doing further law courses. This is not a decision I have taken lightly. the top end of my current pay scale is 12 grand pro rata that would never ever keep my son and i, and because i only have basic qualifications at present i could never earn more than that unless i do the legal sec course. legal sec jobs start at 15/16k in liverpool with higher wages up to 22 grand for those with experience but i would have to work my way up from somewhere, right? im a very determined person....

So it's not double is it? Legal secretaries need to have a pretty good grasp of maths also.

Skye2007

I will be honest in saying after a few argumentative posts I ignored the advice already given.

I am an ILEX student (only I am doing the whole hog of four years to gain the equivalent to a law degree). My ambition is to be a qualified legal executive giving a salary from 18,000- 40,000.

When I started the course I was 6 months pregnant, with a two year old and my husband had left me and we haven't seen a penny since 2008. I had to handle all of my bills, mortgage, nursery bills (I had no family able to offer free childcare as they work) and I am proud to day I passed year one with full distinctions. The january exams being 6 weeks after I gave birth. I also had to return to work in the February following giving birth in December due to financial difficulties. My wasge now is not great but I manage. My daughter went to school today with all new uniform and Clarks shoes (from the outlet- half price).

I find it concerning that you, living at home, are struggling. You will not be entitled to help with your course unless you progress to level 6.

This course is very difficult. You need 100% commitment and your new best friend will be pro plus and caffiene. I don't want to put you on a downer, but I want you to go in with your eyes open but also know it can be done.

That being said, there is no real need to do this course for a legal sec career. Your better of doing a level 2 course or audio typing course. A legal secretary gains salary increases with experience gained in a relevant field as opposed to qualifications.

Personally, if this is the direction your headed, I would do nothing for now... or maybe a level Law (easier and cheaper) and prove yourself to an employer who may in turn pay for your course.

Most of the people on my course are paralegals training to be fellows of ILEX.

mrcow

jules2244 wrote: »

thanks for your advice i appreciate it its just so hard trying to work everything out. i did speakto the jobcentre today and they said i would get financial help from the college for childcare and also i will get child tax credit and CHB aswell as income support because im a lone parent. just finding decision making really hard at the moment. dont know what to do.

It's really hard when you have no one else to bounce ideas off. Any decisions can be tough, especially when you're also trying to do the best by your kids.

You should speak with your college. They deal with people in similar situations on a daily basis and will have support mechanisms and advice in place for lone parents.

If it's any help (although I'm not a lone parent) I have three children and am going back to university full time this year and am so stressed about coping, and that's before I even start. I know it's the right thing in the long term and as always, I'll work my backside off to make sure that everyone is well looked after but I am still asking myself serious questions about what on Earth I was thinking to start down this road. You're certainly not alone!

mrcow

dmg24 wrote: »

So it's not double is it? Legal secretaries need to have a pretty good grasp of maths also.

You shouldn't knock people who are trying to improve their lot. Long term, perhaps the income potential will double. Nothing is ever as simply cut and dried as that. And certainly pay scales don't necessarily follow what others have earned in the past or what someone can Google on the internet. It's not even particually relevent, more a case of pedantics with a view to winding the OP up.

Considering that they already sound pretty stressed about their options, it's not really constructive/helpful is it?!

thorsoak

dmg24 wrote: »

Unless you are earning below minimum wage, a legal secretarial course will not double your earning potential. Whilst it is a positive step, I would be more realistic in your expectations.

In actual fact, in London, the general salary for a legal secretary with only one year's experience is in the region of £23-24k in one of the city firms. This goes up to in excess of £30k for a secretary of over 5 years' experience - but you really do have to work to earn it!

HRV

If your little one is 2 they will be entitled to 15 hours childcare once they hit 3. Could you hold off a year and use some of these hours (you can choose where they're used- eg. school nursery, day nursery etc.) to cover your childcare whilst you are a college?

AnxiousMum

You say that as your child's father lives in America, there is nothing the CSA can do to assist you in obtaining child support. You are right in that. However, the REMO program can definitely assist you in getting child support for your child, and should not be overlooked. Child support is not counted 'as income' for things like housing benefit, ctc, wtc, and council tax benefit - so it would be of great benefit to you and to your child. He has an obligation to provide financially for your child - even if he chooses not to have a relationship with him/her. You, as the mother, also have an obligation to your child to ensure that those who are supposed to provide for him/her, are doing so. The States looks on it as 'it is not your right to refuse child support - as it's your child's right to receive it'. You will find them alot easier to deal with than the CSA.