stressed , fed up and very down

spidystrider

I definitely think you should be able to get a better deal on your satellite, broadband, phone and landline. I get all of these through sky and I'm currently paying just over £50. This includes unlimited broadband, unlimited phone calls, landline rental and although I can't remember the exact sky tv package I have, I think it is called the 6 mix.

Tixy

Pls remember Debt-Free Wannabee's for support and help not judgement

Can we please try to just focus on supporting Jay in her current situation and advising as best we can. Jay has posted on the DFW section of the board not a careers advice section.
I cannot think further discussions in relation to her career choice are going to help Jay or encourage her to keep posting on here.

crystaltipps

I don't normally join in on these type of threads...bargain hunting is more my forte, but feel inclined to give my tuppence worth and relate my experience as I have a little experience of this type of thing.

When I first joined this forum, I had minor debts but, more importantly, was living a 'hand to mouth' lifestyle and had no money left for any little luxuries. I was also in a just above minimum wage job with limited prospects for advancement unless I was prepared to work very long unsociable hours at the expense of my small children at the time. Over the first year or two, with help from Martins advice and many invaluable posters here, I changed my financial life around. I learned to budget and save. As my children got older and slightly more independant, I evaluated my 'career' and decided to return to education. I also worked part time at the same time as doing the full time Access - Science course. Many late nights to get coursework in followed, with much use of the schools breakfast club and the kindness of the staff who would have my youngest after school on the odd occasions when my train let me down and I couldn't get to her immediately after the school bell (unfortunately, no after school club or she would have been there too!). She also participated in anything after school, like football and netball club, which helped. I got into uni and am mid way through my second year now. Before I signed up I saved every penny I could get - I wanted a cushion as I was unsure exactly what my entitlement to grants and bursaries would be. Things are now very good. I love my study - I am looking at post grad qualifications and career options and am averaging a high 2:1 with aspirations of gaining that magic first.

If I were the OP I wouldn't give up on the dream. I do however think that it would be immeasurably easier to acheive her admirable goals when 1. She has sorted out a payment plan at the very least, even better, try and go in to it without the debt or you are just adding to the pressure you already are struggling to live with. 2. If you have young children, waiting til they are at least old enough to understand why mummy can't play a game, read a story, take them swimming etc. Family support is important too. It sounds like the OP has managed to cover that option.

Lastly, my ex and the father to my girls now has a second family. His partner has been doing the nursing degree and she has managed so well with her small children - in fact she took maternity leave last year for the birth of their second child and has still managed to do well. However, my ex is now a house husband more often than not and I think she would have found it impossible if he wasn't juggling the babies whilst she is studying.

I sincerely hope that the OP manages to use the financial advice here that literally changed my life - and wish her the very best in the future.

aliwali

I admire your dedication. I have a friend in a similar position doing an access course and having interviews for Midwifery degree. whilst I don't think she has debt issues, I do admire the fact that she can raise 3 very young children go to college 2 nights a week, fit all her studying in, and now she is talking about needing to get a job. Everyone has limits though, so don't make yourself ill by taking on too much, I'm just starting to notice how very stressed out she is.

I really wish you well with your degree and who knows what the job situation will be in 3 years time. I'm sorry I have no advice on your debts but there are lots of helpful people here who I'm sure can help you. You should be very proud of yourself firstly for your place at Uni my friend said 800 applicants for 40 places on her course!!! and secondly for admitting that you are down and wanting to do something about it.

Take care

brokemedic

Hi,

I just wanted to say congratulations on getting a place at uni and please don't let comments on here put you off. I used to be (still am sometimes) a nurse and am now training as a doctor. When I started Medicine, I had lots of debt and have slowly managed to pay it off following the guidance/support and motivation on here. At the start I was so broke, I had to apply to the Access to Learning fund and then I managed to work as a nurse. Maybe you could consider doing bank shifts at the hospital as a care worker - get practical experience as well as getting paid. Agency care work is available as well.

On my course, there are a number of mature students with young kids who are managing the course as well as studies. A couple of them even manage to work. They don't come from well-off backgrounds and it can be a struggle but they do it. They have cut back on going out/holidays etc but they know it's for the short-term and that they are providing a better future for their children. I also have to say we have been warned that there might not be jobs for us as well but this happens in the NHS every few years. I was around about 7 years ago when the same worries were surfacing - not enough jobs etc but people retire, natural wastage etc. Please don't let that put you off - there will always be jobs for good nurses. The women that I study with all say the same thing, there was no right time to study Medicine. They manage to balance it and I am sure you will as well. If you want something to happen badly enough, you can make it happen. I am not sure if this is helping but if you want the nursing degree enough, go for it. It's only three years, it will fly by.

bm

Former_MSE_Andrea

I've removed several posts, enough bickering everyone please.

This is about helping out the original poster, not judging, taking the thread off topic or giving medical advice.

Thank you!

Andrea

jonjamie1970

supersavershal wrote: »

And on your two days off you will be doing 2 shifts on your old job.I wish you well, you obviously have no idea of the volume of work you can expect.And to be the best of the best and secure a job against nurses with lots of experience you will need to study hard and get a good degree.And when will you spend time with your children.

Jesus Christ give the girl a break, I would be securing the noose now If I posted on here for help and then read all your depressing negative slamming. She's chosen this career, shes asking for advice on finances not careers advice. :eek:

Triangle

Another one wishing you all the best Jay - very saddened by the posters who have been so pessimistic and downright rude to you!

I receive the NHS bursary and you are 100% right - it is not taken into account for tax credits.

I would certainly follow Tixy's advice (I'm a silent stalker - always gives great advice ) and re-post your SOA with the end bit included which says how much left or in decifit for debt payments. This will help all the good and knowledgeable folk on here offer more clear advice.

Take care
T
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brokemedic

Not sure if this is applies to you but can you apply for a student loan at all with the degree programme. I trained years and years ago when they did the Diploma programme and I received a bursary. But I know when they introduced the degree programme, there was some talk of the possibilty of being able to apply for it in the final year. I never looked into it as there was no need to for me but it might be a possibility.

Also don't buy new books. Amazon and other students are always selling off old textbooks.

bm

Triangle

brokemedic wrote: »

Not sure if this is applies to you but can you apply for a student loan at all with the degree programme. I trained years and years ago when they did the Diploma programme and I received a bursary. But I know when they introduced the degree programme, there was some talk of the possibilty of being able to apply for it in the final year. I never looked into it as there was no need to for me but it might be a possibility.

bm

Good point :T- Some of the BA students on my course have both a NHS Bursary and a student loan

Jay, have a look into this, perhaps by contacting the uni direct or the student loan people

T
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