On benefits and big inheritance - advice agencies?

Ames

I don't really want to do a foundation degree, I've got a clutch of A grade A levels, albeit from 8 years ago. It wasn't the work of the OU that I had a problem with, it was having to stick to their books and their interpretation. I did ok when I was doing history, but when it was social sciences I really hated having to write about things with such a narrow range of sources, and not being allowed an opinion really really annoyed me (not that that will surprise anyone on here :rotfl: )

So, I'm more than happy with the academic side - I've helped with an MA research project in a similar field, I've got loads of voluntary experience in the Social Policy field, and one reason for doing it part time is that I'm planning to move into a research role with the charity I'm involved in, so the two will (hopefully) work and develop together.

It's just the 'social' side of it that worries me, which is why I've been looking into what help's available through the uni and other services. I've got DSA equipment, so even if I sit in a lecture quietly having an anxiety attack, I'll be recording it so I can listen again at home, for instance.

The diabetes thing has thrown a minor stumbling block in the way, mainly because of the shock making my MI worse. Again, though, I'm working around it. I'm going to hand over administration of mum's estate to a solicitor, which will be a huge weight off my shoulders - not just not having to do it myself, but taking away the arguments with my sister. (Well, arguments about this, there'll always be something in the way).

That gives me about two months to put into place coping strategies for uni, and to get a grip on my diet and lifestyle changes.

And of course to read a few dozen textbooks!

I think that if I dropped the level then I'd feel a failure, I'd feel it was a huge step backwards, and I'd give up. Similarly, full time would overwhelm me. So, overall, I think I'm getting the balance right.

In theory.

Till another part of my body packs in lol.