Seeking advice on changing career through education

BikerMatt

Hi there. This is my first post and the first place I thought to come to for advice.

I'm currently working for a company in a position with no future, and facing possible redundancy. I left school with two A-Levels, and haven't achieved much in the way of qualifications since. I managed to drop out of University (I've done my fair share of blaming myself on that one) and went into work instead.

Like many people, I've started looking at the jobs market to try and change the situation. It's daunting to look at the jobs available for my qualifications; Administrators are ten a penny, and the other technical abilities I've acquired don't cross over well into other work. Coupled with many employers asking for previous experience in new roles (there's plenty of people with those skills looking for work, so I don't blame them), I've spun myself in circles thinking there's nowhere to turn.

I thought education might be another possibility; and here lies my question. I studied for two years, using student loans. I'm thinking I need to obtain qualifications and I have a good idea of where I want to go, but at 28, with a house and bills to pay, I can't afford the fees of the college-style qualifications.

Does anyone have a success story of finding a way to fund University as a mature student, without using the Student Loans company or being bankrolled? Is it possible?

Like I said I've worried myself sick that I can't get a better job without qualifications; I can't get qualifications without money; and I can't get money without a better job! There must be a way!

Many thanks!

first78

I also dropped out of uni at the age of 19...12 years on and I transferred the credits from the year I did at uni and started studying for a degree with the Open University. This was the only way I could keep working and pay the mortgage, bills etc.

I'm due to finish my degree in Humanities next year...it's been a lot of hard work for the past few years, but I hope that it shows employers that I possess drive, determination and excellent organisational skills.

Dunroamin

I second the suggestion of the OU. You'll get credit for your successful study, have student loans available for the fees and study while you carry on working. In your situation, it's the obvious solution.

kingfisherblue

I would also agree that the OU is the way to move forward.

It might also be possible to study part time at a university local to you, but this would depend on there being a suitable course at hours which are convenient. I know someone who is employed as the manager of a nursery and she was able to find a degree course in the evenings. Her hours are 8am-4pm, Monday to Friday, but she studied two evenings a week from 5-9pm.

BikerMatt

Many thanks for the replies. I've formulated a rough plan on how to go about things. Perhaps your replies and my decision might help others who are feeling a bit stuck right now.

I intend to continue job hunting for something even slightly better paid, perhaps taking on freelance work using my skills in web design and audio production to build a portfolio and maybe earn a bit of extra money, and use this money to obtain qualification around these fields. Cash will be tight but the OU looks like a significantly cheaper alternative to University!

Thanks again!

Horace

A word of warning, if you are planning to do freelance work then you will need to register as self employed with the HMRC.

dizzyrascal

What career do you have in mind? I ask this as you may be able to part qualify and get a foot in the door whilst studying part time.
You might be able to transfer some credit from your former study too. You will need transcripts to do this but, if you think you will need a named degree, be aware that if you have not got the core modules for the course (at the OU) you may not qualify. You might be offered an "Open" hons degree instead.
If you let us know which career plan you are hoping to follow, it might be easier to give advice.
For instance, teaching require 50% of your degree course to be in a core module to teach at secondary level.