Retraining at 26: financial support

Elliewall1

Hi guys,

I need some help about financial support for going back to college and retraining for a new career. I originally trained as a social worker and worked as a senior practitioner with kids until I left due to health reasons. I then got a job pulling pints until my health got better. Ive been two years now And I've got stuck in a rut.

I would love to retrain to work with animals ideally as a vet nurse. However Uni is out of the question as I have had a loan from student finance already for my social work degree already. They will not give my another loan so I would have to self fund the uni fees.


I've seen a college level 3 diploma I like but the college is an hours drive away (I live in the countryside) I am eligible for the 24+ loan but this would only cover my tuition fees. The course is full time so I doubt I would be able to work evenings anywhere due to the travelling time.

How do people retrain ? I have a mortgage to pay as well and live with my husband who is well payed so we can't get any benefit help, is there anything I can do or am I stuck pulling pints for the rest of my life.He said he would support me but our monthly out goings are too high for me to stop earning.

Thanks aheAd for any ideas.

Rainhands

I'm 26 and starting an apprenticeship in 2 weeks. The pay is barely enough to get by on, but it's a good company and the job at the end will be worth it. How do people do it? Well I simply rent, and I don't have a car or many other outgoings. Having said that I'm still uncertain how I'm going to manage my money at this point. If you think your career is worth it then do what you can now as it only gets harder.

If your husband makes good money then consider the possibility of studying full time. I know it won't be easy, and you may have to sacrifice things like holidays, but ask yourself where you want to be in the next few years and I am sure you will find a solution.

InsideInsurance

Most will balance the short/mid term pain of low income, going without, debt etc and the hope of long term gain in terms of the new career against the status quo of continuing doing whatever they are doing.

Why not go over to the debt free section who can help review your monthly outgoings to see if those can be reduced and then you can decide if the sacrifice is worth it

PasturesNew

The two short answers to how to people manage it is:

- they aren't alone and have a partner/spouse who is bringing some money in
- they have kids so get benefits

For most others, forget it. When you've got an established life, trying to give that up and relocate, with dates dovetailing, etc and hoping you'll find part-time work, is several risks too far.

ohreally

Resume social work.

dawyldthing

The other way is to put it on the back burner and save up for a few years, cut back on expenses now for all the things that are wants and just have the needs and save up so you have the living expenses and tuition fees needed for the time of the course is what I would personally do

Hillbilly1

Vet Nursing is delivered in a number of ways and with many different types of funding.

The majority of people still train while being employed in a veterinary practice. They go to college 1 days a week and are in practice the rest of the time. Usually the employer then pays the college fees.

How much do you know about the job, have you volunteers in a practice to see if you like it?

Most people get a foot in the door by volunteering at practices, or working as a receptionist or care assistant and then get offered a trainee position.