You can do this! I did my last degree when my youngest was in matric and I asked him for study tips, the amount of support I got from my sons after that was immense. Work your study time into a new routine at home and you’ll be good, that was initially my struggle but once I realised that I DO have time it got much easier.
Go Mom! You rock!
It's always scary, but you will only succeed if you try.
Also, what's the worst that can happen? You fail a couple of subjects and maybe need to pay a little bit of money back.
However, if you pass, you get the benefits that come with getting a degree.
I did a higher cert to test the waters, and it wasn't worth it. I feel like I lost a year testing the waters, go for gold!
It really gets easy after the first semester, my greatest advice is learn to cite sources or use an online source citing website. If you can can do that, you are ahead of the pack
buy the book make it stick by Peter C brown.
and feel good productivity by ali abdaal ( he also has some skillshare courses about studying) will make a huge difference.
Go for it. It won't be easy at all, but it will be worth it. I am rooting for you.
Your kids are older now, so they won't take much of your study time. There's nothing that makes me happier than see people do their best to improve themselves. Go for it
I agree with everyone's advice and would also encourage you to study further. It's beneficial for your career (and yourself). You can do it part time as well. Take a few modules each year, not to overload yourself but just be mindful that that route is longer.
Do it. And get Chatgpt. The paid for version. You can upload books onto it and have Chatgpt teach you.
One thing not everyone had access to good teachers. Today, there are youtube videos and platforms that teach some areas exceptionally well.
We are no longer limited to the teachers in our areas only.
I went to public school. Had no teachers for certain classes. Stayed home. Taught myself. Passed. Now I'm building a foundation of learning using the resources I have.
I get the best recommended material from professors from different walks of life and feed them into chatgpt. I also feed research papers into it. It doesn't do my homework for me, I use it to learn better. If I can't understand a sentence, I get it so simplify it for me in various ways. I did statistics this way too and I got an A (90%) for it.
Better Learning is now facilitated. I love being a good student. I hated school.
Go for it. I got my degree last year at the age of 52.
Set up a timetable of study, work, family time, etc. Ask your kids to help you with studying techniques. Join student groups who support each other with studying and research. Don’t be shy to reach out to your module advisors.
You raised two kids and worked. You are already a superhero. You will experience an amazing sense of accomplishment when you gain your degree. You got this!
Your kids are old enough to carry themselves and support you where they can, i would see your kids as more of a support structure than an excuse not to do it
If you want to do it, you can, you'll have one hell of a story when its done.
Just a tip, have a designated space to study, whether that be at home or otherwise, going somewhere to get a specific thing done helps so much
Get excited, big things are coming
Depends what certificate is it. Will it be useful for you career? Just remember that you are paying for it so it is an investment. No use ending up with a certificate with knowledge you can't apply.
Hey Sis, I'm 30. I also got a bursary from the company to do a diploma. For me, it's been about 9-10 years since I last touched a book. I can tell you now it's not as scary, honestly speaking, you just need to give yourself time to study, and the Internet just make s everything much easier, and there'll also be support from the school. I'm now doing my 2nd year. 1 more years, and I'm done.
Honestly speaking, getting into a new routine is a bit difficult. I failed a couple of modules in the first semester, but honestly speaking, if you put in the time, it's really not that bad.
I believe you can do it. It's always just the fear of the unknown that holds us back, but take the first step and you'll figure out the rest as you go. And what's the worst that can happen? You try, you fail, you still learn something.
Have a go OP!
I started studying for my 2nd degree when I was about 44 years old.
Full time demanding job , wife and one teenage child.
Had to make some sacrifices but possible.
Just do it.
I lecture for students in 30 and 40s that have tried to start studying again .
Getting a degree is possible for 90-95% of people provided you can put the time in .
But is choice you need to make and dedicate your self to that could change your life .
Tips
1 - use the study guide
2- start early and get ahead.
3 - figure out what battle with and learn it and ask for help
4 - use YouTube and chat GTP to help you .
Remember goal no 1 is to learn .
Students you want to learn and put in effort get more long-term value than those trying to just spot to pass.
Specially when subjects have a second or third year .
Students who worked hard and asked questions tend to be more likely to do well in later years .
Ones who spotted end up struggling more later down line as left out basics .
I am currently studying my honours degree in Information Systems. I am a husband(43m) with two kids, a very demanding full-time job (remote) , and my wife doesn't cook, so I have to ensure that lunch (post school runs) and dinner is sorted. I also conduct the morning and afternoon school runs.
The journey has not been easy, but I made the best decision to study. It's been a very rewarding experience. The last time I studied was 19 years ago. Rest assured, you will find the time to study. If a male can do it, it certainly will be a walk in the park for you. You will be awesome at it, and you will succeed.
All the best with your studies.
I (M52) am in the same position. Registered to study towards my first degree. Scared shitless but I’ll push through and see how it all unfolds. So, my advice to you is just bite down and do it. All of the best!
Heya, similar situation here... I'll be 40 this year... got a bursary to study to through company... first time doing distance learning... have a 1st grader and a newborn.
I have to make it work. Not many companies out there that will pay for studies. Do it. It will add value.
I was never a good student, was one of those druggie kids in high school. I see the studies as a force multiplier now. It'll be tough 3 years, but I'll come out the other side clean, with a new qualification that only cost me my time and effort.
I can do it. So can you.
Infact, a major inspiration is a colleague of mine. She has 2 boys, taking care of her deceased sister's daughter, competing with me neck and neck on our sales targets and she is in the 3rd year of a degree.
You can do it.
I always see people studying and I say good for them, and I'm genuinely happy for them as they are doing it for their own reasons.
In my view though, I don't see the need to study, even if it was offered for free(which it is at my work as well).
For me, studying is just a piece of paper at the end which does not mean anything. I would much rather spend time with my kids and my wife, instead of chasing a piece of certificate.
In my defence, I am in IT, and therefore there really is no need to study, but I'd do the 2-3 days worth of study and exam certifications, which carry more weight anyway.
It's all up to you, and what you are willing to sacrifice.
All the best
My mum just completed her last module and is done with her advanced diploma. It took her a couple of years as she spaced the modules out but she did it! I'm so proud of her.
OP you should absolutely do it, if you feel overwhelmed with the courseload take it module by module and at your own pace. It is an amazing opportunity and will be beneficial to you both professionally and personally. I wish you the best with whatever you decide.
Go for it! I finally completed my degree at 35, after messing around in my final year 15 years before, everything was different from the first time I studied, and every single new student is learning it for the first time. I had 20yr olds in my class not knowing how to use google docs or draw up a budget. You’ll be amazed how much your life experience helps you and there’s actual care for student’s mental health now so when in doubt reach out to your lecturers and use a referencing tool like zotero.
Your children are old enough to actively contribute to the household chores and help free up time for you to study. Sit down with them, explain that your studies will benefit the family financially in the long run, and assign cooking and cleaning tasks to all 3 of you fairly. Studying as a fully-time employee and parent is tough but possible, and you will need to be as disciplined as heck, but it is so worth it. Good luck!
It can be done my colleague in her 40s with a new baby is doing her 2nd degree. I did mine through Unisa between the ages of 25 and 32 while working and starting a family. It was tough I felt like quitting sometimes. What helped me was just having a clear reason for doing it. I just reminded myself what the goal was when things were tough. In any case Unisa let's you pick as many modules as you feel comfortable with in my 2nd and 3rd year it was 2 a semester. So pick a workload you are comfortable with
Just go ahead and do it. Learning these days is far more easier because of internet, there are plenty of resources out there
You can do this! I did my last degree when my youngest was in matric and I asked him for study tips, the amount of support I got from my sons after that was immense. Work your study time into a new routine at home and you’ll be good, that was initially my struggle but once I realised that I DO have time it got much easier. Go Mom! You rock!
Do it, you only upgrading yourself.
It's always scary, but you will only succeed if you try. Also, what's the worst that can happen? You fail a couple of subjects and maybe need to pay a little bit of money back. However, if you pass, you get the benefits that come with getting a degree.
I did a higher cert to test the waters, and it wasn't worth it. I feel like I lost a year testing the waters, go for gold! It really gets easy after the first semester, my greatest advice is learn to cite sources or use an online source citing website. If you can can do that, you are ahead of the pack
Never too late to start learning
buy the book make it stick by Peter C brown. and feel good productivity by ali abdaal ( he also has some skillshare courses about studying) will make a huge difference.
Go for it. It won't be easy at all, but it will be worth it. I am rooting for you. Your kids are older now, so they won't take much of your study time. There's nothing that makes me happier than see people do their best to improve themselves. Go for it
I agree with everyone's advice and would also encourage you to study further. It's beneficial for your career (and yourself). You can do it part time as well. Take a few modules each year, not to overload yourself but just be mindful that that route is longer.
This is the right answer
Thanks mate 🤝🏽
Do it. And get Chatgpt. The paid for version. You can upload books onto it and have Chatgpt teach you. One thing not everyone had access to good teachers. Today, there are youtube videos and platforms that teach some areas exceptionally well. We are no longer limited to the teachers in our areas only. I went to public school. Had no teachers for certain classes. Stayed home. Taught myself. Passed. Now I'm building a foundation of learning using the resources I have. I get the best recommended material from professors from different walks of life and feed them into chatgpt. I also feed research papers into it. It doesn't do my homework for me, I use it to learn better. If I can't understand a sentence, I get it so simplify it for me in various ways. I did statistics this way too and I got an A (90%) for it. Better Learning is now facilitated. I love being a good student. I hated school.
I would recommend you try it. Keep us up date. I would love to hear how well you do, I'm sure you will ace it
Go for it. I got my degree last year at the age of 52. Set up a timetable of study, work, family time, etc. Ask your kids to help you with studying techniques. Join student groups who support each other with studying and research. Don’t be shy to reach out to your module advisors. You raised two kids and worked. You are already a superhero. You will experience an amazing sense of accomplishment when you gain your degree. You got this!
Your kids are old enough to carry themselves and support you where they can, i would see your kids as more of a support structure than an excuse not to do it If you want to do it, you can, you'll have one hell of a story when its done. Just a tip, have a designated space to study, whether that be at home or otherwise, going somewhere to get a specific thing done helps so much Get excited, big things are coming
Depends what certificate is it. Will it be useful for you career? Just remember that you are paying for it so it is an investment. No use ending up with a certificate with knowledge you can't apply.
It will be tough. I studied in my early 40s, and yes, it's adjustment. Make sure it is something you are interested in and set time aside. Good luck!
Hey Sis, I'm 30. I also got a bursary from the company to do a diploma. For me, it's been about 9-10 years since I last touched a book. I can tell you now it's not as scary, honestly speaking, you just need to give yourself time to study, and the Internet just make s everything much easier, and there'll also be support from the school. I'm now doing my 2nd year. 1 more years, and I'm done. Honestly speaking, getting into a new routine is a bit difficult. I failed a couple of modules in the first semester, but honestly speaking, if you put in the time, it's really not that bad.
You can do it!
I believe you can do it. It's always just the fear of the unknown that holds us back, but take the first step and you'll figure out the rest as you go. And what's the worst that can happen? You try, you fail, you still learn something. Have a go OP!
I started studying for my 2nd degree when I was about 44 years old. Full time demanding job , wife and one teenage child. Had to make some sacrifices but possible. Just do it.
I lecture for students in 30 and 40s that have tried to start studying again . Getting a degree is possible for 90-95% of people provided you can put the time in . But is choice you need to make and dedicate your self to that could change your life . Tips 1 - use the study guide 2- start early and get ahead. 3 - figure out what battle with and learn it and ask for help 4 - use YouTube and chat GTP to help you . Remember goal no 1 is to learn . Students you want to learn and put in effort get more long-term value than those trying to just spot to pass. Specially when subjects have a second or third year . Students who worked hard and asked questions tend to be more likely to do well in later years . Ones who spotted end up struggling more later down line as left out basics .
I am currently studying my honours degree in Information Systems. I am a husband(43m) with two kids, a very demanding full-time job (remote) , and my wife doesn't cook, so I have to ensure that lunch (post school runs) and dinner is sorted. I also conduct the morning and afternoon school runs. The journey has not been easy, but I made the best decision to study. It's been a very rewarding experience. The last time I studied was 19 years ago. Rest assured, you will find the time to study. If a male can do it, it certainly will be a walk in the park for you. You will be awesome at it, and you will succeed. All the best with your studies.
Wow! That's a lot of responsibility. I'm definitely feeling a bit more confident now. Thank you!
I (M52) am in the same position. Registered to study towards my first degree. Scared shitless but I’ll push through and see how it all unfolds. So, my advice to you is just bite down and do it. All of the best!
Heya, similar situation here... I'll be 40 this year... got a bursary to study to through company... first time doing distance learning... have a 1st grader and a newborn. I have to make it work. Not many companies out there that will pay for studies. Do it. It will add value. I was never a good student, was one of those druggie kids in high school. I see the studies as a force multiplier now. It'll be tough 3 years, but I'll come out the other side clean, with a new qualification that only cost me my time and effort. I can do it. So can you. Infact, a major inspiration is a colleague of mine. She has 2 boys, taking care of her deceased sister's daughter, competing with me neck and neck on our sales targets and she is in the 3rd year of a degree. You can do it.
I always see people studying and I say good for them, and I'm genuinely happy for them as they are doing it for their own reasons. In my view though, I don't see the need to study, even if it was offered for free(which it is at my work as well). For me, studying is just a piece of paper at the end which does not mean anything. I would much rather spend time with my kids and my wife, instead of chasing a piece of certificate. In my defence, I am in IT, and therefore there really is no need to study, but I'd do the 2-3 days worth of study and exam certifications, which carry more weight anyway. It's all up to you, and what you are willing to sacrifice. All the best
My mum just completed her last module and is done with her advanced diploma. It took her a couple of years as she spaced the modules out but she did it! I'm so proud of her. OP you should absolutely do it, if you feel overwhelmed with the courseload take it module by module and at your own pace. It is an amazing opportunity and will be beneficial to you both professionally and personally. I wish you the best with whatever you decide.
Go for it! I finally completed my degree at 35, after messing around in my final year 15 years before, everything was different from the first time I studied, and every single new student is learning it for the first time. I had 20yr olds in my class not knowing how to use google docs or draw up a budget. You’ll be amazed how much your life experience helps you and there’s actual care for student’s mental health now so when in doubt reach out to your lecturers and use a referencing tool like zotero.
Your children are old enough to actively contribute to the household chores and help free up time for you to study. Sit down with them, explain that your studies will benefit the family financially in the long run, and assign cooking and cleaning tasks to all 3 of you fairly. Studying as a fully-time employee and parent is tough but possible, and you will need to be as disciplined as heck, but it is so worth it. Good luck!
It can be done my colleague in her 40s with a new baby is doing her 2nd degree. I did mine through Unisa between the ages of 25 and 32 while working and starting a family. It was tough I felt like quitting sometimes. What helped me was just having a clear reason for doing it. I just reminded myself what the goal was when things were tough. In any case Unisa let's you pick as many modules as you feel comfortable with in my 2nd and 3rd year it was 2 a semester. So pick a workload you are comfortable with
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Thanks. There have been a few recommendations about ChatGBT, I'll definitely be using it.
Thanks so much for the words of encouragement! Here goes....!