I'm interested in studying midwifery, but don't have a particularly supportive partner. He thinks studying now (I'm late 30's with 3 kids all at school) is both a waste of time and money when I could just get a job. But I'm really passionate about studying. My questions are how much per hour is a midwife paid normally or night shift? And is it better for finding work to do the double degree in nursing. I'm not too keen on studying nursing? Or if you have any other useful ideas on ways to "sell" me going back to uni. Thanks so much in advance
How do I convince my partner it's a good idea to go back to uni to study?
How do I convince my partner it's a good idea to go back to uni to study?
Posted in:
Relationships & Marriage, Education
5 Replies
Tell your husband youll be working for another30 -40 years so yes! Getting a degree and job opportunities is important. Tell him how hard it is for a female in her 50s to find 'just a job' even working retail or stacking shelves. And does he want you doing that in your 50s? If you.can even get it? Its not about money per hour. Its about career opportunities, self development and career fulfilment.
Considering this is the first time youve wnated to do this, youre not taking the piss, he is by not supporting you and telling you not to.
By the way, you will need a supportive partner tobe able to study and get through it, if he makes it hard and puts extra pressure on you youre going to find it incredibly hard/impossible.
If you've been out of the workforce for a significant amount of time, you'll probably need to study in any case (depending on what qualifications you already have).
That said, maybe he's worried that the uni fees will add too much financial strain at the moment, maybe he's worried about how much commitment it will require. Maybe he's worried you'll lose interest in it and decide you're actually passionate about something else. There could be many concerns on his part, I think you should have a more in depth conversation about it with him.
To answer your other question, people generally don't go into nursing/midwifery for the money, they go into it because they're passionate!
Okay, great you want to study! YESSS!!
But really look into it first.
Midwifery is nursing. Its not glamorous. It generally doesn't pay well, its not easily fitted into school hours. Some times you will need to work public holidays, christmas etc.
You said your passionate about studying... what about after study...? Your debt will easily be in the 50k and there is over 1200 hours of UNPAID work placement.
If you can do all this and hubby can pick up the slack with the kids, weekends, long study hours, etc and the 4+ years of study then go for it.
Tell him its your retirement plan. You can work whilst he retires. After 5+ years of working in the industry you will be on a bit better wage. (some midwives take home $900 a week, working 4 days not including OT but on a rotating roster)
But because your not keen on studying nursing I have to question weather your in Midwifery for the right reasons? it is nursing, its the same job, but with added responsibilities.
I'm half way through a primary school degree. I'm 33. I once worked out that by me doing the degree over the course of the next 30 years we will be 1.2 million dollars better off. That was at the highest rate i could have been payed in my old job.
Do it for yourself mums. It's hard but worth it.
If you feel passionate about it then you should do it. And HECS helps with the financial burden (although now they call it HELP).
If you’re unsure seek a career counselor who will ask you some questions and get you to do some exercises to find out if this is what you want.
I changed careers after 2 kids in my 30’s (it’s quite common actually) and my husband had to pick up the slack and cook dinners, clean up, take the kids out on the weekends so I could study, it was tough but we got through it and now I’m planning on doing my masters degree over the next couple of years. It’s definitely easier when you have that support around you and someone who will be there to give you a high 5 after completing exams etc. I’m so so so glad I did it and now I’ll be looking to leave my old job and get a new one in the field I want to work in and build my career from there. Good luck!!!