I am 35 and fulltime carer to my 15 year old who was in a car accident last August š
Our world has been turned upside down.
We have been approved a carer, during the hours of the carer it is recommended I leave the house so I can have some āMEā time, talking with my partner we both agreed I should go to uni or study something just to keep myself busy.
Thing is I have no idea what!
What is a career path you know will have jobs in 3/4 years?
I donāt want to be someone that goes and does 4 year degree and have a hard time finding a job - mind you I am 35 now!!!
Here some things I am interested in
Youth custodial work
Child safety
Or case management
Am I to old to study and gain employment at the end?
What would I look at to study to do eaither one of my career options?
Pria to my sonās accident I was cleaning, I have done some certificates while I was employed such as individual support, business admin and frontline management but have never sort other employment.
I just think now is my time to do something other then cleaning and see what the future has for me.
I am in qld if this helps at all.
Thank you so so much.
5 Replies
I think that's a great idea. I'm not sure about what to study but perhaps look into school support roles as the hours are family friendly.
I also wanted to say to make sure you're getting in your other me time activities. Coffee dates, read a book, relax, do a short course, meet friends. These are really important for wellbeing. When you study you can even study one or two units at a time to make sure you keep the balance and don't stress yourself.
I'm 31 and just starting my Bachelor of social work. What drew me to it was the huge range of job opportunities. Except for the two field placements I'm studying externally but if you're near a uni I'd absolutely encourage you to study on campus
Be careful how much you take on. Iām a carer for my son and also studying at uni when he is at daycare. I feel burnt out like I never get a break, even though heās in care 3 days a week. Study really isnāt the relaxing break you need so Iād definitely be looking at what load you take on compared to the free time you will have. I am getting it done because I know itāll be worth it in the end but please do think long and hard about if you realistically will be able to push through without getting emotionally and mentally burnt out.
Thatās what I was thinking. Study brings a whole new range of stress. Starting a hobby would be more relaxing, at least initially while getting used to having āme timeā. Then in a few months think about whether you could handle the stress of study.
I think Uniās offer bridging courses for a year, particularly good for mature aged students. Youāll find youāre amongst peers. Then you can see if studying is for you, and what direction youāre leaning toward. Speak to an advisor at the Uni.
You bring life experience to your study and/or career.
Loads of jobs in community service, social work, particularly disability thanks to ndis funding