Going to college

LegacyUser

Ok, in a job i hate. Its so bad that i cry going in and cry going out of it and no one can tell me i should be happy cause i have a job. Things might be different if i had loans and a morgage but i don't. I have nothing going for me. Its dead end. Its so bad that i have actually thought about suicide for a way out. I have no qualifications so not sure what i can end up doing if i leave. Chipper? Bar? Stacking shelves? They're not careers, so i don't think i would be happy doing just any job on a long term basis.

I am 28 and finally know exactly what i want to do. Took me a while to figure that out and i have applied to go back to college for next year. But thats my only hope now, my college application. I am really putting effort in making myself look great for a place in college, in that i am doing a bit of voluntary work, did a distance learning course in something similar (to show my interest and that i am willing to learn after so long out of school).

Once christmas is over, it won't be long until september comes again but what if i don't get it? What if i don't have enough money saved to give myself a good start in college. By that i mean, having enough money to last a couple of months until i find work? What if i don't find work? I need back up, where do i get the money from then? And how much would i need for living expenses for the first 3months (plenty of time to find evening work during 3mths)? I know everyone has these, what if's but i like to be prepared.

Sorry, don't know what i am asking really but i really want this. I don't want to be stuck in dead end jobs until i am 65 and certainly not in the place i am in now. But what are my options if i don't get the course? Say goodbye to the world? Try again next year? Ya, how am i going to get out of work and to do what?

Has anyone ever been in a similar situation?

AngryBadger

Everything you're feeling is completely normal.

Whatever the specifics of your background, you've been working full-time for well over a decade. A lot of people your age would only be working the last 5/6 years, less if they did postgrad. My point is that you're used to a particular way of life. Working everyday, having a regular wage. Going back to college is a brilliant move on your part, and the fact that you're a mature studnet and have had years to decide what you want means you're in the perfect position to take full advantagc of whatever college has to offer.

The downside is it is a big change, you'll have less money, and you'll have to re-adjust to the college lifestyle, (which I personally hated). But you can manage all of that. There's no point worrying about whether you get the course, or a job, or have enough money or anything else right now. You've done, and are doing everything you can to secure your place. Worrying now won't help, it'll just stress you out.

Have a look into what kinds of part time work you might get around whatever college you're going to. Check out daft.ie or any housing website to get an idea of what rent will be like. That way you can come up with a rough idea of what you should need money-wise. You'll be more comfortable with everything once you feel you have some handle on the situation.

Most importantly OP, it's a good idea to go back to college now and start carving out a career for yourself. Try to focus less on how much you hate your current situation, and more on how much opportunity going back to college will give you. I know it's not easy to be in a job that breaks your heart on a daily basis, but it's not forever, so try to stick with it!

Piriz

there are many positive things in your post OP..
firstly you are ambitious, you are only 28 and you've identified what you wish to pursue for your career.. that is all good! you can apply to this course as a mature student which will put you in a position where you will probably be required to submit a personal statement..in this you can boast of the voluntary work you've been active in! this will speak volumes in your application and hopefully land you placement!
as a 28 year old its good that you have zero loans or a mortgage...you really don't want these right now! any 28 year old currently with a mortgage will be in negative equity for a long time!
ok so you currently have a job that you hate...at least this is earning power! i imagine you are saving towards your course next september so without this job you couldn't do that! having the ability to save for college fees will at least alleviate financial pressure!
you need to investigate your entitlements for a student grant..as a mature student you should get something...
i would also investigate every college/university it is possible for you to do this particular course..be it outside your home county or even consider relocating to the UK if its really what you want to do, don't let moving away scare you! you can get Irish grants to cover your studies in the UK i think (investigate this)
make sure you are aware of all possible course options and financial aids! know what you need to do to apply to these courses i.e. CAO, apply direct to colleges, mature student options & application deadlines etc.

Remember its an achievement in itself to have discovered what you want to do! Fair play..you seem to have a good grasp of where you are and where you want to go, these ingredients and your strong work ethic will be the recipe to achieving your goals !

Remember too...college/acquiring a qualification is probably one of the best places to be for the next few years...you will be making progress while the country is at a stand still. coupling that with being intellectually stimulated by your course and meeting new people, a new positive attitude and increased self esteem will be apparent!

your current situation is obviously difficult for you but it is producing results at the same time! its made you evaluate your life, consider your options and work towards your goals...give yourself some credit!!:)

if you need to do a personal statement for your course application and want help pm me or ask for help on boards!

also speak to some of the course directors of this course and ask for advice etc..or find people on boards who will know about this course and they could offer great advice..what course is it OP?

anyway keep your head up...28 is still young and at the end of the day the only person your competing against is yourself!