Why I went back to study at 50

Why I went back to study at 50 Why I went back to study at 50Posted August 27, 2013, by Anne WattersAfter working in clerical and administration roles for most of my life, at the age of 50 I decided to retrain. My chosen course was a Diploma of Child Studies, Childrens Services, offered through TAFE. It wasnt the easiest decision to make and was further complicated by the fact that my two youngest daughters were about to embark on adventures of their own.One was undertaking an overseas gap year before commencing university in NSW and the other was taking up her university place about 1500km from Hobart, where we were living at the time. With my eldest daughter already in NSW and only my son remaining in Tasmania, I made the decision to relocate back to the NSW town my children had grown up in. It definitely wasnt a quiet year for our family and I began my first day at TAFE in Armidale, on the same day my daughter started university in Bathurst.Looking for somewhere to live in Armidal e and starting a course at the same time meant that getting back into study after many, many years was challenging, to say the least. When I first started, I felt frustrated by what felt like time wasted in the classroom after working in busy environments for many years. And while the course work was manageable, I had to be mindful of deadlinesFor financial reasons I was unable to continue full-time study and found clerical jobs while continuing to study externally. My teachers and fellow students were very supportive of my decision to make these changes. During this time, I did begin to wonder whether it was madness to give up a better paying clerical job for the notoriously poorly paid life in child care.After working part-time in both arenas I decided child care was what I loved and was worth the sacrifice so I gave up the clerical job and began my full-time career in child care in a preschool room. I cant help but feel satisfied with my decision, as I prepare children to be rea dy for the next phase of their lives schoolWhat I have also discovered is how undervalued people in my industry are, often being seen to be glorified babysitters. As my centre is long day care, this is particularly the case. Parents are often time poor, with little opportunity to become involved in the events held at the centre.Over the last 10 years I have been lucky to work with a strong, dedicated and supportive team. This in itself has been a significant factor in the level of enjoyment I have had in my work. I have had the mentoring of two professional and wonderful centre Directors and am very thankful for the additional professional development to which Ive had access over the years.In retrospect, had I known how much I would love this job, I would have made my decision earlier in life. It is so rewarding working with and helping to develop preschool-age children to their full potential, whilst also addressing issues and directing families towards the help they may need.I so metimes think that while my own children were in primary school it would have been a good opportunity to study a Bachelor of Education, Early Childhood. No one is ever too old to study and, as long as youre realistic about job opportunities in your senior years, its never too late to make a changeConsidering going back to study, for work or pleasure? See our full range of online courses.Diploma of Community ServicesStudy modeOnlinePayment optionsPayment planUpfront paymentCourse guide+ FREE eBrochureEnquire Online Enquire OnlineCommunity Services ResourcesSenior social worker sample resumeSenior social worker sample cover letterCareer Insider StoriesRenee Cooke - Trainer at Cire Community SchoolRenee Cooke - Trainer at Cire Community SchoolDavid Berger - Floristry Teacher at TAFE NSWAndy McKilliam - ESL Teacher, South KoreaInterested in becoming a?Team LeaderProject ManagerEarly Childhood TeacherCommunity WorkerCounsellorPopular Career Searchescommunity tafelgeschirr course at tafeg overnment funded community service courses onlinenight school courses perth wahow to become a drug and alcohol counsellor in australiatesol courses government fundedCommunity Services CoursesBachelor of Social WorkEnquire Online Enquire OnlineDiploma of CounsellingEnquire Online Enquire OnlineMaster of Social Work (Professional Qualifying)Enquire Online Enquire OnlineBachelor of Community HealthEnquire Online Enquire OnlineAnne WattersRelated ArticlesBrowse moraCAREER INSPIRATIONInternational Volunteer Day - 5 DecemberInternational Volunteer Day celebrates one of the most honourable jobs in the world being a volunteer.Community ServicesHelping careersWhy a career in community services is a good fit for working mumsReturning to work after maternity (or paternity) leave is often the best time to consider a career change. If youre after a pathway that offers flexibility, support and a way to give back to the community look no further.Child CareCommunity ServicesIncreasing demand in t he helping professionsThe health care and social services industry is Australias largest employment sector, and over the next five years its expected to provide more jobs than any other industry.