With the start of the new school term in full swing, you may be thinking about what is next for YOU. This week’s blog centres in an inspiring Mum, who has taken the huge step to retrain as a Nurse.
Becoming a parent changes what you want out of life; your priorities shift, your life alters beyond recognition and you are driven to have a happy, fulfilled life.
Kerry, 30-year-old, mum of one, is in the final year of a nursing degree following an access course, She previously held a management in Retail telecommunications.
“My motivation in my career all changed when I became pregnant with my daughter. Suddenly salary seemed to pale into insignificance compared to job satisfaction. Maternity leave gave me the headspace and time away from the business to really consider what I wanted. The truth is I was unhappy but ticked along nicely as it would take a while to get all my bonus out and wasn’t sure what I would be good at in all honestly.
So I found myself back in 2012 looking at college courses. I had my A levels and GCSE’s but they were pretty generic and thought if I was going to make a change I better start at the beginning. It all clicked once I started looking in the healthcare section. I remember being 18 and my Dad telling me that I needed to choose a sensible career, one to pay the bills and that’s what I had been doing ever since. I was good at my job, I had progressed to management and I always had satisfied customers. It was me that was left feeling like there was something lacking. “
When I saw access to Nursing and Midwifery something just appealed to me and reminded me of those who had looked after my mum. Nurses made a difference every day, did something new every day… and that would satisfy my needs and wants from a job.
Nurse to be Kerry
What elements of your previous role and studies were you able to bring to your new student experience?
Very few actually that counted in an academic sense but lots of people skills I have found useful. Lots of negotiation, being able to talk to a variety of people and explaining things in layman’s terms has been helpful. More important for me has been my life experience. There are things you cannot teach, only experience can bring that. The course caters for those experiences to be learnt and certainly the academics but I feel my maturity and past life has helped me greatly.
Being a single parent, studying and working must be hard! How to you balance it all?
Time is the biggest issue, there is never enough time in the day for me. I have a child, I work and at times I am also on placement and writing an essay all at the same time. Time management has been crucial. The difficulty doing it on my own means that a lot of things have to be completed post child bedtime. There have been a few late nights, to say the least! Along with that having a poorly child and doing long shifts is equally not fun but we muddle through – my little girl is my greatest motivator.
I have quickly learnt that I am not superhuman and nor should I expect myself to be. It is okay to wash the dishes tomorrow. It’s okay to pull the small one into my bed when she’s poorly so I can keep an eye on her and we can both get some semblance of sleep. The number one important thing is to ask for the help available to you. Both financially and otherwise. The reality is that universities get paid to make sure you graduate but they also actually care. They want to see you succeed.
Sounds like you are finding a way of making it work! I imagine having the end goal in sight helps you get through the tougher times.
My determination has surprised me and actually how much I am enjoying doing something completely different. Why didn’t I do this years ago? Financially too. I find myself worried less about the salary and more about the fact that I am doing something I love and want to do.
Lots of my clients consider retraining but worry about things like money, time and that it is “too late”. What advice would you give?
It is never too late!! I have people from 18-58 on my course. Do what you love. Life is far too short to do something that makes you unhappy. There is always a way and there is always someone who can help. Need flexibility? Ask. There are more options than you could ever think of.”
Thank you so much, what words of wisdom would you like to leave for parents thinking of retraining?
Will it be hard? Yes! Will it be worth it? Most definitely.
Has this inspired you to go “Back to School”. Would love to hear your plans.
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Clara Wilcox is a straight talking, practical and experienced coach helping clients navigate the tricky waters of returning to work, career changes and professional development. The Balance Collective is a social enterprise focused on improving the lives of parents, by working together to build inner confidence and promote a healthy work/life balance.
