I am still ahead of the study planner but i am stuck in a funk.
All my motivation for my course has drained away.
Been thinking alot lately if it is worth carrying on with my degree.
I am 52, so it is hard to see how gaining a non vocational degree with help my job prospects.
If i graduate i will be 54 years old. I don't think it is going to really help my career that much, and i am already 12k in student debt, rising to 18k if i complete the course.
I really have not enjoyed this module or the previous one, i feel like i am just grinding on because it's become habit, more habit than enjoying learning.
I really don't know what the best thing to do is.
What to do...
Is it really that much of an achievement to gain a degree? Employers are know to not have as much respect for an open university degree as one's from bricks and mortar uni's... couple that with my age when i graduate and i often feel like i am engaged in a pointless exercise.
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Hi Mike,
Been enjoying your blog for a while now, we are following the same path though I am doing Economics this year and Philosophy next.
Only you can decide what to do, however I must take issue with your comment "Employers are know to not have as much respect for an open university degree as one's from bricks and mortar uni's". I don't know where the source is for that, but anecdotally my experience has been different - many friends who have OU degrees and many friends who are employers tell me that they really value OU degrees as they show a real commitment to learning, and a dedication to learn around work/family etc.
I am dreading Philosophy but can't share your pain with DD209 - I'm loving it!!! (though am finding the workload significantly heavier than the Level 2 Politics module).
Anyway - all the best!
Danny
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I'd have to disagree with your comments about employers' views toward an OU degree. The statistics for the degrees say otherwise when you look at student destinations and median earnings. Also, a large proportion of employers use the OU to sponsor employees in their studies, and many organisations work with the OU - like the BBC, Oxford and Cambridge Universities - in collaboration which shows how they value the OU. Studying via distance learning shows a real level of dedication and self-motivation, plus a commitment to individual learning and expertise in time management.
Gaining a degree is a huge achievement, whether it be for personal development or career aspirations. I would say forget about your age - state pension age is at 67/8 years, so if you graduate at 54 then that's at least another 10 years of working! But if you're not enjoying it then you must address that. Seek advice from Student Support. It may be worth considering moving to an Open Degree and choosing modules that interest you. You will do better if you are doing something you enjoy. If you don't enjoy it then it's time to reevaluate your life goals.
Good luck.