Hi all!
I'm a single mum. After my third was born, I separated from my ex (rough split) and completely focused on raising my kids because returning to work and paying for child care was just not viable, I'd be no better off than I was on a SPP. In that time I've been trying to figure out what I want to DO with my life. Two of my kids are off to school next year, so it's viable for me to start working or studying full time again as childcare costs will be manageable.
I didn't leave high school with a plan. I tried a few different things here and there, but nothing ever felt right. One of the things I always wanted to do was become a primary school teacher and I still feel like it's something I COULD do and would enjoy.
I worry that I'm too old to start studying (I'm 31, which isn't OLD obviously, but will I feel silly being on campus with a bunch of people a decade younger than me?).
And my other concern is that I have visible tattoos and I worry that I won't even be able to land a job after four years of study. I don't have anything obscene or vulgar. But they're on my hands/wrists. I love my tattoos and they represent my youth and I don't want to hear the obvious "get rid of them" because a) that costs more money than my SPP would allow, considering we can only just make ends meet and b) I don't WANT them gone.
I don't even know what my question is anymore, I've migrated from "what do I want to do with my life" to "am I too old to study?" to "will tattoos cost me a job, should I do something else?"
Maybe i need answers for all 3.
Thanks guys.
6 Replies
Firstly definitely not too old to study. There are a wide range of ages studying from 17 to 90. Never too old to start uni. My mum was 50. I was in my late 30s, I definitely didn't feel out of place. As a bunch of uni courses are done online now, you might be able to save some childcare days.
A lot of people have tattoos, they are becoming more of the norm. But if it comes down to it there are some excellent make ups available that can cover it if necessary.
Start studying, start working towards your dream. Don't let a fear over your tattoos or your age hold you back.
I am a teacher and although i see teachers with small visible tattoos, I have a large arm one and feel bad showing it, its commented on by the kids a lot and especially when theyre being obnoxious. I know it shouldnt but it could affect your work and getting jobs in certain schools.
Secondly, dont worry about studying. You can study online or on campus and you wont be an oldie among young kids, its not like that at all, theres plenty of older students its a school for grown ups youll find your place there definitely wont stand out. but i do think to study something else, possibly something you can work independently with, possibly kids speech therapy, occupational therapy, art therapy, counselling?
It shouldn't, but tattoos may affect your career as a teacher.
In my experience mature age graduate teachers are in high demand. Two of my friends did this and both had permanent offers prior to graduating (from their prac schools). One has stayed in primary, the other worked in primary and transitioned to high school with the year 7s change over (Qld).
The tattoos may effect your job prospects. It's hard to get good advice on this as the official advice probably would be 'we can't discriminate' but in reality interviewing principals may let body art influence their choice if there are two similar skilled candidates...
Hi,
I'm 39 years (female) and I've returned to uni to study for a second time. Don't think you're too old. I study online but have to go to weekends study labs and I'm definitely not the oldest. Also when I can I go in to watch the lectures in real life and there's heaps of 'older' people.
I felt a bit strange going to the uni bookshop with my baby in pram the other week. But nobody cared or looked twice.
A friend the same age is currently completing nursing. My (single) mum went to uni for the first time in her 30's. That was really inspiring for me as I was in secondary school at the time.
You'll make friends, it will be ace. Tatts won't be an issue for anyone.
Also your experience as a mum will hold you in good steed when you actually get a teacher job.
Good luck!
There is a teacher at my child's school with large visible tattoos. She is an absolute cow but she still does her job well and it doesn't affect her ability to teach. I have both arms done and work for an employer who isn't keen. I just have to cover my neck.