Wait, no, that’s a whole other blog. This one is set to take you on a journey, or more likely a bit of a never-ending rollercoaster of emotions. The thrills and spills of student life as a 40-something “Adult Returner”, “Mature (ha!) Student” or whatever fancy dancey way they have these days of saying “Old Gal who decided to get educated”.

So, Why am I here? I’m so glad you asked. I left school at 17, lured by the promise of a lucrative career in retail. I was offered a supervisory position at 17 which paid, wait for it!, a grand total of £4.20/hr. The minimum wage for someone 5 years older than myself at that time so I thought I was MINTED! I loved Retail back then. I was young and full of the joys of the freedom my £4.20 would get me. I was also in love with the idea of climbing the retail ladder. And I did, for a time. I was Manager of a store by 19. (Was really rich then. Ha!)

Fast forward a few years, fell in love, got married, worked a stint as a Science Technician in a local school (plot twist!!), had kids…. I spent a good few years with small part time retail jobs and alongside some self employment while I watched my children grow. I have no regrets about that part. My children are my greatest achievement (now that IS cheesy, but also true). I never quite shook the feeling that I had more to offer in the world of work though. I used to be reasonably intelligent back in the day (despite some really stupid career choices) so, was I still?

Well, dear reader, time will most definitely tell. I don’t want to turn this into War and Peace (other long books available), so will break here and return with the next installment very, very soon.