Am I crazy?! Studying Midwifery after English degree...
I'm in my second year of an English Literature degree at Leeds, and I've been thinking about what I want to do afterwards for some time now. I'd basically decided that I would do a teacher training course and teach for a few years and then try my hand at something else if I want to; it seems the sensible thing to do, considering my degree and skills.
But I secretly have a massive interest in midwifery, and it's been something I've wanted to do since I was little. One of my friends is studying midwifery at the moment, so I'm under no illusions about how challenging and tiring it can be. I read a lot of blogs and articles about pregnancy, childbirth, post-partum care etc and have done for the past year or so, and I still find myself intrigued by the idea of working as a midwife.
I'm just scared at the thought of my degree not meaning anything... if I get onto a midwifery course after uni, what was the point in going to Leeds at all? (It's been very difficult for me emotionally at times- I don't want it to have been pointless). Should I go ahead with my original plan to teach (I would enjoy it anyway) and, after a few years if I'm still interested, go ahead and explore the idea of being a midwife?
I know I have to make this decision for myself, but I just want to get my thoughts out there and see if anyone has been in this situation or have any opinions on it.
Cheers m'dears
But I secretly have a massive interest in midwifery, and it's been something I've wanted to do since I was little. One of my friends is studying midwifery at the moment, so I'm under no illusions about how challenging and tiring it can be. I read a lot of blogs and articles about pregnancy, childbirth, post-partum care etc and have done for the past year or so, and I still find myself intrigued by the idea of working as a midwife.
I'm just scared at the thought of my degree not meaning anything... if I get onto a midwifery course after uni, what was the point in going to Leeds at all? (It's been very difficult for me emotionally at times- I don't want it to have been pointless). Should I go ahead with my original plan to teach (I would enjoy it anyway) and, after a few years if I'm still interested, go ahead and explore the idea of being a midwife?
I know I have to make this decision for myself, but I just want to get my thoughts out there and see if anyone has been in this situation or have any opinions on it.
Cheers m'dears
Scroll to see replies
Reply 1
sharpesparkle
I'm in my second year of an English Literature degree at Leeds, and I've been thinking about what I want to do afterwards for some time now. I'd basically decided that I would do a teacher training course and teach for a few years and then try my hand at something else if I want to; it seems the sensible thing to do, considering my degree and skills.
But I secretly have a massive interest in midwifery, and it's been something I've wanted to do since I was little. One of my friends is studying midwifery at the moment, so I'm under no illusions about how challenging and tiring it can be. I read a lot of blogs and articles about pregnancy, childbirth, post-partum care etc and have done for the past year or so, and I still find myself intrigued by the idea of working as a midwife.
I'm just scared at the thought of my degree not meaning anything... if I get onto a midwifery course after uni, what was the point in going to Leeds at all? (It's been very difficult for me emotionally at times- I don't want it to have been pointless). Should I go ahead with my original plan to teach (I would enjoy it anyway) and, after a few years if I'm still interested, go ahead and explore the idea of being a midwife?
I know I have to make this decision for myself, but I just want to get my thoughts out there and see if anyone has been in this situation or have any opinions on it.
Cheers m'dears
But I secretly have a massive interest in midwifery, and it's been something I've wanted to do since I was little. One of my friends is studying midwifery at the moment, so I'm under no illusions about how challenging and tiring it can be. I read a lot of blogs and articles about pregnancy, childbirth, post-partum care etc and have done for the past year or so, and I still find myself intrigued by the idea of working as a midwife.
I'm just scared at the thought of my degree not meaning anything... if I get onto a midwifery course after uni, what was the point in going to Leeds at all? (It's been very difficult for me emotionally at times- I don't want it to have been pointless). Should I go ahead with my original plan to teach (I would enjoy it anyway) and, after a few years if I'm still interested, go ahead and explore the idea of being a midwife?
I know I have to make this decision for myself, but I just want to get my thoughts out there and see if anyone has been in this situation or have any opinions on it.
Cheers m'dears
yes you are, but i like your style.
Reply 2
don't worry about your degree being useless, because you could always do your teacher training and come back to it after you have done a few years as a midwife, but afterall it is what you would be happiest doing.
i am in a similar sort of position (except i havn't started uni) i want to do a maths degree but i also want to be a department manager in waitrose (which would maybe be a waste of a maths degree) but i plan to do a maths degree with the open university and then become a dept manager as then i won't have all the debt but can still do what i want to do
i am in a similar sort of position (except i havn't started uni) i want to do a maths degree but i also want to be a department manager in waitrose (which would maybe be a waste of a maths degree) but i plan to do a maths degree with the open university and then become a dept manager as then i won't have all the debt but can still do what i want to do
Reply 3
16
C.Davy
yes you are, but i like your style.
Ha! Thanks. Ditto
Ps. I see you're from Boston. I live in one of the tiny villages between Boston and Sleaford. How interesting.
Reply 4
From reading your post, I'd say definitely pursue midwifery. It's clear that you have a very genuine interest in and passion for it. From talking to lots of adults it seems to me that many people never find a career which they feel like that about and aren't just doing to pay the bills. So since you do have something you're truly passionate about, it would seem like a waste not to follow through with it.
I wouldn't consider your degree a waste at all. Just having reached that level of education says a great deal about you in itself, whether you actually choose to work in a 'graduate' career or not. I'm sure you have gained a lot from it both academically and otherwise. It may even help you progress faster as a midwife.
Plus if it turns out you don't much like midwifery after all once you get into it (or the antisocial hours don't work for you or whatever), you could easily enough retrain as a teacher later on, right?
I wouldn't consider your degree a waste at all. Just having reached that level of education says a great deal about you in itself, whether you actually choose to work in a 'graduate' career or not. I'm sure you have gained a lot from it both academically and otherwise. It may even help you progress faster as a midwife.
Plus if it turns out you don't much like midwifery after all once you get into it (or the antisocial hours don't work for you or whatever), you could easily enough retrain as a teacher later on, right?
Reply 5
I'm off to do nursing 20 years after I started my first degree (in engineering) having spent more than half of the interim working as a care assistant. I've also tried to do a PGCE without success. I'd say that if that's really what you want to do then do it sooner rather than later, but probably try to get some casual or voluntary work in the hospital, get some experience like the student associate scheme in teaching and then make up your mind!!!
Good luck
Good luck
Reply 6
sharpesparkle
Ha! Thanks. Ditto
Ps. I see you're from Boston. I live in one of the tiny villages between Boston and Sleaford. How interesting.
Ps. I see you're from Boston. I live in one of the tiny villages between Boston and Sleaford. How interesting.
'tis truly a small world 
Reply 7
16
LondonDreamer
...
Becky Stothart
...
Thank you both for your advice
Sorry this has taken a while for me to reply, I've not been on TSR for a while! I'm still thinking about the route I'm going to take but it's definitely helped to see what you have to say about it Good luck with the nursing Becky, and good on you for doing what you really care about.Reply 8
16
hayyleyy
I'm changing from english to nursing this september. You have to do what's in your heart, and the time you've spent at leeds won't be pointless. It has helped you find what you want
You're so right... I'm going to talk to the careers advisors here next week. Do you mind me asking how you came to your decision, how it's been for you telling people etc?
Reply 9
sharpesparkle
I'm in my second year of an English Literature degree at Leeds, and I've been thinking about what I want to do afterwards for some time now. I'd basically decided that I would do a teacher training course and teach for a few years and then try my hand at something else if I want to; it seems the sensible thing to do, considering my degree and skills.
But I secretly have a massive interest in midwifery, and it's been something I've wanted to do since I was little. One of my friends is studying midwifery at the moment, so I'm under no illusions about how challenging and tiring it can be. I read a lot of blogs and articles about pregnancy, childbirth, post-partum care etc and have done for the past year or so, and I still find myself intrigued by the idea of working as a midwife.
I'm just scared at the thought of my degree not meaning anything... if I get onto a midwifery course after uni, what was the point in going to Leeds at all? (It's been very difficult for me emotionally at times- I don't want it to have been pointless). Should I go ahead with my original plan to teach (I would enjoy it anyway) and, after a few years if I'm still interested, go ahead and explore the idea of being a midwife?
I know I have to make this decision for myself, but I just want to get my thoughts out there and see if anyone has been in this situation or have any opinions on it.
Cheers m'dears
But I secretly have a massive interest in midwifery, and it's been something I've wanted to do since I was little. One of my friends is studying midwifery at the moment, so I'm under no illusions about how challenging and tiring it can be. I read a lot of blogs and articles about pregnancy, childbirth, post-partum care etc and have done for the past year or so, and I still find myself intrigued by the idea of working as a midwife.
I'm just scared at the thought of my degree not meaning anything... if I get onto a midwifery course after uni, what was the point in going to Leeds at all? (It's been very difficult for me emotionally at times- I don't want it to have been pointless). Should I go ahead with my original plan to teach (I would enjoy it anyway) and, after a few years if I'm still interested, go ahead and explore the idea of being a midwife?
I know I have to make this decision for myself, but I just want to get my thoughts out there and see if anyone has been in this situation or have any opinions on it.
Cheers m'dears
Haha! I'm in a similar position; I'm just about to finish my degree in English/Early Childhood Studies. I was planning on being a primary school teacher and have been accepted onto a course but I still really want to be a children's nurse instead
I didn't do it originally because it was so looked down on by all of my friends and family but it's still there and I am very strongly considering doing degree number 2!Reply 10
I think lots of people transfer from other degrees, I'm in my first year of Psychology and currently waiting on responses to my application to start adult nursing this September!
I think nursing is one of those things that you just don't think about when you're at college, everyone is so focused on "academic" courses. I know that for me the only time nursing was mentioned was "Well, if you don't have the grades for medicine, have you thought about nursing?" and no one wants to go into a career just cos they "can't" do something else. For me it took a couple of years of various part time jobs and 4 months of a psychology degree to realise that maybe psychology wasn't what I wanted career wise. I love it, and I love learning about various disorders, but I like doing it casually, reading papers and textbooks at my pace, speculating on various aspects of certain behaviour to my friends. It wasn't till I was speaking with my friend who is a nursing student that it all clicked into place and I went "NURSING! Why did I not think of that before?!"
Best of luck with whatever you decide. I hope you get all the support that I did, it makes things so much easier to follow your goals when other people are cheering you on
I think nursing is one of those things that you just don't think about when you're at college, everyone is so focused on "academic" courses. I know that for me the only time nursing was mentioned was "Well, if you don't have the grades for medicine, have you thought about nursing?" and no one wants to go into a career just cos they "can't" do something else. For me it took a couple of years of various part time jobs and 4 months of a psychology degree to realise that maybe psychology wasn't what I wanted career wise. I love it, and I love learning about various disorders, but I like doing it casually, reading papers and textbooks at my pace, speculating on various aspects of certain behaviour to my friends. It wasn't till I was speaking with my friend who is a nursing student that it all clicked into place and I went "NURSING! Why did I not think of that before?!"
Best of luck with whatever you decide. I hope you get all the support that I did, it makes things so much easier to follow your goals when other people are cheering you on
Reply 11
I graduated from a degree in Hotel and Hospitality management in 2008 and am currently going through interviews to get into nursing. I was in a similar situation in that I knew my first degree was not a field I would be interested in making into a career quite early into the course. I finished it just so I knew I had a degree under my belt, really wasn't sure what I wanted to do, but then talking to people who were nurses or people who have a good sense of my nature and personality I realised nursing was for me.
I would say you have a genuine passion and interest for it and I think you should give it a go. You will know you always have your first degree to revert to, but its not crazy to study a further degree when its something you know you want to do.
I would say you have a genuine passion and interest for it and I think you should give it a go. You will know you always have your first degree to revert to, but its not crazy to study a further degree when its something you know you want to do.
Reply 12
16
Thanks for all your input guys I really appreciate it
I really appreciate it Reply 13
Hi there,
I couldn't help but notice this and want to post a reply, because coincidentally enough, I am in the EXACT same situation as you.... in fact, I came across this post when I was researching midwifery courses.
I'm in my final year of my English degree at the moment and obviously am faced with endless options for what to do next and, on so many occasions, I have found myself feeling very jealous of a few people I know who study midwifery, which made me start thinking maybe it's for me? I've since thought about it a lot and am now considering it, it seems like something I really want to do - except I am also wondering if I'm crazy, and a bit worried about how so many people will react if I tell them that I want to do ANOTHER degree which has nothing to do whatsoever with my first degree!
I couldn't help but notice this and want to post a reply, because coincidentally enough, I am in the EXACT same situation as you.... in fact, I came across this post when I was researching midwifery courses.
I'm in my final year of my English degree at the moment and obviously am faced with endless options for what to do next and, on so many occasions, I have found myself feeling very jealous of a few people I know who study midwifery, which made me start thinking maybe it's for me? I've since thought about it a lot and am now considering it, it seems like something I really want to do - except I am also wondering if I'm crazy, and a bit worried about how so many people will react if I tell them that I want to do ANOTHER degree which has nothing to do whatsoever with my first degree!
Reply 14
16
Original post
by Time&DeTambleHi there,
I couldn't help but notice this and want to post a reply, because coincidentally enough, I am in the EXACT same situation as you.... in fact, I came across this post when I was researching midwifery courses.
I'm in my final year of my English degree at the moment and obviously am faced with endless options for what to do next and, on so many occasions, I have found myself feeling very jealous of a few people I know who study midwifery, which made me start thinking maybe it's for me? I've since thought about it a lot and am now considering it, it seems like something I really want to do - except I am also wondering if I'm crazy, and a bit worried about how so many people will react if I tell them that I want to do ANOTHER degree which has nothing to do whatsoever with my first degree!
I couldn't help but notice this and want to post a reply, because coincidentally enough, I am in the EXACT same situation as you.... in fact, I came across this post when I was researching midwifery courses.
I'm in my final year of my English degree at the moment and obviously am faced with endless options for what to do next and, on so many occasions, I have found myself feeling very jealous of a few people I know who study midwifery, which made me start thinking maybe it's for me? I've since thought about it a lot and am now considering it, it seems like something I really want to do - except I am also wondering if I'm crazy, and a bit worried about how so many people will react if I tell them that I want to do ANOTHER degree which has nothing to do whatsoever with my first degree!
Oh, I am *right* with you! Glad you found me
I've only just started telling people how I feel and it's been hard convincing them that I'm serious about it! I'm also finding it hard to justify 3 more years of studenthood and loans. But, I want to be a midwife! Where are you at uni?
Reply 15
Original post
by Time&DeTambleHi there,
I couldn't help but notice this and want to post a reply, because coincidentally enough, I am in the EXACT same situation as you.... in fact, I came across this post when I was researching midwifery courses.
I'm in my final year of my English degree at the moment and obviously am faced with endless options for what to do next and, on so many occasions, I have found myself feeling very jealous of a few people I know who study midwifery, which made me start thinking maybe it's for me? I've since thought about it a lot and am now considering it, it seems like something I really want to do - except I am also wondering if I'm crazy, and a bit worried about how so many people will react if I tell them that I want to do ANOTHER degree which has nothing to do whatsoever with my first degree!
I couldn't help but notice this and want to post a reply, because coincidentally enough, I am in the EXACT same situation as you.... in fact, I came across this post when I was researching midwifery courses.
I'm in my final year of my English degree at the moment and obviously am faced with endless options for what to do next and, on so many occasions, I have found myself feeling very jealous of a few people I know who study midwifery, which made me start thinking maybe it's for me? I've since thought about it a lot and am now considering it, it seems like something I really want to do - except I am also wondering if I'm crazy, and a bit worried about how so many people will react if I tell them that I want to do ANOTHER degree which has nothing to do whatsoever with my first degree!
I just found this thread on Google as I was looking at how to convince my parents that I was serious about becoming a midwife and realised that I am also in basically the same position. Do any of you guys have any advice about applying or what happens in the interviews (which I know almost all of the places I've looked at have)... Thanks
Reply 16
if you're happy go 4 it
Reply 17
I was also doing psychology when I realised it wasnt for me, applied for midwifery this year and have a place for september so go for it if you think it is what you really want!
so go for it if you think it is what you really want!Reply 18
Original post
by sharpesparkleI'm in my second year of an English Literature degree at Leeds, and I've been thinking about what I want to do afterwards for some time now. I'd basically decided that I would do a teacher training course and teach for a few years and then try my hand at something else if I want to; it seems the sensible thing to do, considering my degree and skills.
But I secretly have a massive interest in midwifery, and it's been something I've wanted to do since I was little. One of my friends is studying midwifery at the moment, so I'm under no illusions about how challenging and tiring it can be. I read a lot of blogs and articles about pregnancy, childbirth, post-partum care etc and have done for the past year or so, and I still find myself intrigued by the idea of working as a midwife.
I'm just scared at the thought of my degree not meaning anything... if I get onto a midwifery course after uni, what was the point in going to Leeds at all? (It's been very difficult for me emotionally at times- I don't want it to have been pointless). Should I go ahead with my original plan to teach (I would enjoy it anyway) and, after a few years if I'm still interested, go ahead and explore the idea of being a midwife?
I know I have to make this decision for myself, but I just want to get my thoughts out there and see if anyone has been in this situation or have any opinions on it.
Cheers m'dears
But I secretly have a massive interest in midwifery, and it's been something I've wanted to do since I was little. One of my friends is studying midwifery at the moment, so I'm under no illusions about how challenging and tiring it can be. I read a lot of blogs and articles about pregnancy, childbirth, post-partum care etc and have done for the past year or so, and I still find myself intrigued by the idea of working as a midwife.
I'm just scared at the thought of my degree not meaning anything... if I get onto a midwifery course after uni, what was the point in going to Leeds at all? (It's been very difficult for me emotionally at times- I don't want it to have been pointless). Should I go ahead with my original plan to teach (I would enjoy it anyway) and, after a few years if I'm still interested, go ahead and explore the idea of being a midwife?
I know I have to make this decision for myself, but I just want to get my thoughts out there and see if anyone has been in this situation or have any opinions on it.
Cheers m'dears
I'm so glad I've found this because I'm in the same kind of position! I'm about to finish my first year of a law degree I'm applying to change to nursing in september... My family have been supportive but some people can't understand why I would want to change so drastically. But I know law isn't for me, I don't enjoy it and I have no motivation and spend most of my time researching nursing topics. I'm just glad I know I'm not the only one who feels like this!
I hope you do do it if that's where your heart lies, you probably won't regret it and why should the money or anything matter so long as you're happy, that's the most important thing!
Reply 19
I AM IN THE SAME POSITION AS YOU!!! I HAVE applied for psychology course this year in september and got a plavce at ROYAL HOLLOWAY but i am changing my mind about doing it therefore i am planning to do midwifery in Jan 2013. not sure because what if im making a mistakeee
ahhhhh life is soo difficult at timesss x
ahhhhh life is soo difficult at timesss xQuick Reply
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