Adult Education.

Hello everyone!

It''s been quite some time since I was on this forum - I''ve been through a mill and out the other end, but luckily I managed to hold on to lots of things which I''m happy about. Mainly the point is that I am seeing the kids the vast majority of the time and looking after them as a single dad.

Anyway- on to the point of this thread.

I''m now at a point where I really want to move my life in positive and different Directions, but I have terrible finances. I''m stable and can pay for everything the kids need, but I want to do something different with my life so that when I''m a bit older (and the kids are too) I have something that I can feel fulfilled doing.

Ironically I''m a great counsellor to my friends, and am extremely interested in people and personalities, which I am extremely naturally adept at.

However, I don''t really have "any" qualifications (I have 3 a-levels, but if (for example) I wanted to be a counsellor or a teacher I think I need a degree).

So, is there any support for single parents out there for education?

Just so you know - I''m currently fluent in Chinese (especially strong in speaking), and I have the 3 a-levels. So what''s my "best move", and is there any information about getting a reasonably "cheap" education which I can do while I''m looking after my kids? Open University?

Thanks!

Hi. I would go on the OU website and see what they offer. I did hear adverts on the radio recently about counsellor training. I would google it and see what comes up.

Thats a very positive thing to do with your life.

Marshy

Thanks Marshy!

I will go and have another look around.

Thing is I''m quite an extrovert, so I find it easier to talk to people, so I''ll probably end up giving them a call, or other organisations - information seems to go in that way into my head. hahaha!

I think the world needs more counsellors to be honest - it seems like a lot of these prescriptions doctors give to people sometimes mask the symptoms of an emotional trauma which may have been better dealt with through discussion and relief instead of drugs, but.. such is life.

And thanks, yes, I''d like to do something positive and progressive. I already do all kinds of interesting hobbies like writing (I''m trying to write 2 books at the moment), I find it helps me to facilitate my feelings and idealisms and gives a release.