Four kids?

I couldn't do what you are proposing. I have two kids and did my degree before them.

The stability and point of views of the support network you have is of paramount importance. A degree is a long hard grind which requires the minimum of distractions for best results. Well, that was my experience anyway.

I think the OU is far more realistic myself and is kind of designed for your situation.

'Who are you and how did you get in here? I'm a locksmith. And, I'm a locksmith.' (Leslie Nielsen)

OU is very good and can be tailored to your needs but I see your point about wanting to go to a place it sets out the structure for you the only thing with that is which I found is you get distracted far more when attending and have to deal with other students.

I would suggest doing something like a refresher course or a short term one at OU or a place you need to attend to get the understanding how it will work being out of education system when older makes it different to get the swing of things first so jumping into degrees can be very difficult for some people who have gotten used to living in the real world not the education bubble

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This really puts the Lunty thread into perspective now

I found that the OU was easier than being at University, as whilst I could 'bunk off easier' I wasn't distracted by other students. So I just geared study around spare time. But having been a student before, it was markedly easier for me, I didn't need anywhere near the same amount of study time - As I could already write essays, reports, reference, construct arguments etc.

If you do go to university - Be careful not to over study in the first year. A lot of students going in blazing first year - when its less important, and by year three when its really required, are burned out.

As they say first year, you have to pass, second year counts and the third year is hard work.

"One Nation Under God, has turned into One Nation Under the Influence of One Drug"
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What did you personally find 'a battle at times' would you be able to expand a little. Thanks

When I was a young girl my Mother said to me.. You listen here kid you're CPFC

I applied for an adult access course to third-level education in Ireland and started in 2003. I worked weekends, evenings and through the holidays of the next nine years in university to fund myself and my family. I had one daughter at school at the time but had a son while I was in the middle of my studies (and that was bloody hard).
I persevered where previously, had I been younger, I probably would have given up. I had myriad arguments with my partner - which still haunt me to this day. However, we are still together.
I became a teacher but didn't stop there and decided to research for a PhD. I was conferred with my doctorate in 2012 and am an underemployed historian with a couple of minor publications to my name. I teach and lecture part-time in the university and locally.
If there was any way I could - I would do it all over again. Despite the hardships, I loved being a mature student and found my subjects very interesting, in general.
That probably leads to my main advice - take subjects you want to study, not subjects you feel that you should study.

Red and Blue Army!