Reaching potential

I'm a 55 year old female and I haven't reached my potential either, but have achieved quite a lot and I am fairly happy with my situation now.

Despite being of above average intelligence, I under achieved at school and left with only 2 GCE O levels (equivalent to GCSE grade A-C) in English language and Spanish. I also took several other exams at the old CSE level, where the highest results I achieved were the equivalent of a GCSE grade D in maths, science, French and English literature.

After leaving school I struggled in a work environment and went from one admin job to another. After a spell of unemployment I volunteered at the local school to help pupils with reading and was offered a job as a special needs teaching assistant. I stayed there for several years as it was part time, and achieved an NVQ in learning support. 

I left that job when my personal situation changed and my hours were cut, and I needed to earn more. I went into a career in accountancy and could have been a fully qualified accountant, however studying as well as working full time became too exhausting and I gave up after the first year of CIMA (chartered institute of management accountants). After a break, I managed to study for a year at a lower level by distance learning and gained a level 3 NVQ in accounting with the association of accounting technicians which has been very helpful in my career. 

I have generally found distance learning to be easier as I can focus better - I get too distracted in a classroom situation and can't concentrate.

I have studied with the open university for my own interest and gained a certificate in social sciences (a level 4 qualification).  I intended to complete a degree with the OU, but again I found it too much with working full-time.

A few years ago I decided I wanted to try something different and as I love languages I decided to train as a teacher of English as a foreign language. It was a really intensive course, but I gave up work so I could focus just on learning and was so relieved when I passed! It didn't work out as a job though - it was too stressful, so I went back to accounts.

I now work 4.5 days a week in an accounts role where I am unsupervised and able to plan my own schedule for completing my work. I couldn't deal with a management or professional career where I was expected to work long hours, attend tedious meetings and "network" in social situations. I don't even get hassled about not attending the Christmas party where I work now!

Re suggestions as to how you could progress - have you thought about distance learning? You can now get a student loan to study with the OU at certain levels - Perhaps you could study literature? What about training to be a librarian as a career?  Perhaps you could look into getting help with training for that?  Your local council or jobcentre might be able to advise.  Good luck with whatever you do.;)

I'm a 55 year old female and I haven't reached my potential either, but have achieved quite a lot and I am fairly happy with my situation now.

Despite being of above average intelligence, I under achieved at school and left with only 2 GCE O levels (equivalent to GCSE grade A-C) in English language and Spanish. I also took several other exams at the old CSE level, where the highest results I achieved were the equivalent of a GCSE grade D in maths, science, French and English literature.

After leaving school I struggled in a work environment and went from one admin job to another. After a spell of unemployment I volunteered at the local school to help pupils with reading and was offered a job as a special needs teaching assistant. I stayed there for several years as it was part time, and achieved an NVQ in learning support. 

I left that job when my personal situation changed and my hours were cut, and I needed to earn more. I went into a career in accountancy and could have been a fully qualified accountant, however studying as well as working full time became too exhausting and I gave up after the first year of CIMA (chartered institute of management accountants). After a break, I managed to study for a year at a lower level by distance learning and gained a level 3 NVQ in accounting with the association of accounting technicians which has been very helpful in my career. 

I have generally found distance learning to be easier as I can focus better - I get too distracted in a classroom situation and can't concentrate.

I have studied with the open university for my own interest and gained a certificate in social sciences (a level 4 qualification).  I intended to complete a degree with the OU, but again I found it too much with working full-time.

A few years ago I decided I wanted to try something different and as I love languages I decided to train as a teacher of English as a foreign language. It was a really intensive course, but I gave up work so I could focus just on learning and was so relieved when I passed! It didn't work out as a job though - it was too stressful, so I went back to accounts.

I now work 4.5 days a week in an accounts role where I am unsupervised and able to plan my own schedule for completing my work. I couldn't deal with a management or professional career where I was expected to work long hours, attend tedious meetings and "network" in social situations. I don't even get hassled about not attending the Christmas party where I work now!

Re suggestions as to how you could progress - have you thought about distance learning? You can now get a student loan to study with the OU at certain levels - Perhaps you could study literature? What about training to be a librarian as a career?  Perhaps you could look into getting help with training for that?  Your local council or jobcentre might be able to advise.  Good luck with whatever you do.;)