How Do I Break The Cycle

[mledwa10]

I'm 26, have a high iq, and am motivated. However due to extreme debt, a family, and a second shift job I cant attend college. I built a collection of manufacturing jobs, but now that I'm older I want more from life. Since college is inaccessible currently I started earning certifications, but when I apply anywhere it dosent seem to be enough. How do I break out of a factory setting without waiting 5 years for less debt and self sustaining kids?

[Ringlet]

I like you and I like your ambition. It reminds me of me. You are not going to like what I am going to tell you - the only way up is education. If you cannot afford college at present because of life and lifestyle commitments, would you consider Open University. Speaking from my own experience, OU can open a few doors to higher education while you wait for your debts to be cleared, your family to be more settled, and your life to be more predictable. I've been there. There is a way out. Don't give up.

[johnk]

How did you accrue your debt, will it be a recurring theme throughout your life?

[rowanwitch]

Look for a job that offers funded degrees as part of the package, or that at least gives you paid study leave. The public sector still do this if they believe a person will benefit the organisation

[Canary42]

OU would indeed appear to be virtually your sole option, but I would warn you that it is expensive, and with two jobs you will find it very demanding time-wise.

Good luck.

[rowanwitch]

Are you getting proper advice on your debts, try National debtline

[pastafreak]

Depending on income, the OU does offer reduced fees. I do not know if debt is taken into consideration. But it's certainly worth looking into.

[mledwa10]

My debt came from buying a home and two cars, which was within our budget, then we had our first kid, then unexpected surgery, then wife got pregnant with second kid and those nine months killed us as my car developed several issues, water heater died, washer died, main sewer line collapsed, toilet needed replaced, ect. The quick succession of event quickly added up and our debt buried us. Now everything is fixed except our debt