A mum’s life-changing decision that led to a new career and self worth

Have you ever felt like you’re just going through the motions of everyday life? Here’s how Carrie managed to break out of that rut and change up her career while still being there for her kids.

As a working single mum who was feeling stressed out and undervalued, Carrie knew that she needed to make a change. “I wanted to get myself into a place where I’m feeling valued and motivated, but I can also be there for my kids.” she shares.

Being professionally ambitious, she was eager to gain new qualifications and explore a new career. What she didn’t realise was how simple making that change would be, and the support that she would find with Open Universities Australia.

What was the first step in making a career change?

Spurred on by that niggling feeling of going through the motions, Carrie was on the lookout for new opportunities. After seeing the Open Universities Australia ads on TV she realised that online study was the answer—she just had to take that first small step.

"I went to the website and in the search bar put in the word ‘law’. After a bit of scrolling... I found the Diploma of Legal Studies and thought ‘that’s the one!’ It all just went from there.”

With the support and guidance from an Open Universities Australia student advisor, it wasn’t long before Carrie was enrolled in a Diploma in Legal Studies and that feeling of dissatisfaction had left.

“All you have to do is put in the word, what you’re interested in, and it will take you there” says Carrie.

More than a career change

Like many students who enrol through Open Universities Australia, Carrie discovered a newfound excitement and possibilities for her future. “The motivation and the inspiration that it gives me, it’s been life-changing.”

Rather than searching for courses from each individual university and being limited to campuses in her area, studying online through Open Universities Australia allowed Carrie to explore courses from leading unis all over Australia.

She also had access to personalised help and advice from Open Universities Australia student advisors who helped her get started and find confidence. “Even just having a casual chat with a student advisor could really open your mind to possibilities you never thought were there before.”

Now enrolled with the University of Tasmania while studying from her home in Victoria, she is working toward the same qualification she would receive if studying on campus, with the added flexibility of studying online which fits in perfectly with her busy life as a mum.

Open Universities Australia makes higher education available to anyone who is thinking about study–from those who are professionally ambitious or passionate learners, to those without an ATAR, or living miles away from campus. Book a call with a student advisor today to discover your possibilities.

Keep exploring

3 avenues in human rights, as explored by students

Does a career spent working for the rights of those around you set your heart ablaze? You might be cut out for a course in human rights. Shiree, Debbie and Alice studied related fields.  

Career spotlightMake a difference

3 essential soft skills you’ll need in the future workplace

As workplaces evolve, there's a growing demand for certain skills—and they're not all digital. Discover which human-centric skills you'll need to thrive in the office of the future. 

Future of work

3 fascinating forensics jobs in Australia

Thinking about forensics as a career? For true crime junkies and self-confessed science geeks with a penchant for justice, it might seem like the perfect choice. But what does it take to work in forensics, and what jobs are on offer in Australia?

Career spotlightMake a difference

3 reasons you’ll need human-centric skills for the future

While AI is becoming more prevalent, machines simply can't replicate the human touch.

Job tipsFuture of work