Want to change your life but don't know where to begin?

If you've been at home raising a family you may feel that the job market has left you behind.

Alternatively you may be well and truly settled within the job market but feel you've left your dreams behind.

It's easy to put thoughts of changing your career to the back of your mind while you get on with other more exciting things like planning holidays away from work or dreaming of that big lottery win.

Unfortunately, you can't run forever and making changes is easier than you might think.

South Essex is awash with colleges offering everything from short courses in bell ringing and indian head massage to degree courses.

According to Matt Hinton at Castle Point and Rochford Adult Community College, people wanting simply to improve basic skills in English and maths don't even have to pay for the privilege.

"There is also funding available if fees are a problem," explains Matt.

For those worried about childcare most colleges also have creches and pre-schools available.

South East Essex College has a very successful weekend college which offers taster courses in a wide range of subjects, which not only take your mind off work but could lead to an alternative career as an astrologer or top playwright.

To find out details of what's available many colleges have information about their courses online.

Alternatively prospectus' can normally be found in libraries, supermarkets or by calling the college direct.

Castle Point and Rochford Adult Community College www.cpracc.essexcc.gov.uk 01702 544900

Basildon Adult Community College www.basildonacc.essexcc.gov.uk 01268 520599

South East Essex College www.southend.ac.uk 01702 220400

SEEVIC www.seevic-college.ac.uk 01268 756111 Southend Adult Community College www.southend-adult.ac.uk 01702 445710

Caron has designs on fashion

Taking a gap year is nothing unusual, but Caron Brandajs took a gap 20 years between her studies.

Caron, 40, of Shoebury was a student at the London College of Fashion back in the late eighties but after she finished her diploma in fashion and design she decided against the degree course.

She went on to get married and start a family and her own career ambitions were put on hold - until now.

With her two children Natalie, 14, and David, 12, at senior school Caron decided to resume her studies.

She is now in the first year of a fashion design degree at South East Essex College and despite being older than the rest of her class and tutor, she is absolutely loving it.

"I was really concerned about being older than everyone but I must say the girls in my class are so lovely," she says.

"They have just welcomed me and we get on really well. We've all got a common interest which helps."

"I had always regretted not continuing my studies when I was younger, but with the children grown up I thought it was my chance to do something for me and I'm thoroughly enjoying it.

"It's hard work and I'm having to do things I've never done before like stand up in front of the class and do presentations, but it's really helped me grow in confidence."

Caron says she'd eventually like to create her own line of contemporary artwork, but with an essay deadline looming she says that's a long way off.

For those thinking about going back to study, she offers these words of encouragement.

"Go for it," she enthuses. "I don't think you are ever too old to learn."