AOL

Two years ago I decided to change career, so I went back to university to get the qualifications I needed. I'm enjoying the course - but I'm also feeling very left behind by my friendship group. They've all got good jobs, plenty of money and have great lives, while I'm back to being a poor student. They're supportive and try hard to include me, but it does make me feel very down sometimes. Should I chuck it in and get a real job?

Susan advises
What your problem boils down to is short-term pain as opposed to long-term gain. Right now, you have very little money and a low-level life style - of course you're feeling bad when compared to your mates.

But in a few years' time, when you've graduated and your salary has shot up, you'll not only be happy in your job but you'll be earning more than they are. Then the tables will be turned and it will be they who'll be feeling left behind.

So I have no hesitation in advising you to carry on at Uni. But how to be happier while you're doing that? I do think that you would benefit from expanding your friendship group. Because it sounds as if you haven't made friends at Uni, with people who are in the same position as you are, who appreciate how you feel.

So don't drop your old mates. But do put more energy into making friends with other mature students. Not only will they too be short of cash and can appreciate your need for a low-cost social life right now. But also, when you all qualify, they'll be the ones who have jobs on your level - and who will be happy to keep up with you and not feel left behind.