wannabe-mum: I agree with what you are saying. I am also from the Uk and I am training to be an optometrist. Obviously in this role I cannot observe full veil as I will have to interact with patients.. I want to work, I even have a child and my husband works. I want to study because our deen says that we should further our knowledge and understanding. Inevitably, I would want to work afterwards because what would be the point of studying for 4 or 5 years..and my husband supports me 100% mashallah...
I think times have changed, everyone wants to work. I know I couldn't stay at home all day. Mashallah, I have time to study, raise my child, do all the household chores etc..This is all due to allah listening to my prayers to help me..
ASA sister, my job was to inform you and for you saying that our deen says we should furthur our knowledge of deen, as far as i know its only the knolwledge of islam, but it is your life do as you want may Allah SBWT be with you take care AsSalam Alikum.