Starting college at 42... Too late for me?

[Anonymous]

I currently work in a field where a degree isn't required, make about 65-80k a year (depending on overtime). I don't have a college degree and it has always bothered me. Is it too late for me to go back at age 42? Realistically, how will I be able to compete with 20 year olds for jobs, once I have my degree? It's an expensive dream and just wanted a reality check, dcum style because I know you don't hold back. I could only go to school party time, so I won't graduate for another 4-5 years.

[Anonymous]

No it's not too late.

What degree? You need to do a cost benefit analysis.

What is your current job? Growth?

[Anonymous]

Never too late.

[Anonymous]

No way. I'm in grad school and have 40 and 50 somethings in my class. Do it now. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

You can only go to school "party time". Sounds good to me, let's go! Seriously, it never is too late. I am in a part time graduate program at 59 with three semesters to go. There are a relatively large number of 40 and 50 year olds going for new careers/challenges, etc.

Steven Spielberg and Troy Aikman got their college degrees at 55 and 42, respectively. Obviously they don't need the credential to stay employed so why do it? Because it means achieving something. And that is what both these men said about graduating. How much is that worth? How much is any dream worth? I do it to expand in my current field as I want to work another ten years and possibly teach. Somedays I think I am crazy and why am I spending money on this when I should be goosing up the retirement funds. Other days I think, "I am learning so much great stuff here and love interacting with faculty and students and am happier than ever".

[Anonymous]

My cousin got his BA at age 45. I think, even if you don't need the degree for your job, completing something difficult always gives you a personal sense of satisfaction -- and that's worthwhile at any age.

[Anonymous]

You will find that it is far easier for you to do well compared to most of the younger students. Maturity and life experience adds a level of commitment and dedication the younger kids haven't developed. You will be running circles around them and wondering why you didn't do this sooner. Please have patience with the others and try very hard not to take over because it's tempting to prove you can still contribute. You will find a few older people around, and to be honest, I always thought they were all flakey so I just assumed I was looked on as flakey too.

[Anonymous]

Of course it's not too late! Best of luck to you.

[Anonymous]

Go for it! It is a lot to juggle, I know, and there will be days that you will be so tired and fed up that you could just weep but it is totally (!) worth it in terms of accomplishing a goal. And don't worry about feeling out of place because of age. That usually is a big concern going into it. But especially if you are taking night classes, or at a school/program with a higher commuter status, you will find that -most- of the students are 'older' than the normal perception of college age. And even during most day classes there are older students. Honestly, after the first class or two you won't even notice. So go ahead and take the plunge! Good luck to you!

[Anonymous]

You will find that it is far easier for you to do well compared to most of the younger students. Maturity and life experience adds a level of commitment and dedication the younger kids haven't developed. You will be running circles around them and wondering why you didn't do this sooner.

+1 This.

[Anonymous]

I wouldn't do it unless you were training to be a therapist or some job that is satisfying to you and people valued older practitioners. People trust older therapists, real estate and insurance agents for example. Why college? One can easily educate themself if motivated.

[Anonymous]

In my nursing class, there was a 58 year old. It's not too late.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I wouldn't do it unless you were training to be a therapist or some job that is satisfying to you and people valued older practitioners. People trust older therapists, real estate and insurance agents for example. Why college? One can easily educate themself if motivated.

As someone who has been on Coursera, you can learn a lot but nothing takes the place of real life classroom interaction. The value of an education is difficult to quantify. Will it improve job performance? Give you more contacts? More confidence or energy?

[Anonymous]

Not everyone who hasn't had a baby yet and is infertile is hell bent on having kids or devestated. I accepted it as matter of course. We ended up getting pregnant but I honestly was never that hell bent on having kids and never that upset over it. I've never cried and I've never been jealous. For all you know your cousin is the same way. I would be extremely annoyed if someone assumed I was upset or jealous. I don't even find kids cute and I'm more likely to be jealous of your cool dog or new house. Not a screaming slobbering toddler.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

You will find that it is far easier for you to do well compared to most of the younger students. Maturity and life experience adds a level of commitment and dedication the younger kids haven't developed. You will be running circles around them and wondering why you didn't do this sooner.

+1 This.

+2 good luck, OP. I would love to go back and take classes. I loved learning.