How old is too old for an IT Pro career?

[Knowname]

OK, I'm 37 and just now 9 or so months from finishing my IT Pro Associates degree (I have a testout cert and plan to get my A+ after graduation) but my school (Laurus College) just opened a bachelors program and I have a few questions. 1) at my age would it just be better for me to start my career with a number of certs than maybe get a bachelors at a more highly known, not just an online, school? 2) academics aside, I'm disabled (basically just a bit inhibited physically with slow reactions due to partial paralyses and lazy eye- struggle with depth perception- and slow mentally- possibly something I can get over just the reaction thing due to lack of sleep due to sleep apnea etc etc etc...) anyway I took this degree program as a 'cheap' curiosity but to go another 2-4 years would need some verification! My main concern is I can't drive, would that inhibit my career as an IT Professional? Classes are easy and, though my physical dexterity issues inhibit things like typing I've found if I work hard enough I can offset that it's really not a problem.

FINALLY nothing against my current institution (Laurus College) but as an online school, they haven't gotten to the point where I'd quite proudly display my graduation certificate on my wall xD. Yes, they're accredited and all and I can't complain about the program, they have always seemed very professional I love it there and learn at a great pace! But would it be better for me to go on to a more recognized school like Arizona State University online or something (I don't remember names but I recall there were a few recognizable ones within my price range)?

 

[sourceninja]

There is no such thing as too old. Sure you might not join a startup, but there are tons of companies looking for good talent and they can't find it. Age isn't a issue. Your issue will most likely be transportation to and from work. There are not a lot of fully remote entry level positions.

As for school, don't worry about where you graduate, but get some industry certifications. They have more value than the degree which really just checks the box for HR.

 

[sdifox]

After you are dead is definitely too old. Any age short of that, you are good.

 

[Atreus21]

I'm about your age and I got guys all over the map age-wise in my group.

 

[Harry_Wild]

After you get your first job, it your talent and ability that will matter! In IT, those who have cutting edge skills and can prove them to a potential employer, do not need certificate, degrees, etc... They are the innovators! Companies will go to the end of the world to hire them!

 

[WhiteNoise]

Having a BA/BS will add some salary to your job offer. Certs are more important yes but having a BA looks great on top of the certs.
Here is an example of just having a degree nets you extra cash.

I work for a tech/software company. We are in the E911 telecom field. I personally am not in the tech or software field myself but I am in Management within this company and I interview, hire and fire. Example: I had two possible candidates for a technical position. One had a AS the other a BS. The gentleman with the AS had more experience but lacked the BS that was preferred for the position. We ended up going with the AS degree guy because he had 10 years in the field vs the other guy exiting school with zero experience. This also allowed us to offer 8k less in pay because he did not have a BS degree. That is $8,000.00 smackers a year we saved.

My example actually proves that a BA doesn't mean you will get the job but it does show the difference in pay for at least the position we were hiring for.

 

[BurnItDwn]

I have friends in their 60s who are still in IT and tave TONS of experience. One of them got laid off at the end of the year, he's having a hell of a time finding new employment due to all the age discrimination in the market.

 

[ImpulsE69]

I have friends in their 60s who are still in IT and tave TONS of experience. One of them got laid off at the end of the year, he's having a hell of a time finding new employment due to all the age discrimination in the market.

This is what I'm afraid of in 10-15 years. Oh well, I guess I'll just wait for the government to need me in space to replace some old boards in their spy equipment.

 

[RadiclDreamer]

Friend of mine had millitary stint, then was a police officer for 21 years and THEN decided to do IT, does doing pretty well for himself.