I'm 40 and thinking of going back to school

[Fritzo]

I only received a 2 year degree, and it's in something I now hate. I lucked out about 12 years ago and scored a job for which I am now overpaid. I would never be able to find another job like this, and due to a lack of a BS degree am not qualified for most positions at other companies.

I have a feeling our company is slowly sinking, and am thinking of getting a 4 year degree. However, at 40, a 4 year degree usually takes 5-6 years part time. By that time, I'll be 46--should I even bother?

 

[Tweak155]

Working towards degree sounds much better than no degree.

 

[OCGuy]

Saved search in Fritzo's Google: "How to meet younger women without wife finding out"

 

[mizzou]

Eh, at 40, I'd say you are in a tough spot but you still have tons of workability left, maybe 20 years of productivity.

If your current situation won't last 20 years then absolutely start thinking about a game plan to get out of there.

You should already have a nest egg in place for a degree IMO, just go for what you need, not what you want

 

[jupiter57]

Go for it!
I didn't get my degree until I was 43.
Wanted it for the job I had(though they didn't require it), and that was the last job I ever had, other than being now self-employed & Farming.

 

[Buttzilla]

One of the doctors in our office didn't go to dental school till he was 40. He used to repair classic cars. He said it was completely worth it. Do what you want, that's all that matters in the end. Also, many schools offer so much online classes it'll make it easier for you to finish on time.

Start networking intensively and don't burn bridges if you decide to go back.

 

[bfdd]

Do it if that's what you want to do. I'm thinking of going back to school as well. Mostly just to learn some bullshit out of personal interest.

 

[TridenT]

At 40, you have 30 years left of work in you at the least.

I'd go back to school full-time and work on getting a very useful degree.

 

[SZLiao214]

Go for it especially if your company is paying for part of it.

Are you wanting to complete a full 4 year degree or to finish the rest of what you had before?

 

[Albatross]

Don`t discourage yourself,just go for it.

 

[Gibsons]

I only received a 2 year degree, and it's in something I now hate. I lucked out about 12 years ago and scored a job for which I am now overpaid. I would never be able to find another job like this, and due to a lack of a BS degree am not qualified for most positions at other companies.

I have a feeling our company is slowly sinking, and am thinking of getting a 4 year degree. However, at 40, a 4 year degree usually takes 5-6 years part time. By that time, I'll be 46--should I even bother?

How old will you be four years from now if you don't go and get a degree?

 

[shortylickens]

MOST jobs of the future will require going back to school constantly. Just accept it.

As for going back at your age: Its doable but it sucks balls. I am 32 and I hate it. The children irritate the shit out of me.

 

[xSauronx]

I only received a 2 year degree, and it's in something I now hate. I lucked out about 12 years ago and scored a job for which I am now overpaid. I would never be able to find another job like this, and due to a lack of a BS degree am not qualified for most positions at other companies.

I have a feeling our company is slowly sinking, and am thinking of getting a 4 year degree. However, at 40, a 4 year degree usually takes 5-6 years part time. By that time, I'll be 46--should I even bother?

are you going to get a degree that, combined with your job experience, can get you a job, or do you want a degree in an unrelated field?

i say go for it, considering a lot of unis offer courses online and at night, so you should be able to get it done.

but its going to suck

/went back at 25, now 28
//hates school, but know i need the degree

 

[dwell]

It's cliché and all, but it's never too late.

 

[gaidensensei]

You might want to visit oldpremed forums. 50+, 60+ year old's getting PhD's in there, MD's aplenty. See their sigs for examples.

If they can do it, don't see how you can't unless you don't have the motivation to do it.

 

[Fritzo]

Saved search in Fritzo's Google: "How to meet younger women without wife finding out"

My policy on women: I have one pain in the ass, I don't need a second one.

 

[sonambulo]

I would say do it.

 

[ed21x]

do it on the cheap... go to a community college part time and work your way half way to your credit requirements. then apply or go to a university with open acceptance and complete the rest. will take 3-4 years depending on how much you already have.

 

[Saint Nick]

Do it. Live your life, man.

 

[nublikescake]

Well I wouldn't tell you not to do it but no one here is asking WHAT kind of degree are you planning on doing? That's a very important, if not the most important question right now.

 

[Leros]

Go back to school. Why not?

Just don't waste 30 minutes of every lecture asking the professor stupid questions and telling stories like most of the older students seem to do. That is what office hours are for.

 

[davmat787]

Do it if that's what you want to do. I'm thinking of going back to school as well. Mostly just to learn some bullshit out of personal interest.

Sounds like my situation. I don't work anymore, but have been thinking of going back strictly for fun. I wouldn't put the degree to use, but I think about going back at least once a day.

If nothing else I could troll the professors I don't like since I don't have to be there this time. :sneaky:

 

[gaidensensei]

Sounds like my situation. I don't work anymore, but have been thinking of going back strictly for fun. I wouldn't put the degree to use, but I think about going back at least once a day.

If nothing else I could troll the professors I don't like since I don't have to be there this time. :sneaky:

I did it, went back for learning while working full-time. Community college is extremely cheap, but $/unit probably varies by state. Took all the biology/chemistry stuff I never took during my first degree and picked up a ton of interesting knowledge.

It is a lot more nicer to work at your own pace and learn for the sake of learning compared to the bullshitachen stress and stuff from loaded units the first time in college.

 

[BoomerD]

I only received a 2 year degree, and it's in something I now hate. I lucked out about 12 years ago and scored a job for which I am now overpaid. I would never be able to find another job like this, and due to a lack of a BS degree am not qualified for most positions at other companies.

I have a feeling our company is slowly sinking, and am thinking of getting a 4 year degree. However, at 40, a 4 year degree usually takes 5-6 years part time. By that time, I'll be 46--should I even bother?

Why not? What the worst that can happen? You spend 5-6 years getting a degree that you don't ever use?
So what...Life isn't a destination...it's a journey.
I had a blast going to community college...and I didn't start until I was in my mid-50's.
Who knows, maybe you'll discover an interest you didn't know you had...or maybe...just maybe, you'll learn something that will benefit you in the long run.

if I hit the lotto tomorrow, I'd go back to college and get a degree. Not to benefit me in a career, but because I enjoyed it...and loved the challenges of learning new things.

 

[tcsenter]

I once worked with a first year medical resident/intern who was 46 years of age. She graduated from medical school the same year as her daughter (different field). And she had better intuition and judgment than any of her younger colleagues, because of the life experience and maturity. I'm sure she went on to be an excellent physician. Its never too late.