I'm 40 and thinking of going back to school

[biostud]

I'm taking a part time education while I work, and it is very inspiring. So go for it. It'll never look bad on a resume, that you're investing in a better education.

 

[arrfep]

Couple thoughts from someone who went back from 27-29 to get my BS.

Look into schools with adult-specific or "returning student" programs. This is what I did. The programs tend to cut through all the BS of typical undergrad studies, and have classes that are geared towards a working person's schedule, i.e. once-weekly classes at 6PM or on Saturdays. This also avoids the problem that Shorty mentioned, of having to deal with typical 18 year-old undergrads. In two years of classes, I think I heard a professor shush a student a single time.

Programs like this also often allow "work experience" to be counted as credits earned towards a degree. So you can skip the degree requirement Psych 101, because, presumably, you've learned plenty about people in 20+ years working with them. I would also imagine that if you actually earned a two-year degree way back when, that would likely still transfer over and count towards something.

It was my experience that the admins at my school were much more concerned in my plans for the future than the problems of my past. I transferred in some credits that would have been laughed at by a regular undergrad program, because I displayed an earnest desire to learn and better my life. And I ended up with a degree from a reputable school.

Best of luck, man. I don't think you will ever regret choosing to make your life better.

 

[stargazr]

The next four years will go by whether you do it or not. Why wait?

 

[LookBehindYou]

Do it! I'm a 31 year old H.S. drop out. Using my post 9/11 GI Bill now (I had about 2 years worth of classes while in the air force), I'm finishing up my first class back now. It is surprisingly easy, I guess because I actually have good discipline and study habits now.

The only thing I don't like is the damn kids!

Get off my lawn!

 

[rasczak]

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?

Yes. Absolutely yes. Given that you think the company is falling apart, it's even more important as most employers now don't even look at resumes that don't have some sort of BS or BA degree attached to it. I am in the same position as you are (except the falling apart company) and with each and every job posting I've looked at or applied to the one thing that has held me back is the fact i have no degree. I'm lucky to be where I am now because of certain circumstances and certain statuses, but without a degree I will go nowhere. Time is the only issue for me now since i've got two kids and my wife is leaving her job to go to grad school herself. I am taking 1 class a semester until i can finally find the time to go 1/2 to 3/4 time. Have you thought about schools like National University or University of Phoenix? Maybe you can swing getting your company to pay for some of the tuition costs?

 

[rasczak]

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

Man, I'm the complete opposite. I absolutely love school, love learning, but can't keep focused enough on the class to do well, so end up dropping. It's a bad habit not being disciplined.

 

[Fritzo]

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.

My fear is that once I have a piece of paper that says I'm qualified, I'll be too old to be hireable. IT is usually a young person's field.

What sucks is I have twelve years experience in doing IT, and I'm actually a well respected name among several companies and vendors in our area, but the fact that I don't have an official degree won't let me in the door of larger companies. In fact, I did a consulting job for Eaton a couple of years back and solved a back-end problem they've been trying to figure out for 18 months. The department head that paid my company told me to submit a resume because he wants me on his team. After doing so it turns out he wasn't allowed to hire me because they require a B.S in Computer Science to work in that department.

It's like saying "You can do the job better than anyone I've ever seen, but I need a piece of paper saying that you can do the job."

 

[Fritzo]

Yes. Absolutely yes. Given that you think the company is falling apart, it's even more important as most employers now don't even look at resumes that don't have some sort of BS or BA degree attached to it. I am in the same position as you are (except the falling apart company) and with each and every job posting I've looked at or applied to the one thing that has held me back is the fact i have no degree. I'm lucky to be where I am now because of certain circumstances and certain statuses, but without a degree I will go nowhere. Time is the only issue for me now since i've got two kids and my wife is leaving her job to go to grad school herself. I am taking 1 class a semester until i can finally find the time to go 1/2 to 3/4 time. Have you thought about schools like National University or University of Phoenix? Maybe you can swing getting your company to pay for some of the tuition costs?

A degree from the University of Phoenix is pretty much worthless. My own company's HR dept. has laughed at people that list that in their education. It screams "Looks like this person couldn't cut it anywhere else."

And as for my company paying for school, here's an example I had with the company president last week:

Me: "I need to associate our Wordpress blog with our domain to increase it's SEO score. It's getting over a thousand hits per week and drawing people to our main page. It costs $12/year."

Prez: "Hmmmm....$12 per year? ::whips out calculator:: Let's see, that's $1/month. Hmmm.....well....::thinks long and hard for a minute or two:: I guess that would be OK. If it were $12/month I don't think we would do it, but $12 should be alright."

I can imagine approaching him for education costs.

 

[BTA]

Did you take any of your general education classes while getting your 2 year degree or was it all technical classes? (AA vs AS degree basically). Some of those classes you took should count towards your bachelors requirements.

Maybe it wont take as long as you think to finish the 4 year?

 

[rasczak]

A degree from the University of Phoenix is pretty much worthless. My own company's HR dept. has laughed at people that list that in their education. It screams "Looks like this person couldn't cut it anywhere else."

And as for my company paying for school, here's an example I had with the company president last week:

Me: "I need to associate our Wordpress blog with our domain to increase it's SEO score. It's getting over a thousand hits per week and drawing people to our main page. It costs $12/year."

Prez: "Hmmmm....$12 per year? ::whips out calculator:: Let's see, that's $1/month. Hmmm.....well....::thinks long and hard for a minute or two:: I guess that would be OK. If it were $12/month I don't think we would do it, but $12 should be alright."

I can imagine approaching him for education costs.

Different strokes I guess. I work in the defense contractor/government arena which is not as picky I suppose. I laugh at the bolded part.

My fear is that once I have a piece of paper that says I'm qualified, I'll be too old to be hireable. IT is usually a young person's field.

What sucks is I have twelve years experience in doing IT, and I'm actually a well respected name among several companies and vendors in our area, but the fact that I don't have an official degree won't let me in the door of larger companies. In fact, I did a consulting job for Eaton a couple of years back and solved a back-end problem they've been trying to figure out for 18 months. The department head that paid my company told me to submit a resume because he wants me on his team. After doing so it turns out he wasn't allowed to hire me because they require a B.S in Computer Science to work in that department.

It's like saying "You can do the job better than anyone I've ever seen, but I need a piece of paper saying that you can do the job."

have you considered going managerial? Project management?

 

[soulcougher73]

Im roughly in the same boat. Im 38 with a 2 year degree as well. But not like you my company is not sinking, it is doing fine. Ive thought about going back for a degree in something undecided yet, but i always see so many posts here about how a BS is the new HS diploma etc etc that its sort of turned me off of the idea. And with the job market the way it is, id just be yet another guy with a BS piece of paper looking for a job.

So im mostly leaning against not doing it myself since im in a pretty good position now with the company and dont want to be 45 starting over trying to find a new job in a field i may yet to have experience in. All depends on the degree id go for obviously.

Tough choice, but im sure youll make the correct one for you.

 

[SP33Demon]

Not quite as old as you, but what is worth your peace of mind? You have to have a bachelor's to compete in today's white collar marketplace, so it's your choice. Even better is if the company will pay for you.

One other thing, it never hurts to go more technical vs managerial (business, MBA). Technical is a statistically better bet for always having a job vs business which everyone wants to do. Going more technical will also allow you to land a job at a company that will pay for you to be a manager. This is what I always tell people when they're torn over MBA vs a tech master's (science/math), the tech degree will almost always = a free management degree. You have to set the foundation first. Managers who are managing technical people that don't have a tech background get zero respect.

 

[OBLAMA2009]

if you know what you want to study you might consider just taking the gre and applying to graduate school.

 

[kranky]

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

There you go.

Do it, it's not too late. When you put your degree on your resume you do not have to put the year you completed it.

DO IT.

 

[Cogman]

So long as you aren't looking to complete a liberal arts degree, it wouldn't be terrible.

What industry are you looking at? In many places, schooling is far less important than experience.

 

[RKS]

I hate(d) school and still went back because I wanted a degree so that I could work for myself.

 

[Cogman]

I hate(d) school and still went back because I wanted a degree so that I could work for myself.

Do you need a degree to work for yourself? I thought at long as you follow the tax laws you could pretty much do what you want. (though, I guess it would be harder to get a loan without a degree.)

 

[Binarycow]

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

i dont know about that. Most men are gluttons for punishment.

 

[yllus]

Good for you! I say go for it.

That said, if you go, please don't be that older student that holds up every fucking lecture by going into a long-winded personal anecdote about the subject at hand. You will receive death threats.

 

[BoomerD]

Good for you! I say go for it.

That said, if you go, please don't be that older student that holds up every fucking lecture by going into a long-winded personal anecdote about the subject at hand. You will receive death threats.

Were you in one of my classes?

 

[Fritzo]

Good for you! I say go for it.

That said, if you go, please don't be that older student that holds up every fucking lecture by going into a long-winded personal anecdote about the subject at hand. You will receive death threats.

LOL- that will not be me. I hate people and I hate sharing. If you want something, ask me, but I'm not volunteering an anecdote just to make me look superior

 

[shortylickens]

LOL- that will not be me. I hate people and I hate sharing. If you want something, ask me, but I'm not volunteering an anecdote just to make me look superior

I hate sharing person shit too, but I hate silence even worse. I wish teachers would stop asking questions and staring at the class.
I'M HERE TO LEARN YOU DUMB BITCH! TEACH ME!
Dont fucking ask, if I knew I wouldnt be in the god damn class.
So if she insists on not moving forward and nobody wants to fucking answer then I will speak up to keep the class moving.
Just started History 102 today, and I will not volunteer, ever. I dont want the teacher thinking I will save the class when she is bored or tired. And if she sits and stares at us for more than 5 minutes I will get up and leave. I am not paying money to goof off. I wanna learn.

 

[TecHNooB]

Good for you! I say go for it.

That said, if you go, please don't be that older student that holds up every fucking lecture by going into a long-winded personal anecdote about the subject at hand. You will receive death threats.

A little injection of real life perspective doesnt hurt

 

[RKS]

Do you need a degree to work for yourself? I thought at long as you follow the tax laws you could pretty much do what you want. (though, I guess it would be harder to get a loan without a degree.)

certain degrees (J.D.) make it a lot easier to open up shop.

 

[preslove]

Your two year degree should give you some credit towards a 4 year degree. It should exempt you from the General Edu requirements. So, going part time should take less than 5-6 years.