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Is it ever too late to go back to school?Follow
Just wondering what you guys think. I've been kicking over the idea of going back to school and finishing my degree, but I've about talked myself out of it. I just feel too old to do the whole school experience these days. Anyone have any personal experiences or insight to share? How realistic is it of me to want to go to college while working fulltime and living on a budget?
I went back at 22 and worked 35 hrs a week while taking a full load.
Its not fun, its slightly embarassing when at 25 you are taking the same courses as a 21 yr old, but you have to suck it up andjust do it. Lots of people much older than that are going back.
There is plenty of financial assistance available if you look for it.
The best motivation for finishing college is to work retail.
The only advice I can give is to stop partying. Drinking and clubbing is what got me out of school in the first place. Kiss your social life goodbye and you will be fine.
Its not fun, its slightly embarassing when at 25 you are taking the same courses as a 21 yr old, but you have to suck it up andjust do it. Lots of people much older than that are going back.
There is plenty of financial assistance available if you look for it.
The best motivation for finishing college is to work retail.
The only advice I can give is to stop partying. Drinking and clubbing is what got me out of school in the first place. Kiss your social life goodbye and you will be fine.
I'm not sure, but let me know when you find out. Planning the same thing here. Been looking at some on-line courses but they seem to be considerably more expensive and I'm not sure I can convince the office to apply its tuition reimbursment program to those new-fangled computer thingies.
Though the obvious solution would be to make an appointment with the company comptroller and ask.
Though the obvious solution would be to make an appointment with the company comptroller and ask.
Belkira wrote:
Wow. Regular ol' Joph fan club in here.
Only if your not too stubborn to swallow your pride.
My wife is currently doing this and between our new baby and our new house, life is hell at the moment. I'm pretty much taking care of the baby and housework, as she has to study as soon as she get's home until it's time for bed. She's taking a 5 week Biology 103 course, and it's quite taxing on her.
Depending on how you left your schooling off (GPA, hours taken, etc), you might be in for a rough time getting financial aid, not to mention seeing what requirements have changed and classes you may need to take again. My wife had to change her graduation requirements because they expire periodically and she ended up having to take some extra classes because of added requirements.
However we feel in the long run it's worth it. We're not deluded into thinking that once she has her degree the high-paying jobs will roll in, but at least she can start looking for jobs doing something that she actually enjoys.
The age thing is funny at times. My wife and I are 27, have a child and a house. The kids (Sophmores) she's in class with think it's amazing that she has a house and kid and is able to still hold down a full time job and go to school.
Edited for random capital letters...
Edited, Mon Aug 8 10:38:57 2005 by Wintaru
Depending on how you left your schooling off (GPA, hours taken, etc), you might be in for a rough time getting financial aid, not to mention seeing what requirements have changed and classes you may need to take again. My wife had to change her graduation requirements because they expire periodically and she ended up having to take some extra classes because of added requirements.
However we feel in the long run it's worth it. We're not deluded into thinking that once she has her degree the high-paying jobs will roll in, but at least she can start looking for jobs doing something that she actually enjoys.
The age thing is funny at times. My wife and I are 27, have a child and a house. The kids (Sophmores) she's in class with think it's amazing that she has a house and kid and is able to still hold down a full time job and go to school.
Edited for random capital letters...
Edited, Mon Aug 8 10:38:57 2005 by Wintaru
NephthysWanderer the Charming wrote:
I went back at 22 and worked 35 hrs a week while taking a full load.
..........
I graduated from College 3 years ago with a BA in Communications. Major League stupid move. I was looking to go back for computers or design work. The problem is like Neph said work and school can drain the life from you. I would not mind attending school with a fat nest egg which would allow only a part time job and more time for study.
That damn nest egg is so tough to find.
4 posts
I will say it's hard if you're taking the whole english, math, history, science classes along with your major. I've been out of school for a year now and I found it hard to recall all the **** I learned throughout highschool.
I'd definately say it's worth it though. It's an investment into your career that will in the long run net you more money, probably a few more friends, and make you happier rather than dwelling on it the whole time.
I'd definately say it's worth it though. It's an investment into your career that will in the long run net you more money, probably a few more friends, and make you happier rather than dwelling on it the whole time.
I was considering online classes too. I should think it would be much more convenient on someone who isn't in college by virtue of mummy and daddy's bank account. Still, I can't help but wonder how effective an online class is in teaching you what you're supposed to learn. Anyway, I'm probably going to look into doing this soon. I'm really sick of working in an office for $12 an hour doing mindless neverending paperwork. And right now I'm between jobs again and the market is kinda dead (at least until all the kids go back to school). I started college when I was 18. Eight years later and I've still got a long way to go before I get my degree. It'd be nice to get back to that, and I DO miss school.
As for drinking and partying, I'm pretty sure it was still the 90's the last time I seriously went out partying. So I don't think that will be much of an issue. =)
As for drinking and partying, I'm pretty sure it was still the 90's the last time I seriously went out partying. So I don't think that will be much of an issue. =)
On-line classes are for the highly motivated. I personally took 2 on-line courses my entire college career, they were easy literature courses, so not much loss.
On-line courses are viewed the same as a class room course with most companies these days, check into scholarships for them, you should get assistance through work or the school itself.
Age should never be a deciding factor, I have people now in my classes that are 60+ working on their bachelor's or master's degree (the school co-mingles some undergrad and grad work). Just realize you are there for the same reason they are, to further your education and better fit yourself for a career you hopefully enjoy.
If you wish to continue though, never stop till you reach your goal.
I shouldn't of taken that year off to start on my graduate work ...
On-line courses are viewed the same as a class room course with most companies these days, check into scholarships for them, you should get assistance through work or the school itself.
Age should never be a deciding factor, I have people now in my classes that are 60+ working on their bachelor's or master's degree (the school co-mingles some undergrad and grad work). Just realize you are there for the same reason they are, to further your education and better fit yourself for a career you hopefully enjoy.
If you wish to continue though, never stop till you reach your goal.
I shouldn't of taken that year off to start on my graduate work ...
I never actually went to college, though I wish I had and would like to try the Theater Arts & Film program at Purchase.
publiusvarus wrote:
we all know liberals are well adjusted american citizens who only want what's best for society. While conservatives are evil money grubbing scum who only want to sh*t on the little man and rob the world of its resources.
Ask yourself this, "How else am I going to develop the skills to get into the vocation I want to be in?". If the answer to that question is finishing a degree, then by all means do it.
Universities are for all ages and you will probably do better and get done quicker, than many of your peers since you won't be tempted by any distractions.
As far as a living on a budget and working full time, do you really think you will ever not be on a budget, if you don't finish your goals?
Universities are for all ages and you will probably do better and get done quicker, than many of your peers since you won't be tempted by any distractions.
As far as a living on a budget and working full time, do you really think you will ever not be on a budget, if you don't finish your goals?
Plus you just might score some 18 year old tail.
Think about it.
Think about it.
Belkira wrote:
Wow. Regular ol' Joph fan club in here.
I think it's never too late. If you're interested and motivated it'll be worth pursuing.
When I was in graduate school I was a teaching assistant, and taught several intro classes. I *loved* having older students, and by older I mean 2-2.5 times older than I was. They showed up, they paid attention, they asked great questions, and they brought a wiser, more experienced perspective to the class. Such a relief from the 18-year-olds, and yes, I was well aware that I was just a couple of years and a degree away from being one of the 18-year-olds.
Things look different from the other side of the podium.
Anyway, I say do it. You typically don't regret the chances you did take, even if they don't work out.
When I was in graduate school I was a teaching assistant, and taught several intro classes. I *loved* having older students, and by older I mean 2-2.5 times older than I was. They showed up, they paid attention, they asked great questions, and they brought a wiser, more experienced perspective to the class. Such a relief from the 18-year-olds, and yes, I was well aware that I was just a couple of years and a degree away from being one of the 18-year-olds.
Things look different from the other side of the podium.
Anyway, I say do it. You typically don't regret the chances you did take, even if they don't work out.
In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.
Nice one proof. Would have been better if I had said both of those, but nice call nonetheless.
Saboruto wrote:
Just wondering what you guys think. I've been kicking over the idea of going back to school and finishing my degree, but I've about talked myself out of it. I just feel too old to do the whole school experience these days. Anyone have any personal experiences or insight to share? How realistic is it of me to want to go to college while working fulltime and living on a budget?
I bought a house at 19 years old. I was delivering pizzas and going to school at this time. I was offered a job as an engineer, but at entry level was a huge pay cut from pizza. I went to school part time, worked 40 hours a week as an engineer for 10 dollars an hour, and delivered pizzas about 20-30 hours a week.
I did that for 3 years until I graduated. I didnt get any help with school, paid it all up front. I made too much money for finacial aid because I worked to jobs to pay my bills. At 25 years old I was offered a job in another state for double the pay I was making at my first company.
I sold my house, live in a very nice and big apartment with my fiance. She does not have to work and instead of putting in 100 hours a week like I did for 3 years, I now only put in 40.
I would say it is never too late if you are willing to bust your *** for it. Well I guess if you were 50+ it might be too late, not too many employers looking to hire a 50 year old straight out of college.
I started back at 28, but I am fortunate in that I don't have to work while doing is, apart from getting a part-time job over the summer break.
After I got laid off from my last job (where I had been stagnating for four years as I was being strung along with promises of additional training that would lead to better challenges and advancement) I spent about five hours in a panic of "ohmygod, I'm unemployed, the job market sucks, what am I going to do?" Then a friend very gently said, "But you hated that job...and now you have a chance to do what you've been saying you wanted to do for years by going back to school and starting a career you actually like." So by the time I got together with my friends for a New Years Eve party the next night, I was ready to celebrate the whole thing.
School has been quite tough, I will admit, in large part because my goal of becoming a nurse midwife (the first step of which was getting into a nursing program) required me to take a lot of science courses, and the highly competitive requirements of the nursing school I was shooting for meant I couldn't allow myself not to get straight As through three terms of chemistry, three of antomy & physiology, and a term of microbiology. There are also times when I really do feel ancient next to some of the other students. I remember in an English lit class I took, one of the books we were reading lead to a discussion of racial relations, which caused me to mention the L.A. riots. About half the classroom stared at me blankly and the instructor and I had to explain what the L.A. riots were, and I could have cried I felt so old.
After I got laid off from my last job (where I had been stagnating for four years as I was being strung along with promises of additional training that would lead to better challenges and advancement) I spent about five hours in a panic of "ohmygod, I'm unemployed, the job market sucks, what am I going to do?" Then a friend very gently said, "But you hated that job...and now you have a chance to do what you've been saying you wanted to do for years by going back to school and starting a career you actually like." So by the time I got together with my friends for a New Years Eve party the next night, I was ready to celebrate the whole thing.
School has been quite tough, I will admit, in large part because my goal of becoming a nurse midwife (the first step of which was getting into a nursing program) required me to take a lot of science courses, and the highly competitive requirements of the nursing school I was shooting for meant I couldn't allow myself not to get straight As through three terms of chemistry, three of antomy & physiology, and a term of microbiology. There are also times when I really do feel ancient next to some of the other students. I remember in an English lit class I took, one of the books we were reading lead to a discussion of racial relations, which caused me to mention the L.A. riots. About half the classroom stared at me blankly and the instructor and I had to explain what the L.A. riots were, and I could have cried I felt so old.
I knew varrus was going to rant about how much better his life/ambitions are than everyone else's before I clicked on the thread.
I'd hate to be as predictable as you.
I'd hate to be as predictable as you.
Saboruto wrote:
Just wondering what you guys think. I've been kicking over the idea of going back to school and finishing my degree, but I've about talked myself out of it. I just feel too old to do the whole school experience these days. Anyone have any personal experiences or insight to share? How realistic is it of me to want to go to college while working fulltime and living on a budget?
The bottom line is you're still going to be the same age if you don't go back to school. So you're still going to be the same age and getting older, regardless of whether you go back to school or not.
At the age of 31, I went back to school for my second degree. I'll be done after this fall semester. And I haven't looked back. Thankfully, I didn't have to take any extra general ed courses so getting my second degree will only take me this year.
Check into grants and financial aid. You can always just take one class at a time to ease yourself into the whole thing again. And online classes are good too. Just be sure wherever you take an online class, it's an accredited university and not a diploma mill. Good luck! ^^
Edited, Mon Aug 8 13:38:58 2005 by Thumbelyna
My mom went back to school at 46 to get her doctorate, she'll be done when she's 50, but she said she's loving every minute of it.
My 76 year old, very retired grandpa takes courses at a local college just for fun. So I say no, it's never to late to go back to school.
If it's between you and some person just like you who has a college education, guess who's gonna be hired.
My 76 year old, very retired grandpa takes courses at a local college just for fun. So I say no, it's never to late to go back to school.
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but thinking going to school will increase your marketability is a joke.
If it's between you and some person just like you who has a college education, guess who's gonna be hired.
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most of college is a complete waste of time.
I have degrees in History and poly-sci with a minor in philosophy. Graduated with a 3.5gpa
I have degrees in History and poly-sci with a minor in philosophy. Graduated with a 3.5gpa
When you get some of the degrees reserved for retards then yes, college is a complete waste of time.
Most Poly-sci graduates go on to law school, you apparently did not.
Most history graduates teach, you apparently do not.
So you probably invested a good 10 to 25k in toilet paper, that is all your degree is good for.
Try to go get an accounting, finance, instructor, nursing, engineering job without a 4 year degree, you should be unemployed for about the next 40 years or so.
You get out of college what you put into it, choose a field that interest you and you will have a career that you could of only achieved with a degree.
#24REDACTED,
Posted: Aug 08 2005 at 12:17 PM, Rating: Sub-Default, (Expand Post) Havent i schooled you enough to last a lifetime?
Currently I am 25 years old and on my last year at a university. So ... I guess I am sort of in the situation Neph was in. I wouldn't say it is too late either. Yes you will probably be the older person but it really isn't that big of a deal.
I recommend taking night classes. Most people taking night classes are older and have full time jobs. This way you won't feel quite so out of place and the professors tend to be a little more understanding of your situation.
I recommend taking night classes. Most people taking night classes are older and have full time jobs. This way you won't feel quite so out of place and the professors tend to be a little more understanding of your situation.
Education is only without value to those who prefer never to think, never to have their logic examined, and never to have their views challenged.
Sab, you didn't say WHY you're thinking of returning to college. Care to share that?
Sab, you didn't say WHY you're thinking of returning to college. Care to share that?
In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.
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